Current Students

A student is required to set-up an intake meeting with an Ability Services staff to discuss the student’s learning style, strengths, and academic barriers. Students are asked to share information with staff about how and why their disability makes it difficult for them academically.

The student will be contacted by Ability Services staff when they have determined what reasonable accommodations have been granted to the student. An Educational Support Plan is a record of the accommodations the student is eligible for. This form is for personal record only and is not to be distributed to professors.

This second and final meeting is for student to learn how to appropriately use their accommodations on campus. Students will also obtain their accommodation memos that are distributed to their professors. Students have the liberty to choose which courses will require accommodations. 

Students are responsible for giving their accommodation memos to their professors for every course that they desire accommodations. Students will not receive accommodations’ in their course unless the memo is distributed to the appropriate faculty. Students are encouraged to meet with their professors to discuss their accommodations and their individual learning needs. Students with testing accommodations are asked to turn in test requests one week ahead of time. Students are to request accommodation memos for every new semester.  If a student feels as though an accommodation need is not being met, they are reach out to Ability Services to review their current educational support plan.

A temporary impairment (broken arm or leg, surgery, recovering from surgery, etc.) does not constitute a disability for purposes of Section 504 or the ADA unless its severity is such that it results in a substantial limitation of one or more major life activities for an extended period of time. Temporary accommodations are determined on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration both the duration and expected duration of the impairment, and the extent to which it actually limits a major life activity of the student. Individuals with temporary disabilities are encouraged to connect with Ability Services office to determine whether reasonable accommodations are required.

Temporary disabilities can include, but are not limited to, concussions, broken limbs, or post-surgical procedures. All temporary disabilities are handled on a case-by-case basis so accommodations may not always be available.

Please connect with the Ability Services office to seek out temporary parking accommodations. The Ability Services office is able to arrange a temporary disability parking permit for students who submit a disability parking application that has been signed by a doctor. Such a special parking permit is only valid on campus. The temporary permit expires after 30 days and cannot be renewed through any UWRF office.  See the state links below for the appropriate application found on the website of a Department of Transportation (DOT).  Students should use the DOT website that matches the state where their vehicle is licensed. Students who may need disability parking for more than 30 days, or need it somewhere other than campus, should attempt to acquire a disability parking permit directly from their state’s Department of Transportation. 

Wisconsin:   

http://wisconsindot.gov/Documents/formdocs/mv2933.pdf

Minnesota:   

http://www.mnsu.edu/parking/pdf/NewDisabilityCertificat.pdf

Iowa:          

https://forms.iowadot.gov/FormsMtg/External/411055.pdf

Illinois:            

https://cyberdriveillinois.com/publications/pdf_publications/vsd62.pdf

South Dakota: 

https://www.state.sd.us/eforms/secure/eforms/E0865V7-AppForDisabledParkingPermit.pdf

North Dakota:  

https://www.dot.nd.gov/forms/sfn02886.pdf

For more information on disability parking at UW-River Falls - Please Visit The Parking Office.

Extended Test Time- Most students receive 50% additional time.  Depending on the severity of the impairment, the test time could be adjusted up to 100%.
 

Alternative Testing Location- Most students take exams in distraction reduced locations where a small number of other students may be present. Students who have significant barriers in distractibility and concentration can see benefits in a less stimulating environment. Some students qualify for a private testing room. These students may need more physical space due for wheel chair access, high levels of social anxiety, etc. 

 
Writing Assistance –For students who struggle with writing their responses, students can be offered a scribe to record responses that are dictated from the student.
 

Test Questions Read Aloud- Test questions are read by Ability Services staff who can only read each question as written. No question can be rephrased or reworded. 

This accommodation is for a medical, physical, or brain related issue that limits the ability to write adequate notes.  It is not intended to be a substitute for the need to attend class. The copies of notes are often handwritten and obtained from a classmate. Typically, the classmate does not know the identity of the student who is receiving the notes. Word-processed notes can be arranged if documentation explains why such a thing is important.

Students have opportunities throughout the course of the semester to develop their self-awareness and self-advocacy skills in preparation for meetings with professors to discuss their learning needs, barriers, and accommodation supports. 
Students who are experiencing difficulties obtaining the appropriate accommodations with faculty and staff they can connect with Ability Services for additional supports to aid in the resolving the concern.

Preferential Seating, Priority Registration, Course Substitution Evaluation, Classroom Furniture, Early Access to Course Materials, Reduced Credit Load Recommendation, etc.
 

Alternative format text provides copies of textbooks or other print materials in electronic format, Braille, or another accessible format.

FM System Listening Devices, Spelling Software Programs, Audio Recorders, Screen Readers,