Frequently Asked Questions

Will I receive the same accommodations that I received in high school/other colleges?

Students should not assume that accommodations provided in high school will be provided at the college level. The standards for granting accommodations are different from high school to college. Students should also not assume that accommodations approved at another college will automatically be approved at Illinois College. In addition, accommodations are determined on an individual basis, and cannot change the essential elements of the course curricula or give a student an unfair advantage over other students. A student’s request, documentation, and past experiences are taken into consideration when determining accommodations.

With whom do I share my disability documentation and when?

With whom and/or when you share that you have a disability is a personal decision. At Illinois College, it is important to reach out to the Disability Resources Coordinator if you choose to identify as a student with a disability. The Disability Resources Coordinator can provide you more information on the process of obtaining accommodations.  

I’m experiencing some academic difficulties, and I think I may have a disability. What should I do?

Students who did not have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 plan in high school, and believe that they have a disability, are encouraged to contact the Disability Resources Coordinator to discuss options for determining their eligibility.

Once I’m registered with Disability Resources, how do I request accommodations from my instructors?

A meeting will be scheduled each semester with the Disability Resources Coordinator to complete academic accommodation letters. At these meetings, the student and the Disability Resources Coordinator will discuss the accommodations needed, and if applicable, any new information (i.e. medication, testing, diagnoses) that may warrant a chance in accommodations. Following this discussion, academic accommodation letters for each instructor will be created and sent to the instructors on the student's schedule. The student is then responsible for discussing how the accommodations will be implemented in each class with the instructors. The best way to do this is to meet with the instructors during office hours or by appointment. This will allow for a meaningful, one-on-one discussion with the instructor. Should students have questions or concerns about meeting with their instructor to discuss their accommodation letter, he/she should contact the Disability Resources Coordinator to discuss these concerns. 

What is the difference between an Emotional Support animal and a service animal?

Illinois College is Educational and Resident program that follows ADAA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. An emotional support animal (ESA), also occasionally referred to as an "assistance animal", is explained in the guidance of the Fair Housing Act (FHA). This act states that for animals to be designated as “ESA animals” students are required to demonstrate that their animal is a reasonable accommodation for an emotional or mental health disability (defined as an impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities). Demonstrating this need requires documentation from a treating medical or mental health provider (not related to the student) certifying that the assistance animal is part of a prescribed treatment plan for the disabling condition that alleviates one or more identified symptoms or effects of a person’s disability. A service animal, explained under the Americans with Disabilities Amendments, is defined as any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability. The work or task performed by a service animal must be directly related to the individual’s disability. Service animals are working animals and are not considered “pets.” Pursuant to the ADA, dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals. 

I’m afraid to self-identify because I don’t want others to know that I have a disability. What should I do to protect my information?

Disability Resources treats all personal information with the strictest confidentiality. Information pertaining to a student’s disability will only be released in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) or with the student’s expressed written consent. FERPA is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. Student’s can find a detailed explanation of FERPA and how information is protected by going to the U.S. Department of Education’s Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act website.

I need a sign language interpreter for an upcoming event. What should I do?

Those individuals wishing to request an ASL interpreter on campus should use the Interpreter Request Form. Students and faculty who need sign language interpreting should complete this form not less than 72 hours in advance (not counting weekends and holidays) to request such resources. To cancel resources, resubmit form not less than 72 hours in advance (not counting weekends and holidays) and type "Cancel Interpreter" in the Special Instructions field. This form, once submitted online, will be received by the Disability Resources Coordinator. If you are a prospective student who is planning to tour Illinois College and require ASL interpreting resources, please contact the Disability Resources Coordinator.

Where is Disability Resources located at Illinois College?

Disability Resources, which is housed in the Center for Academic Excellence, can be found in Lincoln Hall. This area is commonly referred to on campus as The HUB.

I get testing accommodations and I want to take my test with Disability Resources. What should I do in order to take my test with Disability Resources?

Students who receive an accommodation to test with Disability Resources in the Center for Academic Excellence will need to have the instructor complete the Testing Accommodation Request Form and submit it to Disability Resources at least 4-5 business days in advance of the date of their test. The form link is sent to the instructors when Accommodation letters are sent out, but can also be found on the Disability Resources page.

I need testing accommodations on my LSAT, MCAT, GRE, etc. Who should I talk to about these testing accommodations?

Students seeking information about accommodations on LSAT, MCAT, GRE, etc. are encouraged to contact the Disability Resources Coordinator for more information.

What can I do if I am having a hard time adjusting to the coursework and I feel like I need extra support at Illinois College?

Students who find they are having a hard time adjusting to the coursework and feel that they may need some extra support at Illinois College are encouraged to contact or stop by the Center for Academic Excellence (CAE). The Center for Academic Excellence houses Disability Resources , TRIO Student Support Services, and IC Tutoring. Students can find more information about the TRIO program by visiting their website. If you are a prospective student or a current student, we encourage you to contact the CAE to discuss with our staff what these valuable resources can do to assist you on your journey to academic success!