Center for Students with Disabilities › University of Connecticut

Accommodations & Services

The Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) offers a variety of accommodations and services to students with documented permanent and temporary injuries and conditions. Eligibility for these services is determined individually based on documented need.

Please Note:
The Center also provides services for students who have temporary injuries and conditions as well as students in high school who are taking college level courses at UConn. All students are required to go through the same accommodation request process.

*Please refer to Policies & Procedures for more specific information.

Academic Accommodations

Alternate Media Materials

Alternate media provide individuals access to print material through different methods. Eligibility for this accommodation is determined on an individualized basis, and students must be able to demonstrate a substantial print or physical disability which requires alternate materials. Students who are approved for alternate media texts receive the accommodation at no cost. The student must, however, show proof that they have purchased the book before they can receive the alternate media due to copyright laws. All alternate media materials are intended for a student’s individual use and should not be shared with others. Any duplication of materials is strongly prohibited.

There are a variety of alternate media formats that are available including Braille, CD-ROM or electronic files, audio files (through tape, CD or MP3) and large print material.

For additional information please refer to Policies. To speak with our alternate media coordinator, Wade Gibbs, feel free to email csdalternateformats@uconn.edu, call 860-486-2020, or visit our office in the Wilbur Cross Building, Room 204.

Assistive Listening Devices

Did you know that students who are deaf or hard of hearing who use hearing aids effectively in quiet environments may require an assistive listening device in the classroom? Here are some factors to consider when deciding whether or not to use an assistive listening device in the classroom:

Instructor’s voice which may include how loud he/she speaks, whether of not they have an accent, etc.
Background noise in the classroom
Room echo due to size of the classroom
Distance from the instructor

The most common assistive listening device is a Frequency Modulated System, often referred to as an FM System. The instructor wears a small microphone close to his/her mouth which then sends his/her voice to the receiver worn by the student. The Center has several FM systems available which students can loan out on a semester-by-semester basis.

For more information, please contact the CSD at 860-486-2020 or view the following document:

The Role of Assistive Listening Devices in the Classroom

Class Attendance

The Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) does not have a role in determining course attendance policies. Because attendance may be integral to the learning process, these policies are set by faculty at the college, departmental, or individual level.

In some cases, participation is fundamental to course objectives; for example, students may be required to interact with others in the class, to demonstrate the ability to think and argue critically, or to participate in group projects. In other instances, faculty may determine that students can master course content despite some or many absences. Similarly, faculty also determine policies regarding make-up work and missed quizzes and exams. Faculty are not required to lower or make substantial modifications of standards for accommodation purposes.

In the event that a student’s disability may impact his/her attendance in class, the CSD will provide an accommodation letter to each faculty member verifying a student’s disability and documenting his/her needs for occasional absences from class. Students are encouraged to meet with their faculty to discuss the implications that absences may have on course requirements. Students are also apprised that a considerable number of absences may require alternate assignments in order to fulfill class objectives. The decision to provide alternate assignments is at the discretion of the faculty member based on course requirements. Faculty are encouraged to include attendance/make-up policies in their syllabi in order for students to make informed choices regarding course selection.

Computer-Assisted Real Time Translation (CART)

Did you know that depending on the nature of a student’s hearing disability, the CSD may provide Computer-Assisted Real Time Translation (CART) in the classroom?

CART is the instant translation of the spoken word into English text performed by a CART reporter using a stenotype machine, notebook computer, and real-time software. The text is then displayed on the computer monitor for the student to read. This accommodation provides on-the-spot communication access to information as it is being given.

Depending on the nature of a student's hearing disability, the CSD may provide Computer Assisted Real-Time Translation (CART). CART may be provided for classroom lectures, fieldwork, meetings with faculty members, and for any activity directly related for a student’s academic program.

If CART is deemed appropriate, the CSD will make arrangements for the accommodation by hiring qualified CART reporters. Students will receive a copy of a 'rough edit' transcript after each class in a timely manner to be determined by the student and CART reporter. Written notes may alternatively be provided by a qualified notetaker. Students are requested to notify the CSD and/or CART reporter if he or she is unable to attend class so that the CART reporter can be canceled for the day. Students are also responsible for notifying the CSD if CART arrangements are not suitable or to discuss any other concerns.

For additional information regarding CART, please contact the CSD at 860-486-2020 or visit the following:

Laboratory Assistance

The CSD may provide laboratory assistants as an academic accommodation for students whose documented disability interferes with their ability to perform various laboratory requirements. This service is provided as a necessary academic accommodation and is not considered a substitute for a student’s full participation in the laboratory. Students should contact the Center early in the semester to discuss their needs.

Notetaking Assistance

Notetaking assistance is provided as an accommodation for students hose documented disabilities interfere with their abilities to take notes. Notetaker assistance is intended for a student’s personal study use only and is not to be shared with other individuals. This service is provided as a necessary academic accommodation and is not considered a substitute for a student’s full participation in each class. Please note, if notes are available on-line or from the faculty, notetaking assistance is not indicated. However, if you feel your situation warrants special consideration, you must contact the Director of the Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD), Donna Korbel, to discuss your needs.

For additional information refer to Notetaking Assistance

Oral and Sign Language Interpreters

At the request of students who are deaf or hard of hearing, the CSD will provide oral or sign language interpreters to those students whose medical documentation supports such request. The CSD works primarily with the Commission on the Deaf and Hearing-Impaired, Family Services Woodfield, and also employs qualified freelance interpreters as the need arises. Students may also identify their own qualified interpreters. Students are requested to contact Jennifer H. Lucia, Associate Director, at 486-2020 (Voice) or 486-2077 (TDD), as soon as his/her class schedule has been established. Students are expected to notify the CSD and/or interpreter if he or she is unable to attend class so that the interpreter can be canceled for the day. Students are also responsible for notifying the CSD if interpreter arrangements are not suitable or to discuss any other concerns.

Priority Registration

Priority registration is available to those students who require it as an academic accommodation. Priority Registration allows a student to register for classes on the first day registration opens for the following semester. This allows students the ability to access class information and develop a schedule that is suitable for their disability. It also allows students who are requesting Alternate Media enough time to request their books.

Students who may qualify for priority registration include:

Students with mobility disabilities
Students following a strict medication or treatment regimen
Students who require alternate media services
Students with energy limitations that require a particular schedule.

Reduced Courseload

On a case-by-case basis a student with documented disabilities may be approved to enroll in a less than full-time courseload. Prior to requesting this accommodation, students are encouraged to discuss full-time courseload requirements with an academic advisor from their respective program. A financial aid counselor can determine how their aid will be affected by a reduced courseload.

Testing Accommodations

Students with disabilities may receive testing accommodations determined on an individualized basis. A test, as used in this context, refers to quizzes and examinations taken during the semester in conjunction with an academic class.

If the need for accommodations is deemed appropriate, students are requested to meet with CSD staff with their course information each semester. The CSD will then generate a testing accommodation letter, which the student will hand carry to each class faculty. The University agent authorized to determine appropriate academic accommodations is the Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD). Any other requests for academic accommodations from other University entities are not mandated.

Students are responsible for meeting with faculty to discuss exam accommodations at the beginning of the semester (within the first two weeks). It is our policy that students take exams at the scheduled time of the course unless the faculty member and director of the CSD approve an alternate time. It is also our policy that exams be administered within the academic department whenever possible. However, if this is not tenable, exams may be administered nd proctored at the CSD.

Test accommodations determined on a case-by-case basis may include:

Extended time to complete examinations and quizzes;
A reduced distraction environment separate from the class;
Special equipment such as a word processor, magnifier, or Braille;
Readers and/or scribes; and
Alternate formats such as oral or taped tests.

For additional information refer to Testing Accommodations

Residential Accommodations

Emergency Evacuation

The University Residence Hall Evacuation Plan has been developed in cooperation with the University Fire Department, Department of Residential Life and the Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) in order to maximize the safety of all students. All of the campus residence halls have been updated to comply with fire safety regulations and sprinkler systems are operational in all of the units. For individuals who have difficulty evacuating a residence hall independently, we recommend selecting a lower floor room.

Each semester, the CSD maintains a confidential list of students with mobility disabilities who may need assistance with evacuation. The list contains students' names and their room assignments. This list is shared with the Police Department, Fire Department, Complex Managers, and Hall Directors, so that in the event of a fire, they know where students are assigned. We also encourage students to work with their Community Assistant to identify emergency exits and usable circulation paths

Housing Accommodations

The Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) works collaboratively with the Department of Residential Life (DRL) in order to provide housing accommodations to qualified students with disabilities. By federal law, a person with a disability is any person who: 1) has a physical or mental impairment; 2) has a record of such impairment; or 3) is regarded has having such an impairment, which substantially limits one or more major life activities such as self-care, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, or learning.

Reasonable accommodations depend upon the nature and degree of severity of the documented disability. While the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 requires that priority consideration be given to the specific methods requested by the student, it does not imply that a particular accommodation must be granted if it is deemed not reasonable and other suitable techniques are available. Please be advised that single rooms are reserved for individuals who document substantial needs and for whom living with a roommate is not viable.

For additional information refer to Housing Accommodations Policy & Procedure

Meal Plan Modifications

The Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) works collaboratively with the Department of Dining Services, Residential Life and Health Services in order to provide accommodations to qualified students with disabilities. According to the terms and conditions of the On-campus Housing Contract, "All students residing in undergraduate residence halls are required to participate in the dining program with a meal plan. Students residing in apartments or graduate housing may purchase any meal plan including options available to commuters." Students with documented disabilities for whom eating in a dining hall is not viable due to medically necessitated dietary requirements may request a meal plan modification. Reasonable accommodations depend upon the nature and degree of severity of the documented disability. While the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 requires that priority consideration be given to the specific methods requested by the student, it does not imply that a particular accommodation must be granted if it is deemed not reasonable and other suitable techniques are available.

For additional information refer to Meal Plan Modification Policy and Procedure

Services

Academic Advising & Registration Assistance

While students are encouraged to meet with their appropriate academic advisors, the CSD can assist in the academic advising process to suggest appropriate classroom accommodations. Advising is individualized to take into account the impact of an individual’s disability on the recommended course selection.

Beyond Access

Beyond Access is an opportunity for you to work smarter, not harder, in a competitive academic environment while also preparing for the life beyond college. Each program offers a wide range of services that are individualized and go above and beyond standard accommodations mandated by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Beyond Access is a Storrs based program available to enrolled University of Connecticut students, including Regional Campus students. The cost of the program depends upon the tracks that you are interested in participating. Please contact the Center for Student with Disabilities for more information. The cost of participation in this program can be considered in determining your financial aid package. Please contact the Office of Student Financial Aid Services for information at (860) 486-2819.

To learn more refer to Beyond Access

Personal Assistant Referral

The CSD at the University of Connecticut acts as a referral source by assisting students with disabilities to locate personal assistants (PAs). PAs work directly with students who are in need of assistance with activities of daily living. Students, not the CSD, are responsible for securing and paying personal assistants. Applications are taken year-round at the CSD and are then shared with the students seeking assistance. Potential PAs are then contacted and hired by the student depending on their availability and the student’s needs. While the Center will assist students in identifying individuals who are interested in becoming personal assistants, please be advised that the provision of applications does not constitute an endorsement of each applicant. CSD staff is not authorized to assist you with your personal care needs.

To learn more refer to Personal Assistant Referral Program

Additional information may also be obtained from Michele LaBonte, Director of Nursing at Student Health Services. PAs may receive an explanatory demonstration by a Registered Nurse or Nurse Practitioner from Student Health Services. Call 486-0765 to arrange an appointment. A training manual is also available to students from the CSD to assist students in hiring and supervising PAs.

Pre-Admission Meetings

The CSD works closely with the Department of Admissions, Orientation Services and the Lodewick Visitors Center to provide information for prospective students.

The CSD will respond to telephone inquiries and referrals by sending the appropriate or requested information about the Center for Students with Disabilities, as well as an invitation to visit the University. Prospective students are encouraged to visit the University and the CSD prior to the start of their first semester. If you are visiting the University, please make sure to call ahead to schedule a perspective student meeting with a professional staff member. In this meeting, they will be able to describe our accommodations, services and programs. To schedule call the office at (860) 486-2020.

Referral for Accessible Van Service

The Accessible Van Line is a division of the Transportation Department and is available to students, faculty and staff with disabilities. This service provides safe and timely campus and local transportation. The department operates four vans, all of which have wheelchair lifts, to ensure that students get to classes, jobs, residences, and activities safely and efficiently.

At the beginning of each semester the CSD forwards a list of permanent van passengers, who generally have use of the van for the entire school year. Temporary passengers are allowed to use the service on an as needed basis. Students with temporary injuries and conditions may call the Van Line directly at 486-4991 to arrange a schedule.

All permanent van passengers are responsible for turning in a copy of their schedules for desired pick up times by a certain date, and the Accessible Van Coordinator will work out a semester schedule. Other pick up times can be called into the Van Line as needed, allowing about a half-hour leeway. Van drivers are required by department regulations and by law to ensure the accommodation and safety of van passengers.

Referral to Campus/Community Resources

The CSD works closely with various departments throughout campus. The CSD is an information and referral source to all University and community programs and services. The CSD will refer students based on need to various services on campus. The CSD works as a liaison service to agencies such as the:

Division of Student Affairs Center for Students with Disabilities