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The first step in applying for accommodations is to schedule an informational intake appointment where we will discuss the accommodations process and what documentation you will need to provide. You can schedule an appointment by calling 479-788-7577 or emailing ADAFREEuafs from your ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ email account.

Accommodations are determined through an interactive process between the student and SDS. Several factors are considered, including the disability documentation, recommended accommodations, student interview, and previous accommodations received.

Available accommodations will vary depending on the barriers the student faces due to their disability. Accommodations are determined on a case-by-case basis. A list of common accommodations can be found on the student information page.

The type of documentation required will depend on the disability you have been diagnosed with and will be determined during the initial intake meeting. Documentation examples may include a psychological testing report, psychoeducational testing report from an IEP three-year re-evaluation, or a letter from a qualified medical professional.

Yes. Please contact SDS to schedule an informational intake appointment for more information.

Services of a personal nature are not considered reasonable accommodations in postsecondary education. Examples of personal services include, but are not limited to, attendant care and transportation.

No, SDS does not share diagnosis or disability information with instructors. The Approved Accommodations Summary only states what accommodations the student is approved for. It is up to the student to decide what, if any, information about their disability they would like to share with their instructors.  A student should never be required to share disability-specific information with their instructors.

No, registering with SDS does not appear on your ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ academic record.

Students can choose whether or not they would like to disclose their disability to their advisor. Students are not required to share their disability-specific information.

No. A student should never be asked, or required, to disclose disability-specific information to faculty, staff, or other offices on campus.

The Approved Accommodations Summary is sent out by the end of the first week of each semester.

Yes. Students wanting to receive accommodations in the upcoming semester will need to schedule an Accommodation Review appointment with SDS. Information about scheduling review appointments will be emailed 6-8 weeks before the end of the current semester.

Students can request additional or changes to their accommodations at any time. To request additional accommodations, or changes to your existing accommodations, please reach out to SDS to request an accommodation review appointment. During this appointment, we will discuss whether or not an accommodation can be added or changed, and if additional documentation is needed.

If you disagree with an accommodation decision made by SDS, please follow the Student Grievance Procedure, which can be found on the student information page.

No. Accommodations are not implemented until SDS emails the Approved Accommodations Summary and the student meets with the instructor to discuss the accommodations and sign the form. Accommodations are not retroactive.

Encourage the student to reach out to SDS and begin the registration process if they haven’t already done so.  If you would like some SDS information brochures or business cards for your office, please let us know.

Accommodations are individualized and are determined during the interactive process between the student and SDS. This process takes into consideration several factors including the disability documentation, recommended accommodations, student interview, and previous accommodations received.

No. A student should never be asked or required to disclose disability-specific information to faculty, staff, or other offices on campus.

Yes. The Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights (OCR) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandate students’ rights to accommodations and their right to file complaints (OCR) and/or lawsuits (ADA) against the University if these accommodations are not provided.

All students are expected to abide by the Poor behavior is not excused on the basis of disability. Respond to the behavior as you would with any other student.

Hand the documentation back to the student and refer them to SDS.

Inform the student that all approved accommodations must come from SDS and encourage them to reach out the office.

All tests proctored by SDS will need to be delivered by 2 p.m. the business day prior to the scheduled test day. If a test is scheduled for Monday, please have the test delivered by Friday at 2 p.m. Tests and Test Intake Forms can be sent directly to the network printer or dropped off at the office. If the office is closed, they can be placed in the drop box outside the office.

All tests are required to include a completed Test Intake Form (hyperlink to form from faculty page). You should also include any handouts, reference, or resource sheets that the student will need for the test. SDS will provide scratch paper.

You can schedule an test time by calling the office, sending us an email, or stopping by.

In order to ensure a test time, you need to contact the office at least one week prior to the test date to schedule. SDS will make every effort to schedule a test with less than one week notice, but availability is not guaranteed.

No, our testing room is not designed to administer SmarterProctoring tests. Please reach out to the library to see if a study room is available.

Yes, it is your responsibility to notify your instructor at least three days prior to the scheduled test date. 

That is up to you as the student. Family members, guardians, or members of the student’s support system can be a part of the accommodations process if the student would like, but all communication will be held directly with the student. 

Disclosing a disability during the admission process is voluntary. The University of Arkansas Fort Smith does not discriminate against students with disabilities during the admissions process. Your choice to or not to disclose a disability during the admission process will not affect your standing.

Yes. In order to be considered for accommodations, you will need to meet with SDS and provide documentation of your disability.

Not necessarily. Every college and university has different processes, procedures, and accommodations they provide based on the policies they have in place. At ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ, accommodations are individualized and are determined during the interactive process between the student and SDS. This process takes into consideration several factors including the disability documentation, recommended accommodations, student interview, and previous accommodations received. You are welcome to provide documentation of previous accommodations used with your initial application paperwork.

No, an IEP or 504 from high school does not automatically transfer to ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ, you will need to apply for services. Please reach out to SDS for more information and to schedule an appointment.

You will need to reach out to the representative at your school that handles concurrent information. They will be able to submit the required paperwork to receive accommodations for your ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ classes.

No, tutoring is not considered an accommodation under ADA, but the Academic Success Center provides free tutoring for all ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ students.