New Students and Current Students recently diagnosed with a disability or temporary disability

New Students and Current Students requesting accommodations for the first time at Cedarville University must follow the steps outlined below:

1. Self Disclose
   Students must self disclose to the Coordinator of Disability Services in a timely and reasonable manner. The amount of time considered appropriate depends on the nature of accommodations being sought. Certain accommodations may require significant lead time to arrange and provide. Examples include but are not limited to alternate text format, special services for vision and hearing impairments, and housing. In such instances, without advanced communication and the provision of appropriate documentation to both verify eligibility and support the request for accommodations, it may be difficult if not impossible to provide the requested accommodations in a timely manner.
2. Register
   Students must register with Disability Services by completing an Application for Services and other appropriate forms.
3. Submit Documentation
   Students must provide documentation from a qualified professional which supports the request for accommodations and services. Submitting the documentation in a timely and reasonable manner is important. This will allow Disability Services sufficient time to determine if it is appropriate and complete to verify eligibility for accommodations. If additional information or clarification is needed the student will be contacted.
   
   Transfer Students
   Providing written verification from the previously attended college or university which includes accommodations used and dates provided is useful information. However, provision of this information does not obligate Cedarville University to provide the same services.
4. Schedule an Intake Interview
   Students must schedule an "Intake Interview" with the Coordinator of Disability Services. The Coordinator and the student will meet to discuss the functional impact of the student's disability in the academic environment. This interactive process will provide important information in determining reasonable and appropriate accommodations, auxiliary aids, and services. The student's self-report regarding the impact the disability has had on learning and other major life activities and the effectiveness of accommodations in the past provides a valuable source of information. While objective information (documentation) is important, so are the lived experiences of the individual. Appropriate and reasonable accommodations are determined on a case-by-case basis. Consequently, accommodation recommendations may vary from individual to individual with the "same" disability diagnosis and from environment to environment for the same individual.
   
   In preparation for this "Intake Interview," students are encouraged to consider how the disability has impacted them in the past. Students should also consider how it is likely to impact them in the typical activities one can expect to encounter at Cedarville University, for example:
   
   If a meeting with the Coordinator is not possible prior to arrival at the University, the "Intake Interview" can be arranged through other means of communication. However, upon arrival at CU, it is important for students to schedule a personal appointment with the coordinator.
5. Classes (lectures, labs, physical activity, web-based learning)
6. Assignments (reading, writing, calculating, keyboarding, library)
7. Communication (speaking, listening, using phones, using email)
8. Evaluations (tests, papers, oral reports, group presentations/projects)
9. Time constraints (timed tests, college deadlines, assignment due dates, time management)
10. Attendance (class, chapel, required activities out of class, dorm meetings)
11. Campus (mobility, orientation/navigation, transportation, accessibility)
12. Housing (roommates, diet, climate control, privacy)
13. Co-curricular (ministry, clubs, organizations, events, athletics)
14. Spiritual
15. Social
16. Approve the Student Accommodation Notification
    Once accommodations are determined, upon the student's request, Disability Services will provide a Student Accommodation Notification to the faculty designated by the student. The student's advisor will be provided a copy of this notification. This notification informs faculty members that the student is registered with Disability Services and is eligible to receive the approved academic accommodations designated in the communication. The student is copied with this communication.
17. Schedule Faculty Meeting/s
    Every student is expected to meet with faculty to discuss the implementation of approved accommodations for the course. Students should arrange for a private conversation during the faculty member's posted office hours rather than approaching the faculty member before or after class.
18. Report on the Implementation and Effectiveness of Accommodations
    Students are expected to maintain contact with the Coordinator of Disability Services regarding the implementation and effectiveness of accommodations. If accommodation needs are not being met in the classroom, the student should request a meeting with the faculty member without delay. If further assistance is necessary, the student should contact DS immediately to address the concern.

Remember...
Students must request accommodations by making an appointment with the Coordinator to determine appropriate accommodations for each semester the student desires services.

Current Students Registering with Disability Services

Students who are currently registered with Disability Services and have been approved to receive accommodations must request academic accommodations for each semester they desire accommodations. Students need to follow the procedures outlined below:

1. Request Accommodations in a Timely and Reasonable Manner
   Most arrangements for accommodations can be made at the beginning or even near the end of the current semester. However, the amount of time considered appropriate depends on the type of accommodations being sought. Some accommodations may require significant lead time to arrange and provide. Examples include, but are not limited to, alternate text format and special services for vision and hearing impairments. In these instances, without sufficient notice from the student, it may be difficult, if not impossible, to provide the requested accommodations in a timely manner.
2. Schedule an Appointment with the Coordinator of Disability Services
   Students must schedule an appointment to review accommodations from the previous semester and consider appropriate accommodations for the new semester. Accommodations which require additional time to provide will necessitate an earlier appointment in the preceding semester. If circumstances prevent the student from coming to campus for an appointment with the coordinator, communication can be accomplished by email, phone or other means.
3. Complete a Semester Request for Academic Accommodations
   Each semester students requesting accommodations for courses must complete a Semester Request for Academic Accommodations form.
4. Approve the Student Accommodation Notification to Faculty
   Once a Semester Request for Academic Accommodations form has been submitted and reasonable and appropriate accommodations approved by the Coordinator, a Student Accommodations Notification will be provided to the faculty members designated by the student. This notification informs the faculty member that the student is registered with Disability Services and is eligible to receive the approved academic accommodations designated in the communication. The student is provided a copy of this communication.
5. Schedule Faculty Meeting
   Every student is expected to meet with faculty to discuss the implementation of approved accommodations. Students should arrange for a private conversation during the faculty member’s posted office hours rather than approaching the faculty member before or after class.
6. Report on the Implementation and Effectiveness of Accommodations
   Students are expected to maintain contact with the Coordinator of Disability Services regarding the implementation and effectiveness of accommodations. If accommodation needs are not being met in the classroom, the student should request a meeting with the faculty member without delay. If further assistance is necessary, the student should contact DS immediately to address the concern.