Disability Services

The purpose of disability accommodations is to ensure that a student is not discriminated against solely on the basis of disability and has the same level of access to CBU as their non-disabled peers. The goal is equal access and equal opportunity, not to facilitate a specific accommodation.

Examples:

• American Sign Language Interpreting
• Communication Access Realtime Translation/Captioning
• Notetaking Support
• Alternative Text
• Extended Testing Time
• Housing Accommodations

Academic accommodations are individualized based on the student’s unique needs. In other words, two students with the same diagnosis may not receive the same services.

Difference Between K-12 and Postsecondary Services

Facilitating accommodations at the postsecondary level differs significantly from the K-12 process. In K-12, accommodations often aim to directly support student success by modifying course requirements, extending deadlines, or providing notes on exams, among other adjustments. In contrast, at the postsecondary level, Disability Services focus on ensuring equal access, allowing students to have the same opportunities as their peers to succeed without altering the core requirements of the programs they choose to participate in.

In the K-12 setting, accommodations are outlined through Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and 504 Plans, which are specific to that environment and do not carry over to higher education institutions.

Additionally, while students in K-12 have accommodations and services typically arranged for them, in college, students are expected to be self-advocates. They must take the initiative in requesting accommodations and advocating for their needs. As such, all communication with Disability Services must be initiated by the student.

While parents are welcome to participate in meetings with Disability Services, they must be included on the student’s FERPA waiver to do so. However, students are strongly encouraged to lead the conversation and advocate for the accommodations they require.

When to Submit a Request

Review and processing time for accommodation requests may take up to four weeks. Students can request accommodations at any time in the semester, however, we recommend the timeline below:

• For Fall Accommodations, submit your requests (May – July)
• For Spring Accommodations, submit your requests (October – November)
• For Summer Accommodations, submit your requests (February – April)

The Disability Services Center experiences peak times during the following months: August, September, December, and January. While we still accept requests during this time, processing times may be longer during these months.

Step 1: Submit Request
Complete and submit the Request for Accommodations form to Disability Services.

Step 2: Provide Documentation
Submit professional documentation of your disability. Depending on the diagnosis, this can come from a medical doctor, school psychologist, therapist, or another relevant licensed healthcare professional. IEPs and 504 plans may be provided as supplemental information but are usually not sufficient documentation to support a request.

• For medical disabilities (i.e. chronic illness, learning disabilities, etc.) use the CBU Medical Disability Verification form.
• For psychiatric disabilities (i.e. anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, etc.), use the CBU Psychiatric Disability Verification form.
• We will also accept a letter from a qualified licensed healthcare professional if it is on letterhead and includes the student’s diagnosis along with how it substantially limits one or more major life functions. The letter must include the licensed healthcare professional's credentials, contact information, and signature. For more details, see General Documentation Guidelines.

Step 3: Schedule an Intake
After submission, schedule a meeting with Disability Services for further discussion.

The review and processing time for accommodation requests may vary, ranging from a brief period to up to four weeks, depending on the nature of the request and the communication required to gather the necessary information for an informed decision.

Accommodated exams are taken in the Disability Services Center (Lancer Arms #38, downstairs, next to the Events Center). Students who receive testing accommodations through the Disability Services Center may submit Test Contracts through the link below.

REQUEST AN ACCOMMODATED EXAM HERE

1. Student submits "Student Section" of Test Contract
2. Faculty submits "Faculty Section" of Test Contract
3. Student receives an email notifying them that the request has been approved, and they may schedule their exam. Exams must be scheduled a minimum of 2 weeks in advance.

You may schedule an appointment after providing the test contract to your professor. Be sure to communicate with your professor because these exams do expire. To schedule an appointment, please call 951-552-8814.

Academic Skills Coaching is a peer-led program designed to provide academic support for students with documented disabilities. The program offers assistance in the following areas:

• Time Management and Organization
• Executive Functioning
• Exam Preparation and Test-taking Strategies
• Managing a Heavy Course Load
• Study Skills
• Self-Advocacy

Our team of Academic Skills Coaches consists of both undergraduate and graduate students who are trained to support their peers. Students can meet with a coach to receive tailored support in the areas they find most challenging. Coaches will encourage students to explore new strategies and work on developing habits that promote academic success.

Students registered with Disability Services can schedule an appointment with an Academic Skills Coach HERE.