I am a faculty member and a student just told me he/she has a disability. What do I do?

1. Ask them if they have registered with the Office of Disability Services (ODS) and refer them to ODS if they have not.
2. Feel free to ask them how their disability affects them in order to gain a greater understanding of what specific challenges they might be facing.
3. Consult with ODS regarding the impact of the disability on advising, scheduling, etc.
4. Do not provide a requested accommodation at this time unless the disability is a visible one. Wait until the student presents you with an Access Plan Letter from ODS before you provide requested accommodations.

Recommended Disability Statement for Syllabi

If you need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability, you should contact the Office of Disability Services to arrange an appointment as soon as possible. If you have not previously contacted the Office of Disability Services, please do so as soon as possible. Disability Services will provide you with an Access Plan Letter that will verify your need for services and make recommendations for accommodations to be used in the classroom.

For further information, contact:

The Office of Disability Services
Wilson Hall, Room 107
Voice/TDD: (540) 568-6705
Fax: (540) 568-7099
Email: disability-svcs@jmu.edu
Website: www.jmu.edu/disabilityser/