A Step-by-Step Guide for Requesting Support Services

If you’re a student with a disability and need accommodations, follow the steps below. For more detailed information, review our documentation guidelines for students with disabilities.

1. Gather Your Documentation
Review our Documentation Guidelines to see what’s required. You may already have suitable records, or you can share the guidelines with your provider to get documentation that meets the criteria. If you're unsure what to submit, contact us—we're happy to help you explore your options.

2. Become Affiliated
Complete the Online Affiliation Form and submit your documentation. The form allows you to upload files and provide contact info. You can also send documentation via:

• Email: drc@uky.edu
• Fax: 859-257-2754
• In-person: Multidisciplinary Science Bldg., Suite 443

3. Schedule Your Affiliation Meeting
An accommodation consultant will reach out to schedule your initial meeting to discuss accommodation options. Before the meeting, your consultant will review your documentation and let you know if anything else is needed.

4. Attend Your Affiliation Meeting
Come prepared to:

• Talk about how your disability affects you and your learning.
• Learn how accommodations work and the steps you'll need to follow.
• Explore campus resources available to support you.
• Review your class schedule and classroom location.

The University of Kentucky is committed to providing equal access and opportunity for all students. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the university ensures that reasonable accommodations are available for students with documented disabilities.

The Disability Resource Center (DRC) is responsible for coordinating academic accommodations and support services. Eligibility and appropriate accommodations are determined through a review of documentation and, when needed, collaboration between DRC staff, the student, faculty, and others to develop effective, individualized plans that support student success.

Students are encouraged to review their rights and responsibilities related to disability accommodations to ensure they fully understand the process and their role in accessing support through the DRC.

Please watch this brief video explaining flexibility accommodations

https://uk.instructure.com/courses/1989075/pages/flexibility-accommodations

This accommodation is intended to offer a student an extension of the attendance policy in cases where disability symptoms are exacerbated. The number of missed classes and the communication plan are established collaboratively between the faculty member and the student. The student is primarily responsible for notifying the instructor about any disability-related absences. In extenuating circumstances, a DRC consultant may contact the instructor on the student's behalf. A signed agreement confirms mutual understanding and acceptance of the accommodation terms, which may vary based on the individual student and course structure.

First, complete the standard process for requesting accommodations for each course through the AIM Student Portal. Afterward, reach out to your instructors to inform them of your accommodations and request a meeting during office hours to discuss them. For additional details, refer to the Instructor Notification Letter procedure.

• Flexibility accommodations begin after you meet with your instructor and complete the flexibility agreement with both you and your instructor’s signature.
  • Your DRC consultant must also sign for the accommodation to take effect. Send your signed copy to your DRC consultant.
• Your accommodation letter confirms that you are eligible for these accommodations. Instructors do not need any additional information concerning your diagnosis or medical information.
• Instructors need reasonable notice to set up exam accommodations, which is considered at least 7 working days. Without reasonable notice, they may deny your accommodations on an exam.
• Any revisions to your accommodations must be discussed with your consultant in the Disability Resource Center.
• This accommodation also includes the provision to allow students to reschedule an exam due to a sudden exacerbation of symptoms directly related to their disability. The student is primarily responsible for notifying the instructor and the DRC Testing Center they need to reschedule an exam. In extenuating circumstances, a DRC consultant may need to contact the instructor on the student's behalf.
• Students have a responsibility to use this accommodation when necessary and not abuse it. In some cases, further documentation of the student’s condition may be required by the DRC.

While students are expected to follow established classroom policies, there are disabilities with unpredictable or cyclical acute episodes that support flexibility with attendance policy as an appropriate accommodation.

Attendance policies still apply. This accommodation requires the instructor to consider the function of attendance for a particular class and make a reasonable decision for the requirement. For some classes (ex., primarily lecture-based classes), attendance may not be as essential, and more leniency can be made. However, in a seminar class, lab, field trip, or class where group projects are completed or active participation is required, attendance becomes an essential function of the class, and absences will interfere with the student’s (and their classmates’) educational experience.

What do I do if the faculty member does not provide me with flexibility with the attendance policy or I do not agree with the flexibility offered?
Discuss this with your DRC Consultant, this accommodation is unique for each individual student and determinations will be made on a case-by-case basis. The DRC Consultant will collaborate with the student and instructor in making a decision.

When should I talk with my faculty about this accommodation?

This accommodation is intended to be discussed early in the semester between students and faculty and negotiate a plan.

This accommodation is designed to provide a student with the ability to submit assignments past the scheduled submission date due to their disability without academic penalty. The amount of additional time offered is based on assignment type and the reasonableness of the accommodation.

This accommodation is determined collaboratively with the Faculty Member, Student, and DRC. A signed agreement confirms all parties agree to the terms of this accommodation, which may vary based on individual students and courses.

What do I do if the faculty member does not provide me with flexibility with due dates?

• Discuss this with your DRC Consultant. Some assignments may not be appropriate for this accommodation. This accommodation is unique for each individual student and course. Determinations will be made on a case-by-case basis.

• Students are required to meet with faculty members to discuss this accommodation and to create a signed flexibility agreement between the student and faculty.
• When this accommodation is needed, the student should notify the instructor of their intent to use the accommodation in accordance with the flexibility agreement signed by the student and instructor.
• The instructor reserves the right to request the student submit their work-to-date when utilizing their Flexibility with Due Date accommodation.
• This accommodation is intended to be discussed early in the semester between students and faculty and negotiate a plan.
• This accommodation cannot be utilized retroactively for missed assignments prior to a signed faculty agreement.
• This accommodation will not take effect until a signed agreement has been completed.

Students have a responsibility to use this accommodation when necessary and not abuse it.

 Flexibility with Attendance and Rescheduling Exam Agreement

 Flexibility with Due Dates Agreement