Quick Reference Guide

Welcome to Disability Services. Our mission is to remove obstacles to a liberal arts education, by providing support and accommodations to otherwise qualified students with both visible and invisible disabilities while they embark on their pursuit of knowledge.  We stand behind their journey towards a goal of using their talents, aspirations and intelligence to play a significant role in our democratic society.  We are also committed to promoting a universal design in education, architecture and product design to improve the environment for all citizens and to decrease the need to ask for special accommodations.

Student Responsibilities

•        Communicate a need for accommodations in a timely manner to the DS Office.
•        Provide documentation to DS.
•        Be aware of DS policies and procedures 

•        Plan ahead! You cannot request accommodations in retrospect.

Getting Started

1. Ensure your documention of disability form or psycho-educational evaluations have been received by the DS office.
2. Schedule an intake meeting with the director of Disability Services, Peggy Perno, to register and discuss your accommodation needs. Appointments can be made directly with DS administrative assistant, Ruby Collins, or the CWLT administrative assistant, Sherry Munson.
3. Continually assess how the accommodations are assisting your academic progress and report it to the DS Staff.

Remember that accommodations must be formally requested for each class, every semester...

Steps for Requesting Accommodations:

1. At the beginning of each semester, when your schedule is set, complete a Student Accommodation Request Form with the link found here and return it to DS, in Howarth 105.
   • These forms are also available at the DS front desk (Howarth 105).
2. Within two days, you will receive an email notifying you of further action to your request for accommodations. For instance, if you have requested extended time on tests, you will be notified to pick-up your completed Exam Accommodation Forms at DS to distribute to your professors.

3. Schedule meetings with your professors to discuss your accommodations and/or alternative test arrangements (if applicable).

Additional Steps for Test Taking Accommodations:

1. When meeting with professors to discuss your accommodations and have your forms signed, clarify the steps needed before each exam, including timeline, to remind them of your exam accommodations. This is especially important if you intend to take a test in the DS office. Clarify how each test will be delivered to Disability Services.
2. Have your professors complete and sign all forms.
3. Return signed Exam Accommodations Forms to Disability Services, Howarth 105.
4. Schedule all exams/quizzes a minimum of 3 days in advance.   Exams can be scheduled in the reception area of Disability Services or by emailing disabilityservices@pugetsound.edu. 
   • Important note: DS hours are 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. During final exam week DS hours are 8:00 a.m. -7:00 p.m.
5. Note any special accommodations for exams (i.e. need of a scribe, computer, private room, enlarged print test, etc.).
   • You must email the DS office at least one week prior to your test if you require a scribe or private room.

6. Arrive for your exam at your reserved time with cell phones turned off.

Frequently asked questions about Test Taking Accommodations:

Can I start an exam early to receive my extra time?  Yes, you can receive extra time either before or after the class. For example, if you have 50% extra time for a 50 minute, full class exam, starting at 10:00 a.m., you could start the exam at 9:35 a.m..  In this example, you receive 25 extra minutes and you will end the exam at the same time as your class. The other option is to start the exam at 10:00 a.m. and end at 11:15 a.m.; 25 minutes after your class.

What about quizzes?  Quizzes are handled the same way as a regular exam. If your professor uses pop quizzes, please explain to them that they can schedule a pop quiz for you by emailing the details to disabilityservices@pugetsound.edu.

Do I have to take an exam at Disability Services to receive my accommodations?  Not always.  If you prefer to take the exam with your class and your professor is able and willing to provide the accommodation, then DS does not need to proctor.  Sometimes a professor prefers to proctor their own exams and they have an appropriate space for reduced distraction. However, in most cases, students receive exam accommodations at Disability Services.

How do I receive extra time for an exam when I have consecutive classes?  It is important to factor in exam accommodations when scheduling classes. When there is a confict, you will need to speak with your professors for permission and coordination to take the exam at another time.

Please remember that DS must have at least 3 days advanced notice to ensure proper staffing

 Steps for Acquiring a Scribe (Note taker):

1. At the beginning of each semester, when your schedule is set, complete a Student Accommodation Request Form and check "note taker." These forms are also available at the CWLT front desk, Howarth 105. 
2. If you were not previously approved for this accommodation, you will be contacted and asked to schedule an appointment with the director of Disability Services, Peggy Perno, to discuss your request.
3. If you have previously been approved for a scribe the disability services specialist, Dara Cirincione,will review your request form and arrange for notetakers.
   • Arranging for scribes can take up to two weeks so please plan accordingly.
4. Students will be contacted by DS during the semester regarding these accommodations to confirm they are working effectively.

5. If a student does not find the accommodation necessary, the accommodation will be provided on a case by case basis in future semesters.

Steps for Acquiring Alternative Texts:

1. At the beginning of each semester, when your schedule is set, complete a Student Accommodation Request Form and check "etexts." If you are already approved for etexts, you will also fill out an Alternative Format Request form. These forms are also available at the CWLT front desk, Howarth 105. 
2. Turn in your form(s) to DS Office as soon as possible after registering for classes.  For future semesters, please submit your request form at least four weeks prior to the start of each semester.
3. Once you submit your forms, you will receive an email requesting a meeting with the disability services specialist, Dara Cirincione, to discuss your needed texts for the upcoming semester.
4. When DS has received the requested texts, you will receive another email asking you to make an appointment with the disability services specialist, Dara Cirincione, to download your texts to your laptop, mobile device, or thumb drive.
5. Students will be contacted by DS during the semester regarding these accommodations to verify that they are working effectively for your needs.
6. If a student does not find the accommodation necessary, the accommodation will be provided on a case by case basis in future semesters.

Appointments can be made directly with the DS administrative assistant, Ruby Collins, or the CWLT administrative assistant, Sherry Munson.

Disability Services Contact Information 

disabilityservices@pugetsound.edu

253.879.3395

Fax:  253.879.3786