Student Services

Students requesting disability-related accommodations, communication access services, or support through Access & Disability Resources (ADR) should begin by completing the Accommodation Request Form.

This form helps ADR understand:

• Why you are contacting ADR
• Any disability-related barriers you are experiencing
• Supports or accommodations you would like to discuss
• Whether you have previously received accommodations
• Whether documentation is available for review

Students who have not yet been admitted to Saint Paul College and do not have a StarID should contact ADR directly at ADR@saintpaul.edu for assistance.

After your request is submitted, ADR will review the information you provide, including any documentation you choose to share.

Depending on your situation, ADR may:

• Review and process your request without requiring a meeting;
• Request additional information;
• Consult with you by phone or email; or
• Invite you to schedule a meeting with ADR.

Not all requests require a meeting. ADR will determine the most appropriate next step based on the nature of your request and the information available.

When additional discussion is needed, ADR will work with you through an interactive process to better understand:

Depending on your situation, ADR may:

• Disability-related barriers
• Previous accommodations and supports
• Educational experiences
• Documentation
• Accommodation implementation needs

The goal of this process is to identify reasonable accommodations that provide equitable access while maintaining the essential requirements of courses, programs, and activities.

Once accommodations have been approved, ADR will prepare an accommodation letter outlining the accommodations available to you. We will email you a PDF copy, and with your permission, a copy to your instructors.

Students may choose whether and when to use approved accommodations in their classes.

If you have questions about your accommodations or how they are implemented, please contact ADR.

Accommodation needs may change over time.

Students should contact ADR if:

• Their disability-related needs change;
• Current accommodations are not effective;
• Additional accommodations may be needed;
• They encounter barriers accessing courses, programs, services, or activities; or
• They have questions about accommodation implementation.

ADR is available throughout your time at Saint Paul College and is not limited to the initial accommodation request process.

Testing accommodations require that both the student and their professor complete certain steps. This process must be done for each test.

After completing an intake and ensuring testing with accommodations is an accommodation, you may initiate a test by filling out a Testing with Accommodation Form. You can access this form by emailing the ADR office or stopping by for a paper copy.

The Testing with Accommodation Form must be filled out completely by both the student and instructor. Upon completion, ADR will help schedule your test in the Testing Center or ADR’s private testing space.

Common testing accommodations are:

• Taking tests in a reduced distraction or private room
• Extended time on exams and quizzes
• Use of approved assistive technology, like Text-to-Speech or dictation

ADR will work with publishers, disability-access repositories, and other sources to obtain an accessible version when available.

After completing an intake and ensuring alternative textbooks are listed as an accommodation, send ADR an email with the ISBN (thirteen-digit number usually on the barcode) and proof of purchase for the textbook needed. ADR will complete the next steps and follow up directly with the alternative text.

The college abides by copyright law eligibility, meaning that only students with a verified disability and proof of purchase are eligible for alternative texts.

After completing an intake, ensure that ASL Interpretation or CART services are an approved accommodation. Confirm your course schedule with the ADR team and communicate which courses need these services. Requesting ASL or CART services must be done each semester.

Please reach out to the ADR team prior to each semester to confirm your accessibility need and course schedule.

ADR is a student facing office, but we are here to help. If you are seeking support implementing an accommodation, please email us: adr@saintpaul.edu.

Faculty may choose to implement inclusive classroom practices that help remove barriers that often exclude students with disabilities from full participation. The following should be adapted to all teaching practices:

• Never deny accommodation requests without consulting ADR.
• Include an accessibility statement on all syllabi.
• Post class notes and PowerPoint slides online.
• Identify course readings early to allow time for the creation of accessible materials.
• Select only captioned videos; contact ADR early to get support captioning uncaptioned materials.
• If present, ensure ASL Interpreters and CART captioners have appropriate placement in the classroom.
• Ensure class activities, including field trips, are accessible.

More information about digital accessibility and Equity by Design connect with the Academic Effectiveness and Innovation office https://www.saintpaul.edu/employees/aei/

If you believe an accommodation should be denied, you will need to fill out a Faculty Denial of Approved Accommodation form. This form is available from the ADR office. The Director of ADR will review the denial and partner with the you to find alternative reasonable accommodations.

If you suspect a student could benefit from an accommodation, please fill out our Access and Disability Resources Referral form.