What is an Accommodation?
The Office of Accessibility Resources and Accommodations (ARA) recognizes accommodations as adjustments, alterations or supplementary aids and services intended to reduce barriers providing equal access to students with varying abilities. Accommodations are determined through an interactive process between one of the professionals in our office and a student. In that process, accommodations are determined on a case-by-case basis, based on appropriate documentation, the student’s history, and specific functional limitations.
Did You Know?
Students with a documented disability are qualified to obtain accommodations that are reasonable and appropriate to their disability.
To receive accommodations students must be registered with the ARA, have their health care provider complete our form, provide suitable documentation, and meet with one of our ARA professionals. Suitable documentation includes an IEP or 504 plan, a psycho/educational assessment completed within three years after high school graduation, a description of the condition with the diagnostic code and which accommodations are recommended.
Faculty and staff at our institution cannot refuse to provide the reasonable accommodations approved by the ARA Office.
Having an accommodation is not a guarantee for success, rather accommodations are provided to eliminate discrimination and equal access to those who are differently abled.
Student accommodations are determined on a one to one basis through an interactive process between a student and an ARA professional based on the student’s documentation and an assessment of their limitation(s).
Accommodations and services offered to students who are differently abled are intended to alter the way in which material is presented, but in no way, are intended to modify course content or program requirements as established by their professor and Saginaw Valley State University.
Registering for Classroom Accommodations
Presentation Versus Modification
Accommodations and services offered to students with disabilities are intended to alter the way in which course material is presented, assessed, etc., but in no way, are they intended to modify course content or program requirements as established by Saginaw Valley State University and their professor.
Certification & Documentation
In most cases, to be eligible for services, students must provide documentation of their disability issued within the last three years. Certification of a disability - documentation may be requested annually, to provide updates on the disability or diagnosis changes.
Stay Informed
Any accommodation that is requested after the start of the term will be implemented in 7 to 14 days after the student has notified the ARA of a disability and they have received appropriate documentation. Any grades, activities, tests, quizzes or other student responsibilities cannot be subject to accommodations prior to the date of request.
Additional Help
Accommodations are based on the documentation students provide. If a student finds they need additional help beyond the accommodations provided, then they should contact the ARA for help.
Students Must Register
Students must be registered with the ARA, have their health care provider complete our form, provide suitable documentation, and meet with one of our ARA Professionals. Suitable documentation includes an IEP or 504 plan, a psycho/educational/physical assessment completed within three years after high school graduation, a description of the condition with the diagnostic code, and which accommodations are recommended.
Overall
- Register with ARA
- Have a health care provider complete the necessary form(s)
- Acquire and provide suitable documentation
- Meet with an ARA Professional
- Keep all important documentation or certifications up-to-date
- Stay informed on SVSU expectations for those registered through the ARA
- If you need help, reach out to ARA in a timely manner
Accommodation Categories and Related Accommodations (include the following but are not limited to)
- Braille
- E-Text
- Large Print
- Natural Reader (screen reader)
- Audio Tests
- Extra Time (1.5x)
- Extra Time (2.0x)
- Private Testing Room
- Quiet Testing Room
- Testing in Accessibility Resources Office
If a student is unable to schedule a test in the AIM system they can email or call us at access@svsu.edu or 989-964-7000 for assistance.
- All Assignments & Tests/Quizzes Clearly Defined in Advance
- Assistive Listening Device
- Flexibile Attendance
- Front Row Seating
- Record Lectures
- Access to PowerPoints
- Breaks to Alleviate Condition (5-10 minutes)
- Pregnancy
- FM Listening Device
- Interpreting
- Transcription
- Vido Captioning
- Accessible Room/Dorm
- Close to Campus Room/Dorm
- Private Living No Roommates
- Single Bedroom/Shared Apartment
CONTACT US.
Shawn Wilson,
Director of Accessibility Resources and Accommodations
Wickes 260
swilson@svsu.edu
(989) 964-7000
Ryan McCracken,
Associate Director of Accessibility Resources and Accommodations
Wickes 260
rmmccrac@svsu.edu
(989) 964-7000
Debbi Abeare-Jacobs,
Administrative Secretary
Wickes 260
dabearej@svsu.edu
(989) 964-7000