FAQ for Students

No. The IEP or 504 Plan developed by your high school will not follow you to college, but the rights and protections under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 apply. Section 504 is civil rights legislation and provides two things: (1) nondiscrimination on the basis of disability and (2) an equal opportunity to participate. The concept of “maximizing success” is only found under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act for elementary and secondary school.

Start by filling out our registration form! Then, schedule a Welcome Meeting with an Accessibility Coordinator. You can schedule an appointment through Navigate or by calling our office at 515-294-7220.

Maybe, but not necessarily. High school special education programs are required by law to provide whatever service, help, or accommodation you need to be successful. Colleges and universities are required by law to provide “equal access to education” through programs, services, or extra help. Access is provided through reasonable accommodations. For example, services such as word banks or reduced assignments probably won’t be provided because postsecondary schools don’t provide modifications that would change the educational standards of coursework.

No. Documentation review decisions are made independently at every institution. But it is helpful to provide a copy of your previously approved accommodations from a previous post-secondary institution.

Registering with SAS does not appear on your academic record because disability-specific information is confidential.

Students who disagree with an accommodation decision made by SAS have the option to file a grievance. Through this process, the Director of SAS will review your file and appeal, then determine whether or not your request can be granted.

Students do not need to apply for accommodations each semester. At the beginning of each semester, should submit a Semester Request so SAS can send Notification Letters to your instructors.

No. Information related to a student’s disability is not shared with instructors. It is the student’s responsibility to discuss their accommodations with their instructors. The Notification Letter focuses on accommodations and does not share disability-specific information. It is up to students to decide what information beyond accommodations they feel do or do not feel comfortable sharing. A student should never be required to share disability-specific information with their instructors.

No. Accommodations are intended to be used proactively. Accommodations cannot be used for assignments, exams, or situations that happened in the past.

The ADA states documentation is used to “…validate the need for services based on an individual’s current level of functioning in the educational setting.” Current documentation allows us to better understand the barriers that may exist in a collegiate setting. Proper documentation is needed to develop an accommodation plan for you moving forward.

Proper documentation to verify a disability must include supporting information regarding the disability; the functional limitations resulting from the disability; and the requested accommodation(s) and services.

Documentation that is acceptable includes reports and evaluations completed by a professional whose expertise is within the scope of practice for stated impairment; educational, developmental, and medical history relevant to the disability; and information on how the disability currently interferes with college life.

Documentation that is NOT acceptable includes a diagnosis as the only justification for accommodation; After Care Instructions; incomplete documentation; documentation completed by a relative; forms completed by professionals whose expertise is outside of the scope of the identified disability; outdated assessments/evaluations; or notes written on a prescription pad.

The student is responsible. Please review the Documentation Guidelines. If you have questions about where to obtain the necessary documentation, please contact our office.

Decisions about eligibility for accommodations are based on the Documentation Guidelines. The documentation of your condition should be current and specific.  If you are having testing done for use in requesting accommodations at Iowa State University, please refer the assessor to this resource.  Once we receive your documentation and application, we will review your materials and provide a determination of eligibility. Accessibility Coordinators are also available to answer questions if you have concerns about your documentation before applying for accommodations.

During your welcome meeting, you will meet with an Accessibility Coordinator, who will ask you questions about your diagnosis. The coordinator will also ask you how your diagnosis impacts you on a daily basis. During this time, you and the coordinator will discuss potential accommodations and required documentation.

The Notification Letter is a document generated by students that provides verification of registration with SAS and details which academic accommodations a student is eligible to receive from instructors. Accessibility Coordinators will show students how to access their Notification Letters during their Follow-Up meeting.  Students registered with SAS can download their letters from Accommodate.

Family members or members of the student's support system can absolutely be a part of the accommodations process if a student would like. Before someone else can be a part of the accommodations process with students, students will need to complete a consent form that grants permission. Students can contact their Accessibility Coordinator, or SAS directly to request a consent form.

Yes. Even if you do not have a diagnosis or documentation of a disability, we still want to meet with you! An Accessibility Coordinator can provide resources for obtaining a diagnosis or starting the process of getting evaluated.

It is perfectly normal to get sick while in college. SAS is not able to provide retroactive accommodations for temporary illnesses. Students are expected to work directly with their instructors when they are ill.

SAS may not be the best office to contact first. If students are experiencing difficulties or complex situations, such as hospitalization, mental health or wellbeing concerns, medical emergency or long-term illness, death of a loved one, or an unexpected change, students should reach out to Student Assistance for support.

SAS is not able to provide housing accommodations solely based on roommate conflicts. Students must have a diagnosis that indicates housing accommodations are medically necessary. Students who are experiencing conflicts with their roommate are advised to talk with their RA, Hall Director, or the Department of Residence.