FAQ for Students

No. IEPs and 504 Plans developed in high school do not automatically transfer to college. In higher education, accommodation requests are reviewed under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) through an interactive process that considers the student’s current disability-related barriers in the university environment.

College accommodations are designed to provide equal access and equal opportunity by addressing disability-related barriers. This differs from the K–12 educational model under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which focuses more broadly on educational success and support services in elementary and secondary education.

While high school accommodations and documentation may help provide context regarding past supports, they do not mean that all previously approved accommodations will continue in college.

Students can request accommodations by completing the intake process with Student Accessibility Services. To learn more about each step and get started, visit our Request Accommodations webpage.

No. Accommodations do not automatically transfer between schools. Each college or university has its own process for reviewing accommodation requests and supporting documentation. Previously approved accommodations may help provide context regarding past supports, but they do not guarantee that the same accommodations will be approved at another institution.

If you’re transferring to Iowa State:
Please provide the documentation and accommodation information you previously submitted at your prior institution. This information can help inform our review process and determine whether any additional information is needed.

If you’re transferring from Iowa State to another school:
You may request an official accommodation letter from our office, as well as copies of the original documentation you submitted, if needed.

If you’re studying abroad:
Accommodation processes may vary depending on whether your courses are taught by Iowa State instructors or the host institution. If accommodations are managed by the host institution, you may need to complete their accommodation process separately. Our office can assist with providing documentation if needed.

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

Students who have concerns about a decision made by SAS may submit a formal appeal for review. The grievance process reviews whether the accommodation process was followed appropriately and consistently in accordance with university policy, applicable disability laws, and the interactive process.

View the Formal Appeal Process

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

To learn how, visit our Using Accommodations webpage.

No. Disability-related information is not shared with instructors. The Notification Letter only confirms approved accommodations and does not include disability-specific information.

Students are responsible for discussing how their accommodations will be implemented with their instructors and contacting SAS if they need support. It is up to each student to decide what additional information, if any, they choose to share. Students are never required to disclose their disability to instructors.

No. Accommodations are intended to be used proactively. Accommodations cannot be used for assignments, exams, or situations that have already occurred.

Documentation helps SAS understand the nature of a student’s disability and the related barriers they may experience in the university environment. This information is used as part of an interactive process to determine reasonable accommodations that provide equal access to programs, services, and activities.

Recommendations from a healthcare provider are helpful, but they do not automatically determine which accommodations are approved. Accommodations are based on a review of how the disability impacts the student in the university setting and what is reasonable in that context.

Proper documentation provides information about a student’s disability and how it impacts their functioning in related context. It is typically completed by a qualified professional and should include relevant diagnostic information and a description of current functional limitations. The type and amount of documentation needed may vary depending on the nature of the disability and the accommodations being requested. SAS reviews all documentation as part of an interactive process to determine appropriate accommodations.

Students are encouraged to contact SAS if they have questions about what documentation may be most helpful for their situation.

Students are responsible for any costs associated with obtaining documentation from a qualified professional. SAS does not cover or reimburse the cost of medical or diagnostic evaluations.

If you have questions about what documentation may be most helpful for your situation, review the Documentation Guidelines webpage. SAS can also help clarify requirements before you obtain documentation.

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 Intake 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.