Frequently Asked Questions

General Disability Information

What constitutes a disability?

A disability is defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as a mental or physical impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities. Learning is an example of a major life activity. If you have a mental or physical condition, a history of such a condition or a condition which may be considered by others as substantially limiting, you may have a legally defined disability.

What does "substantially limiting" mean?

According to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, substantially limiting is defined as being unable to perform a major life activity, or significantly restricted as to the condition, manner, or duration under which a major life activity can be performed, in comparison to the average person or to most people.

What is a major life activity?

According to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, major life activities, include, but are not limited to, the following: caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, learning, and working.

What are reasonable accommodations?

Accommodations are reasonable because they do not alter the essential components of course or degree requirements and do not cause substantial burden on or expense to the institution. Some common reasonable academic accommodations include extended time on tests, use of peer note takers, use of computer with spell check, and provision of sign language interpreters.

Academic Accommodations

How does Student Disability Services determine what accommodations and services I should receive?

Determining factors include students’ needs, recommendations from professionals, institutional resources, and course/degree requirements.

What kinds of accommodations are available through Student Disability Services?

Classroom Accommodations:

• Tape recording lectures
• Notetakers
• Preferential seating
• Use of a speller’s dictionary for in-class writing assignments
• Interpreters, CARTS
• Priority registration
• Reformatted textbooks into Braille, audiotape, electronic or enlarged text

Exam Accommodations:

• Extended time
• Semi-private or private reduced-distraction environment/location
• Reader
• Scribe
• Calculator
• Speller’s Dictionary
• Word Processor
• Reformatted exams into alternative media

Why do students with disabilities receive accommodations? It doesn’t seem fair to other students.

Students with disabilities are as qualified as students without disabilities to attend the University of Iowa. Reasonable accommodations are legally mandated and are intended to provide students with resources to level the playing field. Accommodations give students with disabilities an opportunity to participate in all University academic programs and activities plus be evaluated on their academic ability, not their disability.

Do students with disabilities receive course waivers?

No. The University of Iowa does not grant course waivers. Course substitutions are sometimes possible. Undergraduate students in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences who are interested in this option should contact Student Disability Services at (319) 335-1462.

Does Student Disability Services provide tutoring services?

No. Students registered with Student Disability Services are referred for tutorial services through New Dimensions in Learning (NDIL). Additionally, there are other tutorial programs, labs for math, writing, and speech assistance, a tutor referral network and other campus resources.

What should I do if I miss classes due to my disability?

Students with disabilities may miss classes because of unexpected flare-ups of symptoms or medication adjustments. Students should first consult the course syllabus for the instructor's policy on unexcused absences. If there is no policy available, students should contact the instructor for clarification. Students with disabilities are expected to follow the same absence policies as other students. Students who have frequent symptom flare-ups or are in the process of medication adjustments should discuss their conditions and accommodation needs with Student Disability Services as early as possible.

Are students with disabilities graded differently by instructors?

What should I do if I suspect I have a disability and want to receive accommodations?

Please contact a professional for an evaluation and diagnosis. For students who suspect a learning disability, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or psychiatric disorder, our office can provide a referral list of local professionals. For students who suspect a hearing impairment, the Wendell Johnson Speech and Hearing Center offers evaluation services. For scheduling information, phone (319) 335-8736. Following your evaluation, it is your responsibility to request documentation of your disability be sent to our office.

Are there any campus services that could assist me with determining if I have a disability?

Does Student Disability Services conduct testing to determine if I have a disability?

If I have a temporary condition, can Student Disability Services help me?

Yes. The student should first discuss their condition with their instructor to find out what classroom arrangements can be made. Then the student should contact our office to find out if they are eligible for temporary accommodations. See Temporary Conditions.

Accessibility on Campus

How do I locate accessible routes to as well as entries, restrooms, and elevators in campus buildings?

Accessibility information for many University of Iowa buildings is available online on the UI map site.

If you have additional questions that are not answered by the information provided, please contact our office at (319) 335-1462, TTY (319) 335-1498, or click here.