Disabilities Services
Luther College is committed to providing equal educational and employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, in accordance with state and federal law regulations, including the Americas with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. To ensure equal access for students with disabilities, Luther College provides reasonable accommodations, including auxiliary aids and modifications to courses, programs, services, activities, or facilities. Classroom or program accommodations do not alter the nature of the program nor cause undue financial hardship to the college. Once a student has registered with SASC, most services can be implemented quickly. However, both Luther College policy and the ADA of 1990 emphasize that students are responsible for providing documentation and making timely and reasonable requests for accommodations and services.
Typical Accommodations for Students with Learning Disabilities
- Extra time for in-class writing and reading assignments
- Advanced viewing of audio/visual materials
- Extended time for exam
- Separate room for exam administration
- Oral exams
- Audible texts/reading materials
Typical Accommodations for Students with Physical Disabilities
When a student finds a program, service, or facility inaccessible he/she should contact SASC. Additional accommodations available to students upon registration with SASC include the following:
- Relocation of class
- Rides to and from residence hall
- Interpreters
- Scribes
- Reading services
Students as Self-Advocates
Luther College encourages independence and self-reliance in all students. Likewise, students with disabilities are expected to self-advocate.
- Register with SASC
- Identify himself/herself as disabled
- Arrange for campus orientation through SASC
- Order special materials through SASC
- Find, train, and employ attendants, if necessary
- Request special testing procedures in advance
Registration for Services
To initiate registration for disability services, the student should schedule an appointment with a staff member at SASC. The student should forward a copy of a current professional report documenting his/her condition and resulting functional limitation within the context of college life and learning. The report may also suggest recommendations pertaining to the student's specific accommodation needs.
Documentation guidelines are available at SASC and on-line (PDF).
Each report is reviewed according to Luther College guidelines. The student is then contacted to schedule an interview to initiate services.
Disability Services Forms
- Guidelines for Impairment and Disability Assessment
- Authorization for Release of Confidential Information (DOC) (PDF)
- Rights and Responsibilities (DOC) (PDF)
- Disclosing Disability Information (DOC) (PDF)
- Note Taker Request Form (DOC) (PDF)
- Registration Guidelines & Procedures (DOC) (PDF)
- Students with Disabilities Preparing for Post Secondary Education (DOC) (PDF)
- The Civil Rights of Students with Disabilities (DOC) (PDF)
- Transition of Students with Disabilities (DOC) (PDF)