SAS FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions for Students

When should I request accommodations?

Students should request accommodations (initial intake) as soon as possible, but no later than two weeks before the start of their first semester.  It is NOT necessary to request accommodations every semester.  Students should notify the SAS office of any changes to the request and/or changes to their class schedule. 

How do I request accommodations?

Visit the Student Accessibility Services website and complete the online Application for Student Accessibility Services.

Do I have to come to campus to have an appointment with an Accessibility Advisor?

No. Students may request an appointment by calling the SAS office at (850) 201-8430.

What if my documentation is from junior high school and/or more than 5 years old? 

The currency requirement is  5 years or less.  The currency of the evaluation will be assessed based on the typical progression of the disability, its interaction with development across the lifespan, the presence or absence of significant events (since the date of the evaluation) that would impact functioning, and how the information applies to the current situation of the request for accommodations.  Given this, different disabilities may have different document currencies for the stated reason (s).  Other documentation may be necessary.

Will my Individual Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan work for documentation?

Individual Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan reflects education and accommodation history and MAY or MAY NOT be used to determine the reasonableness of specific accommodations. The Plan should be 5 years old or less; however, not all secondary accommodations are applicable in postsecondary settings. Other documentation may be necessary.  If a student has an IEP or 504 and cannot provide updated documentation, they will have to complete a Provisional Services Agreement.

*Provisional accommodations are intended to provide short-term support while a student gathers necessary documentation. They are available one semester at a time.

How will my professors know about my accommodations?

Implementing academic accommodations is a shared responsibility between the student, the instructor, and the College. Students are 
responsible for requesting that their accommodation letter be sent to their instructors. Accommodation letters are requested through Workday. NOTE: Accommodations are not retroactive; they are for future/ongoing use unless otherwise indicated as “provisional” with a specific applicable term.

How to Request an Accommodation Letter

  1. Log in to Workday
  2. Click on the “Academic & Advising Hub”
  3. Click on “TSC Accommodations”. (This will then take you to the Student Accommodation Dashboard)
  4. Click on “Select Accommodations”
  5. To have your accommodation letter sent, please click on the box or boxes next to the class.

While professors will receive this letter, students are strongly encouraged to communicate with their professor early and often about reading accommodations, as requesting them the day before an exam is too late.

What if I need testing assistance? 

The Accommodated Testing Center assists eligible students in utilizing their accommodations during testing. The Adaptive Computer Lab provides students with a wide range of technology, including computer workstations, copiers, scanners, JAWS, ZoomText, Dragon NaturallySpeaking, and Kurzweil.

Location: FPAC Room 219 Hours: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Phone (Voice): (850) 201-8271

E-mail: ACCTesting@tsc.fl.edu

What if my classes are online or remote?

All students with accommodations can be provided, regardless of the class format.

 

Frequently Asked Questions for Faculty and Staff

How do I know if a student has approved accommodations? 

 Students with approved accommodation will have the ability to request that their accommodation letter be sent directly to you. The student does the process through their Workday account. This letter will detail the specific accommodations for which they are eligible. You should avoid directly asking a student about their disability.

If a student self-discloses a disability to me and wants accommodations, am I obligated to provide them without official paperwork from SAS? 

No. If you are approached by a student without documentation, direct them to the Student Accessibility Services office to initiate the process of determining whether they qualify.

What if an accommodation seems to fundamentally alter the nature of my course or an essential requirement? 

If you believe an accommodation fundamentally alters the nature of your course or an essential requirement, do not unilaterally deny it. Instead, contact the Student Accessibility Services office to discuss your concerns. The SAS Office will work with you to determine if an alternative accommodation can be provided or if a fundamental alteration truly exists. 

Can I ask a student about the nature of their disability to better understand how to provide accommodations?

No. You should not ask students about the nature or details of their disability. This is confidential information. Your role is to implement the approved accommodation as outlined in the official accommodation letter.

What should I do if a student with accommodations still struggles in my class despite receiving their accommodations? 

Encourage the student to connect with theStudent Accessibility Services Office to review their accommodations or explore additional support services. You can also suggest academic support resources available on campus (e.g., Learning Commons for tutoring, success coaches). Continue to provide the approved accommodations.

What if students with accommodations don't use their approved accommodations? Am I still responsible for them?

You are responsible for making the accommodations available and implementing them when the student requests them. If a student chooses not to utilize an accommodation, that is their decision. However, ensure they are aware that the accommodation is available to them.

Where can I go if I have further questions or concerns about a specific student or accommodation? 

Always contact the Student Accessibility Services Office (SAS) on campus. The SAS office is an expert in disability law and academic accommodations, supporting students and faculty. Please get in touch with the SAS office if you have any additional questions or concerns.

(850) 201-8430 

sas@tsc.fl.edu

Monday- Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. 

Located in TPP 141 (same entrance/front desk as the TSC Counseling Center