Disability Services & Resources

Making a Referral to Disabilty Services & Resources

Faculty members frequently contact Disability Services & Resources (DS&R) regarding a concern they may have about a student who they feel might benefit from the services offered by our office. Unlike the requirements that high school teachers have to actively participate in the identification and referral of students to special education services, there are no requirements in college. We must remember that college students are adults. Because of this, referrals are more informational and presented in a supportive way rather than a directive. Privacy remains a consideration and it is best to discuss this with an individual student in private, either during your office hours or discretely after or before class, and only when not surrounded by other students. Questions such as "I notice that you are having problems with ...., did you know that the college has a Disability Services office (or an office that might be able to assist you with that?" Or make a comment such as "That is a concern that I'm sure the people in the Disability Services office would be happy to visit with you about. Do you know where they are located?" These are open-ended and non-directive statements.

If you see a possible crisis situation and wish to consider referring a student to either Disability Services or to Counseling, approach the student in a positive manner and let them know your concern. Walking him/her to the office might even be beneficial if the student seems to be in crisis and s/he is willing to go with you.

In general, however, you have done what you must do if you have made sure that informaton about the existence of Disability Services and the office location is available to the student. Only the student can decide to disclose his/her disability or can decide to pursue information about services available in the Disability Services office.

Sunday, 15-Jun-2008 15:22:12 CDT