FAQs

General 

What should I do if a student discloses disability information to me?

Please refer the student to SDAC. SDAC works with a wide range of disabilities and health conditions, with a focus on ensuring equal access for students. They should follow the Application Process to work with SDAC.

What is a Notification of Accommodation Letter?

A Notification of Accommodation Letter is a letter from an Accessibility Specialist at SDAC, which lists the specific recommended academic accommodations for an individual student. A student who has an Accommodation Letter, dated in the semester in which the class is taking place, is currently registered with SDAC and has provided SDAC with appropriate documentation of their disability.

How do I find out who my student's SDAC advisor is?

The easiest way is for you to respond to the email you received with the Notification of Accommodations for the individual student (the correct email will be generated when you hit “respond”). However, you are also welcome to email [email protected] and we will route your communication accordingly.

 

 

Testing

Which students can use the Testing Center?

Testing accommodations and the use of the SDAC Testing Center is ONLY for students registered with SDAC with approved testing accommodations.

Do all students with testing accommodations need to test with SDAC?

No. In fact, when faculty are able to proctor students with testing accommodation, it frees up a space for a student who doesn’t have that option. If you are not able to proctor your exams, please provide SDAC with the proctoring instructions and refer the student to schedule their exams with SDAC.

How do I submit proctoring instructions?

Please visit our Exam Proctoring page to learn more information. We will need faculty to submit proctoring instructions each semester for each individual course at least one week before the first exam date (although ideally earlier). Proctoring instructions can be applied across all quizzes and exams or they can differ. The student will not be able to schedule their exam with us until proctoring instructions are submitted by the instructor.

I already include extra time on my exams; do I need to add extra time for students with testing accommodations?

In general, yes. Multiple Office of Civil Rights resolution agreements advise that the additional extension of time must still be provided. 

If you feel the time you allot for all students to take your assessment is sufficient, please contact SDAC. We will need quantifiable data that indicates the average time it takes students (without accommodations) to complete the exact same assessment in order to determine if we are in compliance legally.  

Can students access Generative AI on SDAC Computers?

SDAC computers are blocked against usage of many commonly used Generative AI websites. A current list of these websites can be found here.

Complaints / Grievances

What is the process if a student complains to SDAC about me or my class regarding their accommodations?

SDAC first will try to resolve any complaints through an informal process. After that, if there is no satisfactory outcome, then SDAC will initiate the deliberative process. In the course of that process, an SDAC representative will reach out to the faculty member and other appropriate departmental representatives for a meeting to carefully consider the specifics of the situation.

What should I do if a grievance is filed against me?

At any point, a student may file either an internal complaint through EOCR, or externally to the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights. More information about this process can be found at the Office for Equal Opportunity and Civil Rights website.

 

Accommodation Clarity

Provision of accommodations outside what is listed on the SDAC Notification of Accommodation Letter is at the discretion of the instructor.

Why must I provide academic accommodations for students with disabilities?

In compliance with federal and state laws and University policy, UVA is committed to ensuring that students with disabilities have full access to all aspects of the university experience that are available to all students. Academic accommodations are designed to provide that access. The Student Disability Access Center (SDAC) has been designated as the campus entity that determines a student's eligibility for accommodations and services on the basis of disability.

Are accommodations retroactive?

No. Accommodations are applied when faculty Notification of Accommodation letters are sent.

I don’t feel comfortable with recordings.

See the Academic Accommodations page for more information regarding the university policy.

What does reduced distraction mean?

SDAC defines reduced distraction as a setting outside the usual classroom with fewer individuals that makes a reasonable effort to limit auditory and visual interruptions. For example, a 200-person lecture hall with heavy foot traffic would not be considered reduced distraction. This accommodation does NOT mean that they have to take their exams at SDAC, nor does it mean they have to have their own room. In SDAC, students with this accommodation take it in a room with individual cubicles for 15-20 students.

What if my student wants remote participation? Is this an accommodation SDAC offers?

In certain extreme cases, remote participation can be approved as a disability-related modification if a student’s disability makes them unable to participate in-person. Please visit the Remote Participation Accommodation for more information about this process. Should this accommodation be considered, SDAC Advisors will work with faculty and other University officials to determine if this accommodation would fundamentally alter the course learning objectives.

What if my student needs more than the General Plan for Reasonable Modification of Attendance/Assignment Deadlines?

If a specific course or student’s situation requires adjustment to the General Plan, an Individualized Reasonable Modification Plan will need to be agreed upon by the student, professor, and SDAC. For more information please access the Reasonable Modification of Assignment Deadline and Reasonable Modification of Attendance Policy pages.

What is one of my students has a temporary injury or is sick (flu/COVID)

Please see our Temporary Accommodations page that provides some strategies that may provide immediate support for individuals with temporary conditions such as an injury.

 

Other

How can I see what students in my class have accommodations?

The easiest way is for you to log into the SDAC Faculty Portal. The page will list the name of each student and indicates their accommodations.

You may also use the UVACanvas Accommodation Details Tool to view a list of students with accommodations most relevant to Canvas (e.g. extra time). Learning Technology Services offers instructions on how to use this tool.

Note: The Accommodation Details tool is not intended to replace the SDAC Faculty Portal. It is meant to provide quick access to student accommodation information within UVACanvas.

Why am I getting accommodation letters in the middle or late part of the semester?

Students are encouraged to provide the Notification of Accommodation Letter to faculty as early as possible. Given the nature of new or ongoing diagnoses/conditions, this can occur at any time throughout the semester.

What if accommodations don’t apply to my classes?

It depends. For example, if you receive an accommodation letter that indicates the testing accommodation of extended time but your course does not include timed tests, just inform the student. Or if you already provide all students access to class recordings, again, just inform the student about where to access those recordings.

Accommodations are designed to remove disability-related barriers to classroom learning. If you believe the specific academic accommodation fundamentally alters your course or program of study, contact the student’s SDAC Advisor or call or email SDAC at [email protected] or 434-243-5180.

What should I do if I’m questioning my student’s use of their accommodations?

Contact the student’s SDAC Advisor as soon as possible. SDAC would rather know about these issues sooner rather than later so we can address them.

I do not have time to meet with each student with accommodations individually, what can I do?

National data indicates that between 10-15% of the students in a single course may qualify for services through SDAC. We recognize this number can be a lot of students for some courses.  A few possible solutions: 

  • Create a Canvas page specifically for students with SDAC accommodations that provides instructions on specific accommodations.
  • Include specific instructions for students in your syllabus. 
  • Create an email template that you send out to the student in response to receiving the faculty Notification of Accommodation Letter. In that email you can address the specifics of their accommodations. 
  • Have the students meet with you during your standard office hours (but be sure to maintain confidentiality).

We are happy to provide you with additional examples if needed; email [email protected].