Ability Services

Ability Services is as committed as ever to provide support to UWRF students during alternative instruction.

• General Inquires: email us at ability.services@uwrf.edu or call 715-425-0740
• Begin the Process for Accommodations: complete the New Student Application below 
  • Video: How to Complete Your New Student Application
• New Diagnosis: email us at ability.services@uwrf.edu or call 715-425-0740 to determine if an adjustment in accommodation is needed
• Request Faculty Notification Letters. This is for returning students who have used approved accommodations during a previous semester at UWRF.
  • Video: Requesting Your Accommodations Each Semester Using A.S. Connect 
  • Video: Introduction to A.S. Connect E-Form Agreements 

When discussion beyond email is requested by either party, we regularly meet virtually with students through Microsoft Teams. There is more information on Virtual Meetings shown below.

Campus Collaboration

With many classes moved to an online format, recognize that creating accommodations meant for in-person instruction will take a creative and collaborative effort by students, faculty, and Ability Services staff. The Ability Services office is connecting with relevant campus stakeholders to ensure reasonable accommodation needs are met during this time. 

If you have concerns about reasonable accommodations during the alternative instruction time period, please email Alicia Reinke-Tuthill, Manager of Ability Services.  If you'd rather leave a message, please call 715-425-0740.

New to the office and wondering who we are?

The mission of the Ability Services office is to arrange equal access and opportunity for students in the way of academic accommodations, inclusivity, and accessibility in the campus community and culture.

Ability Services serves students with a documented disability who need to arrange academic accommodations for their classes. A disability under ADA may include ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Acquired Brain Injury, PTSD, or a physical, sensory, psychological, or learning disability.

Please see the Future Students Page on the left column to learn more about the process of arranging accommodations. For a basic overview of our office, what to expect, and information on reasonable accommodations, check out the Information to Know for New Students.

Request Accommodations in college:

1. New Student Application

2. Complete the New Student Application.
3. Submit Documentation with the application if possible. 
4. Email the Ability Services office to set-up an intake appointment

Application Hints:

• Username: Student I.D. number, otherwise known as your W# (Example: w31xxxxx). 
• Use your UWRF assigned email address on the application. Emails are formatted as such: first.lastname@my.uwrf.edu.

A.S. Connect Helpful Video Tutorials

• Requesting Your Accommodations Each Semester Using A.S. Connect 
• How to Complete Your New Student Application 
• How to Complete a Parent Release of Information Through A.S. Connect
• Introduction to A.S. Connect E-Form Agreements 

Accommodations for

UWRF Placement Testing

If you request accommodations a placement test under non-standard conditions due to a disability, do not register online. Instead, send a letter on high school letterhead from a teacher, counselor, or principal describing the appropriate accommodations you need.

With the letter, please include:

1. Your address and telephone number
2. Which site you would like to test at
3. Which UW campus you plan to enroll

Email this information to tnoconno@wisc.edu, or mail to:

Tim O'Connor, 1025 West Johnson Street, Madison, WI 53706

123 David Rodli Hall

East of Centennial Science Hall 

BEGIN the Process:

Complete the New Student Application on this page. Once completed, make an Intake appointment by emailing the Ability Services office. Provide two available meeting times. You will be contacted by email to confirm your Intake appointment with Alicia Reinke-Tuthill. 

Onboard Training for Incoming Students (New)

• Intro to Ability Services 
• Preparing for Your Intake Appointment
• Developing a Disability Disclosure Script and Pre-Advising Tips

Returning students with approved accommodations at UWRF:

Request your Faculty Notification Letters from Ability Services. It's recommended you share your accommodations with your professors at the beginning of each semester in order to provide you the best support.

If you have a new diagnosis or would like to discuss a change in approved accommodations, please request an appointment with Ability Services to initiate a review for eligible accommodations. 

Enrolled students at UWRF with a new diagnosis or an intent to request accommodations:

During Fall and Spring semesters, requests for accommodations need to be completed approximately 5 weeks before the end of the term. Any requests made past the deadline will be at the discretion of the Ability Services Manager to determine if accommodations can be offered for the rest of the semester. For more information on this deadline, please review the "Accommodation Deadline Request Policy" found on our Policies page. 

Important dates to watch during the semester:

Term Deadlines: Last day to add a class, drop a class, register for graduation, registration for various term courses, breaks (no classes), finals, etc.

Person-First VS. Identity-First Language 

Learn more about person-first vs. identity-first language in the disability community 

ADAAA

The Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) is a civil rights law that was originally passed by Congress in 1990 (as the Americans with Disabilities Act-ADA) and protects individuals with disabilities from discrimination in the workplace, as well as school and other settings. The ADA was amended in 2008 and became effective January 1, 2009.