Advocacy and Disclosure
We believe that students are their own best advocates. Because of this and our guidelines on confidentiality, we prefer that you discuss the accommodation that DSPS has recommended directly with your instructor.

To help you do so, during your intake interview your counselor/advisor discusses with you those accommodations you will use. If needed, they can help you formulate how to present your limitations and your needs, especially in the context of a particular class’s requirements. In the student success section of this handbook there are additional materials on self-advocacy.

If you don’t anticipate requesting accommodations from your instructor, you do not need to disclose your involvement with Special Education. If an issue arises later, and you decide to request accommodation, you can consult with your advisor/counselor for guidance, if needed.

If an instructor questions your status as a student with a disability or has concerns about the accommodations, he/she may call the programs. We do not disclose your diagnosis, but will confirm that the proper documentation is on file, and that the accommodations are appropriate.. Often an issue is resolved with a simple clarification. If the situation requires more mediation or information, your counselor/advisor will inform you. Normally DSS or EDC will initiate a dialogue that involves all parties.

Notification to Instructors
The programs do not routinely send notifications or accommodation letters to your instructors. If you want this as a service, you must request it and sign an appropriate “Consent to Release Information” form. Instructors who will have interpreters or real-time captioners in their class do receive an informational packet before the quarter begins.

Steps to Receive Instructor Notifications:
1. Decide if you want an “Instructor Referral” or an “Accommodation Authorization Memo”:
• An “Instructor Referral” states that you are a student with a verified disability and that you will be speaking to the instructor about the accommodation needs DSPS has recommended.
• An “Accommodations Authorization” memo states that you are authorized to receive certain accommodations.

2. Meet with your counselor/advisor to make the request and sign to release the information.

Progress Checks
We encourage students to clarify how they are doing in classes during the quarter by monitoring the feedback on their work, calculating their grade periodically, and talking with instructors. We will assist you in learning a process to use throughout your academic career to evaluate your class progress. However, if you feel it would be useful and you request it, we can also send out mid-quarter Progress Checks to your instructors. We will then share the information with you and help plan any needed interventions.

Steps to Receive Progress Check Service:
1. Meet with counselor/advisor to consider the self-monitoring process. If necessary, request progress check service and specify classes.

2. Sign a consent to send progress checks.

3. Meet with counselor to review instructor feedback.