Overview

Students who have documented physical or learning disabilities and need accommodations for their classes should email Disability Services. Disability Services will work with you to provide counseling and support and arrange accommodations such as extended time exams, e-books, and time management tutoring.

What services does the ARC provide to students with disabilities?
Depending on the nature of the disability, a student may be entitled to the following support services:

• E-Books
• Distracted-Reduced Exams
• Note takers
• Peer tutoring
• Academic counseling and support
• Time Management and Study Skills Tutoring
• Extended Time Exams

How do I get services?
Students are required to submit current documentation (not more than 3-5 years old) administered by a qualified professional, providing clear and specific evidence that a disability exists. Documentation should be sent to our Program Director of Disability Services, Sandra Baer. After the documentation has been reviewed and approved, students need to meet with the Program Director to discuss their needs and the appropriate level of accommodation.
 

What type of documentation is required?
A neuropsychological or psycho-educational assessment is required to evaluate students with learning disabilities and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). These batteries should include aptitude and achievement tests. Students with documented visual, hearing or other physical disabilities are required to submit the most current evaluation from their medical and academic providers. If the nature of the request for accommodation requires advance notice to arrange (e.g. ASL providers or e-books) please contact sandra.baer@tufts.edu immediately. 

The documentation should include:

1. A clear statement of the disability including prognosis.
2. History, including the length of time practitioner has known you.
3. Be current.
4. A summary of evaluation procedures, as well as diagnostic tests/evaluation results used to make the diagnosis.
5. A statement of the functional impact or limitations the disability has on learning.
6. Each recommended accommodation should be accompanied by an explanation of its relevance to the disability as well as supporting data from the evaluation.

Students should also submit their IEP or 504 Plan from high school to give us a history of previous accommodations.

What is the student's responsibility?

The successful provision of reasonable accommodations will depend not only upon the available resources, but also upon the student’s commitment to and responsibility for following the required policies and procedures. Maintaining active communication with both faculty and the Program Director of Disability Services, and complying with deadlines for advance notice of specific accommodations are examples of these student responsibilities.
 

For more information: Call Sandra at 617-627-5571 or email Disability Services.