Liaisons
What is a liaison?
According to Webster's On-line Dictionary, a liaison is one who assists in "establishing and maintaining mutual understanding and cooperation"
What is the Departmental Disability Liaison program intended to do?
Briefly, the concept of `Departmental Disability Liaisons' was developed to coordinate and assist in the delivery of reasonable accommodations for students at Iowa State University as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other legislation.
At Iowa State University, Departmental Disability Liaisons:
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Have knowledge of federal requirements under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990.
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Have a working knowledge of Iowa State University accommodation procedures for students and responsibilities of those involved (ie. department, Instructor, etc.)
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Act as a first line departmental contact for faculty with questions regarding department accommodation practices, procedure, and/or resource availability
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Enhance communication between all parties involved with providing reasonable accommodations for qualified students with documented disabilities.
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Work with involved parties to resolve issues related to faculty and departmental implementation of accommodations
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Develop a specific written departmental accommodation documentation system providing faculty and students with accommodation processes and methods for delivery of reasonable accommodations
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Schedule rooms for extended time on exams
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Schedule rooms for low distraction test environments
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Schedule readers and scribes for exams
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Arrange for note-takers to assist students with disabilities
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Maintain records of accommodation requests and accommodations provided as indicated on SAAR forms
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Communicate with Student Disability Resources staff regarding accommodation requests and related topics
What is an accommodation?
Accommodations are legally mandated services, equipment, and procedures that allow students with documented disabilities access to learning and activities in the classroom and other services and programs offered by the University. They provide eligible students with a means to "level the playing field" so their disabilities are not the determining factor in their success. Accommodations do not provide unfair advantage to eligible students compared to others.
How do students request academic accommodations?
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Students should contact Student Disability Resources (SDR) and present their documentation to the Student Disability Resources Office at which time SDR staff determines eligibility for services and considers reasonable accommodations based on the functional impact of the disability.
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Each semester, registered students must meet with SDR staff to complete a "Student Academic Accommodation Request" (SAAR) form for each course in which accommodations are requested. PLEASE NOTE: Accommodations should not be granted until eligibility requirements are satisfied and SAAR forms are completed.
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Students must review their SAAR form and indicated accommodations with faculty members (ie. Professor, Instructor, etc.) of each class for which accommodations are requested-- preferably in private office setting.
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Faculty members will sign the SAAR form to demonstrate their agreement to provide the requested accommodation(s) and retain a copy for their records.
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Student retains one copy of the signed SAAR form and returns two copies of SAAR form to SDR.
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SDR staff provides a copy of the signed SAAR form to the Departmental Liaison.
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The faculty member may contact SDR and/or the Departmental Liaison for assistance, if necessary.
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Faculty member implements requested classroom or testing accommodation as indicated on the SAAR form
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SDR staff implements centralized accommodations (Sign Language Interpreters, alternate text, etc.).
Does a student need to meet with the Departmental Liaison?
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The student does not need to meet with the Departmental Liaison on a routine basis but is encouraged to do so if assistance is necessary.
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If a student believes requested accommodations have not been implemented appropriately, the student can meet with SDR staff or they may meet with the Departmental Liaison to discuss concerns.
How does the Departmental Liaison know an accommodation has been requested?
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SDR staff will provide a copy of the signed accommodation request form (SAARs) to the Departmental Liaison to be kept on file in the department office.
How will Departmental Liaisons be trained?
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Student Disability Resources staff will provide trainings and guidance on accommodation procedures (exams, etc.).
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Student Disability Resources is available for consultation in the development of department specific accommodation procedures.
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On-going training via teleconferences, newsletters, and workshops will be provided.
What are the issues around confidentiality?
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Confidentiality is essential and required by law.
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SAAR forms should be kept in a separate file from student academic records.
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Disability related information is not, and should not, be made part of a student's academic records.
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Student disability and medical documentation is maintained in the SDR office.
