Accommodation Services

Application For Accommodations Process

Enrolled or Potential Students Seeking Accommodations for the First Time at Kirkwood

1. Submit an an application and provide supporting documentation.

Before you begin your Application for Accommodations, you will need to have your Kirkwood Knumber and password. Click here to submit an Application for Accommodations and select "New Student Application." While filling out the online application for accommodations, you will be asked to upload documentation supporting your request to assist in determining eligibility for accommodations. Documentation may also be submitted by email, or fax to the Learning Services office. Please see the Documentation Guidelines for information on types of documentation we accept and information that will help determine your eligibility. 

If you need any assistance in filling out this application or obtaining documentation, please contact the Learning Services office at 319-398-5574.

2. Initial Meeting.

Once your application and documentation has been reviewed, you will be notified via email with instructions about scheduling an initial meeting with an Accommodations Access Advocate. At this meeting, the Accommodations Access Advocate will get to know you, and discuss supports and work to determine reasonable accommodations for you. Accommodation letters will then be delivered to instructors via email. 

3. Follow Up.

Contact your Accommodations Access Advocate with any questions or concerns regarding your accommodations and/or classes. They are here to support you! 

Continuing Education Courses, State Exams or High School Completion

Kirkwood Community College provides accommodations for non-credit courses through Kirkwood's Continuing Education department, State Licensure Exams (e.g. CNA State Exam, Journeyperson Licensure, HESI, TEAS) and/or for students enrolled in the High School Completion Program. To request accommodations for these types of classes and/or exams, complete the following steps: 

1. At least two (2) weeks prior to your course and/or exam: Complete an Application for Accommodations and provide supporting documentation. 

2. Once your application and documentation has been reviewed, you will be notified via email with instructions about scheduling an initial meeting with an Accommodations Access Advocate. At this meeting, the Accommodations Access Advocate will get to know you, and discuss supports and work to determine reasonable accommodations for you.

Current Accommodation Students 

Need to renew your accommodations? Click here for information on How to Renew Accommodations

Documentation Guidelines for Submitting an Accommodations Request

Please upload a copy of documentation with your application. If you need help obtaining documentation, or have any questions or concerns regarding acceptable documentation please email learningservices@kirkwood.edu.

All paper documentation can be submitted to the Dean of Students office, 3034 Iowa Hall. 

Kirkwood Community College accepts the following types of documentation:

• A recent IEP or 504 plan 
• A psychoeducational or neuropsychological evaluation
• A letter from a current physician, psychologist, counselor, or other licensed professional
• Any relevant medical records
• A Summary of Performance or Support for Accommodation Request Form (SAR Form)
• A copy of an accommodation letter from a previous college or university

Documentation must include the following:

1. Clear statement of the disability (e.g. diagnosis)
2. A summary of assessment procedures and evaluation instruments used to make the diagnosis
3. Describes how the disability impacts the student’s major life activities specifically  learning
4. Summary of educational, developmental and/or medical history
5. Recommendations of reasonable accommodations which are appropriate at the postsecondary level
6. Must be typed, on an official letterhead, and must include a qualified professional’s credentials.

We will not accept any of the following as documentation:

1. Handwritten letters from licensed professionals.
2. Entries from patient medical charts.
3. Information written on prescription pads.
4. Information that is illegible.
5. Self-evaluations.
6. Information from non-professionals.
7. Research articles.
8. Documentation provided by a member of the student’s family

Click the document below for a downloadable copy of the documentation guidelines.

Reasonable Accommodations

Reasonable accommodations are academic adjustments that allow a student with a disability to have an equal opportunity to meet an academic standard or requirement. Reasonable accommodations...  

• Do Not Reduce the established course standards or learning objectives.
• Do not lessen the expectations required of a college student to fulfill general academic responsibilities.

Reasonable accommodations are determined through an interactive process based on individual needs related to a disability, documentation, and course or program standards, outcomes, and objectives. Accommodations Access Advocates will facilitate and assist students and faculty through this process and make the determination of a reasonable accommodation. Some examples of reasonable accommodations include:

• Testing accommodations: additional time when taking a test, a quiet environment for testing, having the test read to you or having a scribe to write answers.

• Recording class lectures: using a recording device when the instructor is lecturing to allow you to listen to the recording at a later time for the purpose of completing notes or re-learning material. (Will be allowed if there are no discussions protected by privacy laws within the lecture).

• Other note-taking aides: having access to lecture notes, power point slides or other note-taking aides provided by the instructor. 

• Specific seating location in class or adjustments to desks, chairs and tables within the classroom: to allow optimal access to the classroom experience.

• Alternative Text: allows students to receive their textbooks in an electronic format. Read&Write software will be downloaded to your personal computer, which allows you to hear the textbook being read as you follow along. Read&Write software has many features to enhance you reading and writing experience and is provided free of charge. Learn more about alternative text and how you can get started at www.kirkwood.edu/alternativetext.

• Assistive Technology: students can learn about additional technology aides which may enhance their educational experience.  

• Sign Language Interpreters: are provided to deaf and hard of hearing students who know American Sign Language (ASL).

• Other requests for accommodations will be reviewed on a case by case basis. Please talk with an Accommodations Access Advocate.