Who is eligible for services?
Any student (undergraduate or graduate, full- or part-time) who has a disability that substantially limits one or more major life activities is eligible. Disabilities to receive accommodations may include:
- Hearing, mobility or visual impairments
- Chronic medical conditions (arthritis, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, asthma, kidney disorder, lupus, epilepsy, etc.)
- Learning disabilities
- Attention deficit disorder (ADD)
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Mental health disabilities
- Autism spectrum disorders
I received special education services in high school, but do not know if I will need any help at the university. Should I register for services?
Yes, you should register for services if you received special education services in the past or if you have any medical or mental health diagnosis that substantially limits one or more major life activities.
What does registering for services mean?
The Disability Services Office (DSO) provides services only to those students who are qualified under the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504. We require students to register with our office for services by:
- Send your documentation to be reviewed in advance of your meeting. Please send to disabilityserviceslist@fitchburgstate.edu
- Completing an online application
- Once your file is complete you will be invited to meet with the Director or Associate Director of Disability Services.
During your meeting, we will:
- Answer any questions
- Complete a short, informal interview
- Review process of receiving accommodations and services
- Review documentation and determine appropriate accommodations and services
- Review student's rights and responsibilities
Who has access to my file at Disability Services?
All documentation and information in your file at Disability Services is confidential. The DSO cannot release this information to faculty, staff, or even parents. Disability Services records never become part of a student's transcript or university record. All records are kept in locked files. Student employees do not handle any student records. Massachusetts State Law defines some limits to confidentiality.
These limits include:
- A court of law or judge may require staff to produce confidential information (a very rare occurrence).
- Staff must release confidential information to those who have a need to know if a client is a danger to themself or presents a danger to others.
- Staff must report any knowledge of abuse or neglect of a child, elderly person, or person with a disability.
- Staff may release confidential information with your written consent.
Can I have a classroom aide in the class with me like I did in high school?
Students with disabilities do not typically have classroom aides in the university environment. It's not typical for students with disabilities to have aides in the classroom with them at the college level. Some exceptions may be made for students with severe physical disabilities who may need physical assistance in the classroom, but these are rare exceptions.
What materials do I need in order to register for services?
In order to register with the DSO students must submit medical documentation or psychoeducational testing, documenting their disability / disabilities. While an IEP or a 504 may be a good place to start, most disability services offices need more documentation aside from the IEP / 504. Additionally documentation from a qualified provider can be given, based on the nature of the disability. Students are covered under different disability laws in college than in pre-college and the purpose of accommodations are different. In elementary and high school, accommodations exist to ensure success, while in college, accommodations do not necessarily guarantee success and exist to provide equal access to the academic environment. See Fitchburg State's documentation requirements.
Do I have to disclose my disability during the admissions process?
No, you do not have to indicate that you have a disability on your application for admission to Fitchburg State. We would encourage students not to disclose during the admissions process unless they are using disability as a rationale as to why they didn't meet an admissions standard. For example, a foreign language exemption. Once admitted, if students wish to use accommodations with our office, they should get registered with the DSO by filling out the application on our website and submitting documentation to us via email or confidential fax at disabilityserviceslist@fitchburgstate.edu or 978.665.4786 respectively.
Does Fitchburg State provide mental health support to students?
Yes, the Counseling Services Office on campus provides mental health counseling to all students (not just students with disabilities) who want support. More information can be found at Counseling Services.
Do you offer extended time accommodations?
Extra time for exams (i.e. 1.5 or 2.0 extended time on exams and quizzes) is an accommodation we provide. Extra time for homework or class assignments is a less common accommodation. All accommodation needs are evaluated based on individual needs of the student and must be supported by their medical documentation. There are some students for which extra time on assignments may be appropriate, but it's not a very common accommodation. Students with disabilities are expected to complete assignments largely on the same timeline as their non-disabled peers.
How often can I meet with someone from your office?
The frequency of student meetings is determined by the student. There are some students who we only see once for their initial meeting, and others who we see on a weekly basis. We are happy to meet with students up to once a week as needed. Students are encouraged to use additional resources including the Academic Coaching and Tutoring Center (ACT), open to all Fitchburg State students, to assist them with staying on track, receive subject specific tutoring, writing, time management, motivation, and concentration.
Can students with disabilities live on campus?
Yes. Any student regardless of ability is welcome to live on campus in the residence hall if they would like to. If you need housing accommodations, it is important to get registered with our office early so we can assist in supporting your request. Once placed, it's often difficult for students to change housing assignments. Students are encouraged to contact Residence Life to clarify any questions.
Can I add additional accommodations if I am doing poorly in my classes?
Students are always welcome to meet with us to discuss their options and use of accommodations. Accommodations agreements can be updated at any point as long as sufficient medical documentation is provided. However, remember that accommodations in college are for equal access, and do not necessarily guarantee success. So just because a student is doing poorly, is not a reason to receive additional accommodations. Other resources such as attending office hours or tutoring may be a more appropriate way forward than adding accommodations.