General Information for Students

What does Disability Services & Resources provide?
Is the information I share kept confidential?
What do I have to do to receive services?
How do you decide on what accommodations I can receive?
What else do I have to do as a student?
What if I'm not receiving the services I think I need?

Role of Disability Services & Resources (DS&R)

• Collects and maintains disability-related documents
• Certifies eligibility for services
• Determines reasonable accommodations
• Communicates to the student the process of obtaining reasonable accommodations
• Facilitates provision of reasonable accommodations

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Confidentiality and Release of Information

Disability Services & Resources (DS&R) keeps all information about students confidential, as is required by law. Except in specific, need-to-know situations, signed consent is required for release of information.

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Certifying Eligibility for Services

Students must provide disability documentation from an appropriate licensed professional to verify the presence and impact of their disability. If the documentation is incomplete or inadequate, DS&R has the right to require additional documentation. The student is responsible for the cost of obtaining all professional documentation. If DS&R desires a second professional opinion, the University will bear that cost. Pending receipt of such documentation, DS&R reserves the right to deny services or accommodations.Students who report a disability, but do not have current documentation, may be provided provisional services for up to one semester while they obtain and submit documentation.

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Determining Reasonable Accommodations

The University of Minnesota Duluth is obligated to make accommodations based only on the documented limitations of an otherwise qualified student with a disability. The determination of reasonable accommodations is made by DS&R. Accommodations ensure access to both on-campus and off-site University functions.

• An accommodation is a modification or adjustment to a course, program, service, job, activity, or facility that enables a qualified student with a disability to enjoy the same the benefits, privileges, responsibilities, and consequences as a student without a disability.
• A reasonable accommodation removes the barriers of a disability, but does not compromise the essential elements of the course, program, service, job, activity, or facility.

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Role of the Student

• Seek assistance from DS&R in a timely manner
• Provide documentation of disability
• Discuss how the student's disability affects participation in the University
• Identify to faculty early in the term

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Grievances

• Discuss the situation with the student's disability counselor,
• If not resolved, talk to the DS&R director.
• Finally, the student may consult with the Office of Equal Opportunity or may file a grievance with that office.

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