Referral of a Student to the
Office of Disability Services



Faculty cannot ask if a student has a disability.

What faculty should know

• If students have a disability, they may not be aware of how helpful the Disability Support Services Office can be.



• Students can be referred to the Office of Disability Support Services, but it takes care and tact.



• Including the disability statement in the syllabus may encourage students to disclose their need for support.



• Providing a list of resources available to all students on campus and including disability services may be a good option.



• Having a learning disability, attention deficit disorder, or mental health problems does not mean the student cannot learn or that intellectually they have a below average IQ.

Exam Accommodations:

Why do students with a disAbility need more time on an exam?

Is that fair?

• Many students fail tests because of classroom distractions, slow processing speed, and poor reading and decoding skills. Giving students extra time helps them achieve better results. Research shows that giving extra time to students without a disability makes no difference in their test scores.

What about other accommodations on exams?

• Some students may need to hear the questions read aloud to comprehend them. This procedure is not practical in a classroom. Other students cannot mark the answers on a scantron sheet, but can read the exam and record their answers on a separate answer sheet or on the exam itself. Conversations with students about these situations can lead to better understanding, student confidence and appropriate support.

When should I call for help?

If a student seems wary or there is discomfort on the part of the faculty member in discussing a disability with a student, please call the Disability Support Services Office at 255-5282 or email Lynn Abarno at abarnolk@cobleskill.edu.