2. Who should be contacted for more information or assistance?

• 334-983-3521 ext. 2296
• 334-983-4255 fax
• 1-800-548-2546 TDD

3. What is a disability?
The Americans with Disability Act of 1990 defines a disability as a "mental or physical impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities." Walking, eating, talking, breathing, writing, listening, learning, etc. are all examples of major life activities. If you have a documented physical or mental impairment, you may be entitled to certain accommodations under the ADA.

4. What does "substantially limited" mean?
A person can be substantially limited in performing a major life activity if that person is unable to perform the major life activity, or is significantly restricted as to the condition, manner, or duration under which the activity can be performed when compared to the average person or most people.

5. What are "reasonable accommodations and services"?
Reasonable accommodations and services may include priority registration, extra time on tests, special seating arrangements, assistance with class notes and/or alternate format materials such as tape recorders, large print, etc.  Accommodations and services are designed to meet the individual needs of the person with the disability.

6. How do I document my disability?
Specific information for documenting a disability may be found at this web site or by contacting any of the DSS staff. DO NOT send disability documentation with your application for admission. Comprehensive documentation of your disability should be delivered to the DSS staff member at the location you plan to attend. Be sure to include your address, phone number, email address and social security number.

7. How and when will I know if my documentation is acceptable and if I am eligible for accommodations?
After your documentation has been received and reviewed by the DSS staff, you will be contacted and an interview scheduled. At that time appropriate accommodations will be discussed.

8. What accommodations will I have?
Accommodations are determined individually and must be supported by the documentation provided. Examples include: large print handouts for the visually impaired; permission to tape lectures for attention deficit disorder; accessible classes/labs for mobility impaired; extended time for tests for the learning disabled and separate test environment for some psychological disorders.

9. If I had an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) or a 504 Plan in high school, can this be my documentation?
These documents may be valuable sources of information. However, neither one can serve as the documentation of a disability. Documentation must come from a qualified professional with expertise in the areas of your disability.  Documentation must be no more than three years old in most cases.

10. What role will my parents play while I am in college?
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act legally recognizes students over the age of 18 as adults. In college it is the student's responsibility to provide disability documentation and request accommodations and services.  The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act also prevents our office from sharing information with parents, unless you sign a release giving us permission to do so.

11. Will my instructors or advisors know about my disability?
Information related to your disability is maintained in a confidential file in the DSS Office. Access to the information is limited. You will be provided with a DSS Instructor Notice.  You will take this to your instructors and discuss it with them.  It does not contain your diagnosis, testing, or background information.  You do not need to discuss your disability with your instructor.  If any of your instructors inquire about your disability you should refer them to the DSS Office so we can tell them to refrain from asking you or other students questions about a disability.