How do I get started with DSS?
To get started with DSS you will first need to supply current documentation of your disability to DSS: guidelines are available on-line and in the DSS office. After DSS receives your complete documentation, you meet individually with a DSS staff member to discuss your requests for accommodations. Then, you simply stop by the DSS office at the beginning of each semester to request accommodations. DSS staff members complete letters that you deliver to each of your instructors, describing the accommodations you will need for each class.
What documentation does DSS require?
Students with disabilities who are requesting accommodations from UAB must submit documentation of their disability to DSS. DSS provides detailed guidelines for documentation of disabilities. These guidelines correspond with federal guidelines, and are based on the Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD) and the Educational Testing Service (ETS) guidelines on documentation of disabilities. These guidelines should be provided to the person or agency responsible for conducting the evaluation.
Documentation costs are the student’s responsibility. If DSS desires a second professional opinion on documentation presented, UAB bears the cost.
DSS cannot accept documentation or testing that is more than three years old. Documentation accepted by DSS is valid as long as students are continuously enrolled at UAB. However, students may need to present updated documentation to receive services through DSS if they leave UAB and return.
Is my disability information confidential?
DSS is the only UAB office that has access to documentation and information related to students’ disabilities. Documentation is treated as confidential. In addition, confidentiality is maintained in all verbal conversations between DSS staff members and UAB faculty and staff. Generally, no information is released to anyone outside of DSS without students’ informed and written consent. Documentation is destroyed seven years after the last semester students are enrolled at UAB.
How do I request my accommodations?
DSS recommends academic accommodations based on current documentation and individual class requirements. DSS also considers current student needs, as well as accommodations that previously have been used in educational settings.
Accommodations are provided on a semester-by-semester basis. DSS prepares a letter addressed to the instructor of each class for which students request accommodations. Students are responsible for delivering these accommodation letters to instructors at the beginning of each semester, and scheduling the requested accommodations with instructors throughout the semester. Students may request accommodations at any time during a semester, but instructors are not obliged to provide accommodations until they receive DSS accommodation letters from students. Finally, students are responsible for reporting to DSS any concerns about implementation of accommodations.
Basically, receiving academic accommodations at UAB is a 4-step procedure:
- Students obtain accommodation letters from DSS at the beginning of each semester.
- Students hand-deliver accommodation letters to each instructor.
- Students contact each instructor several days before accommodations such as extended test time and reduced distraction testing are needed.
- Students report any concerns about accommodations to DSS as soon as possible.
What are some examples of accommodations and services?
DSS may recommend the following accommodations, based upon appropriate documentation and individual class requirements.
Services of a personal nature are not considered academic accommodations. Examples of personal services include tutoring, transportation, and attendant care.
Priority Registration – All students registered with DSS are eligible for priority registration. Students may register three days preceding the first day of preregistration. Students must deliver registration materials to the Registrar’s Office. DSS does not advise students on curriculum and course selection. Academic advisors are listed in the UAB Class Schedule.
Academic Classroom Aids – Students may use calculators, dictionaries, word processors, spell checkers, and/or grammar checkers for in-class and out-of-class work.
Testing Accommodations - Testing accommodations may include extended time, reduced-distraction testing situations, orally administered tests, and/or alternate test formats. Tests are administered within each department, if possible.
Tape Recording, Note Taking Assistance and Scribes - Students may tape record class lectures and/or request peer note takers. DSS can provide tape recorders and carbonless paper for note takers. DSS also provide scribes for students requiring such assistance.
Reading Assistance - Students may request readers and/or Books on Tape through DSS. In addition, text-to-voice software is available in several campus computer labs.
Sign Language Interpreting / Real-Time Captioning - Deaf and hard-of-hearing students will be provided state licensed/permitted sign language interpreters or captionists for classroom sessions, class-related activities and UAB sponsored campus events.
What is the grievance process?
Questions and concerns regarding accommodations and services for students with disabilities should be directed first to DSS. If DSS staff members cannot provide information and suggestions that resolve an issue, a meeting with the student, the instructor (if appropriate), a DSS staff member, and the Asst. Vice President for Enrollment Services may be requested. If an agreement is not reached at this point, the student may file a formal, written appeal. The appeal should clearly describe the complaint in detail, and should be transmitted as a confidential document to:
Student Affairs
HUC 503
1530 3RD AVE S
BIRMINGHAM ,
AL ,
35294-1150
During the grievance process, students are entitled to receive all accommodations recommended by DSS. It is important that concerns are addressed promptly so that students’ participation in courses is not affected.
Steps in the Grievance Process
1. Consult with DSS staff members.
2. If the situation is not resolved in step 1, meet with the instructor (if appropriate), DSS staff members, and the Asst. Vice President for Enrollment Services.
3. If the situation is not resolved in step 2, submit a formal, written appeal to Student Affairs.
If a complaint is not resolved through the UAB Grievance Process, students may file a formal complaint with the regional Office for Civil Rights in Atlanta, Georgia. The Office of Civil Rights investigates complaints alleging violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
How do I get financial aid?
Student Financial Aid offers grants, loans, scholarships, work-study positions, and off-campus student employment for eligible students. Students with disabilities are eligible for the same financial assistance as other students: there are no federal financial aid programs specifically for students with disabilities. Contact Student Financial Aid at 934-8223.
How does "handicapped parking" work?
Accessible parking areas are available to students who are certified for ‘handicapped parking’ by their home city, county or state. Students with disabilities who need accessible parking may obtain a blue hangtag from Transportation Services. The fee for blue zone parking permits is the same as other student parking fees. Contact Transportation Services at 934-3513.
Parking and Transportation Services
Is the UAB campus and campus housing accessible?
Classes are scheduled in accessible locations whenever possible. If a classroom, activity, or program is not accessible, students are responsible for notifying DSS. DSS is responsible for rescheduling the class or activity, or arranging for some other appropriate accommodation.
Student Housing and Residential Life provides a variety of double and single rooms in residence halls and on-campus apartments for students with disabilities. Students should indicate any special needs on the Student Housing Application, and apply to Student Housing and Residential Life as early as possible if they have special housing requests. Contact Student Housing and Residential Life at 934-2092.
What academic and career services are available to me?
Academic Advising
DSS does not advise students on curriculum and course selection. Academic advisors are listed in the UAB Class Schedule. See: Academic Advising
Career Services
Counselors in Career Services help students formulate and realize career goals, and assist with resume writing and the job-search process. Part-time, full-time, internship, and cooperative education positions may be available through the UAB Career Services. Contact UAB Career Services at 934-4324.
English Resource Center
The English Resource Center provides tutorial help with development and organization of writing tasks. Tutors also work with students to develop skills in spelling, grammar, and punctuation. However, the English Resource Center is not a proofreading or editing service. Contact the English Resource Center at 934-8118. The Center is located in HB 224.
Math Resources Center
The Math Resources Center provides consultants to discuss math problems and concepts with UAB students registered in classes ranging from MA 096 to MA 227. Consultants also assist students with homework in these classes. One-on-one tutoriing and small group instruction are available. Contact the Math Resources Center at 934-0427. The Center is located in room 133 or Classroom Building 15.
TRIO Academic Services
TRIO Academic Services is a federally funded program, which provides academic assistance to students in any of three eligibility categories: financial need, first-generation college student, or physical or learning disabilities. Reading and study skills classes, academic counseling and tutoring, and assistance with financial aid are provided for eligible students. Contact TRIO at 934-2729.
Does UAB have assistive computer technology and accessible libraries?
Assistive computer technology is available in the DSS office, Lister Hill Library, Stern Library, Education Building, Computer Science Department and Business and Engineering Complex. These labs are wheelchair accessible and contain text-to-voice software, text scanning equipment, and screen readers and magnifiers. Additional assistive software and equipment is available at other locations on campus.
Stern Library and Lister Hill Library staff will assist with access to library collections and services. Services may include retrieval of materials, photocopying assistance, library orientation, special checkout arrangements, and extended loan periods. Stern Library and Lister Hill Library also have assistive computer technology available to students with disabilities. Contact the circulation desk at Stern Library at 934-6364 or the circulation desk at Lister Hill Library at 934-3306.