Disability Resource Center
Frequently Asked Questions for Faculty Regarding Students with Disabilities in the Classroom
- Do faculty members have to provide accommodations to students with disabilities?
- What types of accommodations could faculty members anticipate being asked to assist with?
- Are faculty members required to provide these accommodations themselves?
- Should faculty provide accommodations to any student who discloses that they have a disability, but have not registered at the disability resource center?
- How does faculty know if a student in their class is registered with the DRC and needs accommodations or services?
- What should a faculty member do if they disagree with, or have questions regarding, an accommodation?
- What should a faculty member do if they believe a student not registered at the DRC may have a disability, and would benefit from accommodations or services?
- Where can faculty members get more information and answer questions regarding students with disabilities and how to make their classrooms accessible?
Do faculty members have to provide accommodations to students with disabilities? 
According to federal and state disability laws, as a public entity that accepts federal funds (i.e. Pell Grant funding), TMCC must provide free accommodations and services to persons with disabilities. These ensure equal access to all individuals attending curricular and co-curricular activities sponsored by the college.
What types of accommodations could faculty members anticipate being asked to assist with?
Resulting accommodations are determined based on the functional limitations of the disability(s) on a case-by-case basis, and may vary greatly from student to student. Common accommodations include extended exam/quiz time, a distraction reduced testing environment, helping to recruit for a classroom note taker and assisting with print/auditory material requests to provide them in alternate, accessible formats. For example, providing the DRC with a course syllabus or ordering closed captioned videos in advance can save greatly in production costs and man hours.
Are faculty members required to provide these accommodations themselves?
Accommodation provision is an institutional responsibility which includes TMCC faculty and staff working together to provide mandated accommodations. Faculty members may choose to provide some accommodations individually, such as extended exam time, a distraction reduced testing environment or enlarged course handouts. The DRC is available to assist with many accommodations such as recruiting note takers, providing tutoring referrals, offering a proctored testing facility which allows the student to receive extended exam time accommodations in a quiet environment, assistive technologies and alternate text reproduction. Faculty members are a key partner in the advanced planning and communication process.
Should faculty provide accommodations to any student who discloses that they have a disability, but have not registered at the disability resource center?
No. Faculty should not provide accommodations directly to students who are not registered at the DRC. This protects both the college and students requesting services. The professionally trained DRC staff is responsible for evaluating presenting documentation in order to determine if a student qualifies for services, and which services are appropriate in light of their disability. After the DRC staff assigns accommodations, they assist to ensure services are offered in a timely manner.
How does faculty know if a student in their class is registered with the DRC and needs accommodations or services?
The course instructor will be notified by a DRC generated hard copy service letter which will be delivered by the student to the faculty member. Alternately, the services letter may be sent by the DRC staff through an e-mail correspondence. This letter will outline assigned accommodations. Faculty members are encouraged to correspond with the DRC staff when questions regarding accommodations arise.
What should a faculty member do if they disagree with, or have questions regarding, an accommodation?
Contact the DRC immediately! Accommodations are designed to level the playing field for students with disabilities to receive equal access to educational experiences. The intent is not to compromise the essential components of a class. The DRC professional staff is available to consult with instructors to determine the primary functions of the class and what, if any, accommodations may meet the goal of providing access to the student without changing required course learning outcomes. At the conclusion of this deliberative process, the final decision rests with the faculty member regarding the appropriateness of accommodations. The DRC staff's role is to provide guidance, conduct research and brainstorm possible alternatives that meet the instructor goals while providing equal access to the materials. The DRC is committed to assisting the college community to remain within legal compliance.
What should a faculty member do if they believe a student not registered at the DRC may have a disability, and would benefit from accommodations or services?
The faculty member can privately and tactfully refer a potential student to the DRC staff who will determine if they qualify for services. The DRC Web site offers a wealth of information to educate faculty and prospective students, downloadable forms and a link to contact the DRC directly to schedule a confidential intake interview. Some students with disabilities may elect not to register at the DRC, which is a personal choice. Non-registered DRC students are not entitled to receive free accommodations or services at TMCC.
Where can faculty members get more information and answer questions regarding students with disabilities and how to make their classrooms accessible?
There are many ways to contact the DRC including: the DRC Web site, by telephone, the DRC Web contact form, or by stopping by the DRC office at the Dandini Campus, Red Mountain Building, room 315 (in the financial aid suite) during our regular business hours, Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
See also: Departmental Frequently Asked Questions