Office of Disability Services
The Office of Disability Services will work to provide students with disabilities a learning environment that provides them with full engagement, equal access and reasonable accommodations, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Accommodations related to academic, social, and campus accessibility issues are coordinated through the Office of Disability Services. Housing accommodations are coordinated through the Office of Residential Life.
Augustana provides reasonable and appropriate accommodations for students with a documented disability, which is defined as "a person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activity. This includes people who have a record of such an impairment, even if they do not currently have a disability. It also includes individuals who do not have a disability but are regarded as having a disability" (adata.org, 2019).
The Office of Disability Services will assess each student on a case-by-case basis.
Types of accommodations
Some examples of common accommodations include classroom modifications, adaptive equipment, testing arrangements, note-takers, and air-conditioned rooms in residence halls. For a comprehensive list of accommodations offered at Augustana, please contact the Office of Disability Services.
Documentation of a student’s disability must be current within the last three to five years. It must include a specific diagnosis, and must be from a qualified professional (i.e. licensed therapist, physician, or medical doctor). A current individual educational plan (IEP) or 504 plan also is considered acceptable documentation.
Testing accommodations
Faculty members may request assistance with testing accommodations for students who have approved accommodations from Augustana's Office of Disability Services using the Testing Accommodations Request Form. This request must be received at least one week (5 business days) in advance of the administration of the exam to ensure availability of space and a proctor.
Accommodations process
Students seeking accommodations must register with the Office of Disability Services and attach the appropriate current supporting documentation (please see the accommodations request form).
Once a student’s current documentation is received, the student will schedule an appointment to meet with the director of Disability Services for an intake appointment. Every effort will be made to expedite review, but students should note that processing and final accommodation arrangements normally take two to three weeks.
A student with a medical condition(s) who is adversely affected by another student's accommodation should contact the Director of Disability Services if they have a health or safety related concern. The student registering the concern will be asked to provide medical documentation that identifies the condition(s), allowing a determination to be made as to whether the condition is disabling and whether there is a need for an accommodation.
Accommodations Appeal
Augustana College recognizes that disagreements may occur about the reasonable nature of or implementing an accommodation. Augustana College students and employees may appeal decisions regarding their disability eligibility and any denial of accommodation. If a student/employee believes that they have been denied equal access in the form of accommodations, auxiliary aids, or other modifications, they may pursue an appeal by completing this form. The 504 Coordinator will review the request, including any new or updated documentation, and provide a final written determination within 10 business days. Concerns related to currently approved accommodation should be addressed with the Office of Disability Services for students and Human Resources for employees.
Contacts
For housing accommodations, contact Amanda Tumbarello, assistant director of Residential Life and medical support coordinator, 309-794-2686; fax 309-794-7152. By mail: Attn. Amanda Tumbarello, 639 38th St., Rock Island, Ill. 61201.
Residential Life coordinates accommodations for students with special needs in their living spaces, including approval for emotional support animals. The office is in Andreen Hall and is open from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.
For academic or other accommodations, contact the Office of Disability Services. Office hours are 8 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays in Olin Center 320. By mail: Attn. Disability Services, 639 38th St., Rock Island, Ill. 61201.