Questions & Answers for Students
What is a disability?
As defined by law, a disability is a substantial limitation in one or more major life activity. Examples of major life activities including, but are not limited to, walking, listening, reading, eating, sleeping, and learning. Disability services focuses on what accommodations are reasonable in each individual's situation.
Do I need to tell anyone about my disability?
It is your choice whether or not you disclose your disability, even to your professors. If you want to receive accommodations, you must provide documentation of your disability to the Disability Services Coordinator, as well as set up an appointment to meet with her to discuss appropriate accommodations for your specific needs.
How do I document my disability?
You need to provide a current (within the past 3 years) statement from a competent medical professional (doctor, psychiatrist, or other medical professional) that verifies the functional limitations caused by your disability. You will also need to fill out a "Request for Accommodations" form. After the appropriate paperwork is complete, you will need to schedule a meeting with the Disability Services Coordinator to talk about your specific accommodation needs. Your documentation and form may be mailed, faxed or hand delivered to our office at:
Disability Support Services
Christopher Newport University
1 University Place
McMurran Annex 101L
Newport News VA 23606
FAX: 757-594-7465
Email: dss@cnu.edu
When should I provide documentation?
You are strongly encouraged to complete a request for accommodations and provide medical documentation before the semester in which you are needing the services. The earlier you turn in your request and documentation, the sooner we will be able to provide you with your accommodation letters for classes. The Disability Services Coordinator is very busy assisting students throughout the semester, so you are encouraged to set up appointments regarding documentation and accommodation letters as soon as possible (usually before the semester begins or during the first week of the semester).
Where is my documentation kept?
In accordance with state and federal law, documentation regarding your disability is kept in a separate confidential file in the Disability Support Services Office and is not a part of your academic record.
What are "reasonable" accommodations?
A reasonable accommodation is a modification or adjustment to a course, program, service, job, facility or activity that enables a qualified person with a disability to have an equal opportunity. Institutions are obligated to make reasonable accommodations only to know limitations of an otherwise qualified individual. Reasonable accommodations should not alter a course's essential components or in any way "water down" the curriculum or the standards of the institution.
Depending on your specific situation, a reasonable accommodation might include one of the following:
- Extended time (double time) on exams
- A distraction reduced environment during exams
- A note taker to provide supplemental class notes
- Use of a computer or Kurzweil software
- A sign language interpreter for class lectures
The Disability Services Coordinator will go over your documentation and determine what accommodations will be reasonable for your needs.
What is my responsibility in the accommodation process?
Determining appropriate accommodations is a collaborative effort. As a student, you must register with Disability Services and provide documentation of your disability. You also bring vital information and understanding of your own needs as a student. Once the Disability Services Coordinator determines your accommodations, it is your responsibility to follow through with delivering your letters to your instructors, getting forms filled out/returned for note taking requests, calling to schedule testing reservations 1 week (7 days) in advance, being punctual for any schedule appointments or exam reservations, calling to notify the office to cancel, change or reschedule any missed appointments or exam reservations, and finally discussing any accommodations or problems with your professor.
Where can I take an exam?
If your professor is not able to accommodate you in an office, classroom, or other facility for extended testing time or a distraction reduced environment, you may choose to schedule an exam in the Disability Support Services Office. We have one resource room available to use for testing. This is a group room and may not be private. If private accommodations are given by the Disability Services Coordinator, special reservations will be made as long as rooms are available during the requested testing period. Because of our lack of space, we can not guarantee private testing rooms at this time. Also, we request that you call or stop by to reserve space in this room at least one week (7 days) ahead of your scheduled exam date.
How do I schedule an exam?
To schedule an exam, you may stop by the office (McMurran Annex 101L) or call: (757) 594-8852. We request at least 1 weeks notice (7 days) to schedule reservations for exams. If you need to cancel or reschedule your reservation, please call the office to speak with the Disability Services Coordinator.
Who can I call if I have a general question?
If you have a general question regarding disability services, you may call the Disability Support Services administrative assistant or front office staff at: (757) 594-8852.
What can I do if I have a specific question?
If you have a specific or "confidential" question regarding disability services, you have several options:
- You may call the front office staff at (757) 594-8852 and schedule an
appointment with the Disability Services Coordinator
- You may email the Disability Services Coordinator at: dss@cnu.edu
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