Accommodation Services

Can I Receive Academic Accommodations in College? 

Accommodations are available for students enrolled in credit classes, continuing education courses, or are taking a licensed exam through Kirkwood.

Have you had Accommodations in High School or at another College or University? Are you an individual with a disability, including but not limited to: learning disability, mental health (anxiety/depression), physical health condition, or even a temporary injury?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, we recommend you check out the supports we have to offer! Our Accommodations Access Advocates on our team to help students through the application process, 

How to Apply for Accommodations at Kirkwood

 

Step 1: Complete the Application for Accommodation and Submit Documentation

This Application for Accommodations is the first step to receiving accommodations at Kirkwood Community College. Please provide accurate contact information in order to receive follow up communication. You will receive an email once your application has been reviewed and information on how to schedule a time to meet with an Advocate. You will also be asked to submit documentation to support your request. Please see the Documentation Guidelines below for further information. Note: The application will time out and will not save if you navigate away from the page. Please keep this in mind when filling out the application.

 

Step 2: Schedule an Initial Meeting and Meet with an Accommodations Access Advocate 

During this meeting, you'll talk with the Advocate about: 1) how your disability impacts you with your classes, 2) about your accommodation requests, and 3) about our accommodations process and next steps. Often we are able to determine reasonable accommodations during this meeting, but there may be times where your advocate will need to engage with faculty to gather additional information. Your advocate will assist and inform you about this process along the way. 

 

Ready to apply? Click the button below!

                                     

What to expect after you completed your application?

We will review your application within 48 business hours, and contact you using the information provided on the application to set up a time to meet with an Advocate. Please note: 

• Accommodations are not in place until you have completed our process and an Advocate has determined which accommodations you are approved for. 
• If you are returning to Kirkwood, but had accommodations previously you may still need to complete a new application. Contact our office with questions. 

 

If you are taking a Continuing Education Courses, State Exams or High School Completion

Kirkwood Community College provides accommodations for non-credit courses through Kirkwood's Continuing Education department, select State Licensure Exams (e.g. CNA State Exam, Journeyperson Licensure, HESI, TEAS) and/or for students enrolled in the High School Completion Program. 

Please complete your application for accommodations at least two (2) weeks prior to your course and/or exam start dates. This allows time for us complete our interactive process and gather information in order to determine reasonable accommodations. 

 

We look forward to working with you! 

- The Accommodations Team

Contact us with questions at 319-398-5540 or by email at sas@kirkwood.edu.

 

 

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 sas@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. 

Have a quick question or need assistance? 

Make an Appointment with one of our Accommodations Access Advocates!

Click on the Calendly logo below to make an appointment