FAQ

Frequently Asked Student Questions

New Students and Student Allies

• How Does a Student Register for Disability Services?

  Students who are requesting accommodations register with Disability Services.

  Please note, if you have not completed the Housing Application, we are unable to make Housing Accommodation Recommendations until that process has been completed.

• What Accommodations Does the Student Qualify For?

  Disability Services determines appropriate accommodations based on the student’s documentation, experiences, the impact of their disability, and any prior use of accommodations. Accommodations are determined through the interactive process, on an individual basis, and in accordance with university policy. 

• What Documentation is Needed to Request Accommodations?

  Disability Services must have documentation from a professional that lists a specific disability or diagnosis. Documentation can be a psychological evaluation or a letter from a medical doctor or other qualified provider.

• The student has an IEP/ 504 in High School. Does that automatically transfer to ETSU?

  No. IEPs (Individualized Education Programs) and 504 plans from high school can be important supporting documentation, but do not automatically transfer. Colleges are governed by federal law (Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act), but these laws work differently in postsecondary education than in K–12.

  At ETSU, students are responsible for registering with Disability Services and providing documentation of their disability to the Office of Disability Services. Once documentation is reviewed, Disability Services can determine what accommodations are reasonable and provide support. This means accommodations may be similar to high school, but they are not guaranteed to be the same.

• What are the differences between IDEA and ADA

  IDEA vs ADA

  You will experience a variety of differences in the college setting compared to your high school experience. Below are comparisons important to students with disabilities.

  In High School	In College
  Education is an entitlement.	Education is a choice.
  Accommodations are governed by Individuals with Disabilities Act: IDEA and Section 504, Rehabilitation Act of 1973. IDEA is focused on success.	Accommodations are governed by Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Title 11: ADA and Section 504, Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
  Students needing services are identified by the school. The school can and most often initiates the process of eligibility and service provision.	Students must request accommodations through the office of Disability Services. The student must initiate the process of obtaining accommodations.
  School systems provide evaluations for determining eligibility at no cost to the student.	Documenting disability is up to the student and is at their own expense. Disability Services does not provide evaluations.
  Accommodations are outlined in an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or Section 504 Plan.	At ETSU, accommodations are outlined in an Student Accommodation Letters(SALs).
  Teachers take responsibility for implementing the Individualized Education Plan (IEP).	Students are responsible for seeing that an Student Accommodation Letters(SALs) are communicated and implemented.
  High schools can modify academic requirements such as required curriculum and grading.	Colleges are not required to alter any essential course requirements or adjust assignment deadlines. ADA is focused on access. Success is not guaranteed.
  Parents have access to student records and often participate in the accommodation process.	Parents do not have access to student records.
  	Disabilities Services staff do not communicate with parents about the student without the student present.

  Tips for students and allies to prepare for college-level accommodations:

   

  • Gather documentation from high school: evaluations, medical documentation, and IEP (if applicable).
  • Contact ETSU’s Disability Services early—preferably before classes start.
  • Be prepared to discuss what accommodations helped most in high school and what you may need in college.
• How long does the Registration Process Take?

  After you submit your forms and documentation, a Disability Services staff member will contact you to schedule a meeting. You will receive written notice with an appointment within 10 business days.

  What happens during the meeting:

  • Intake: Staff review your documentation and discuss your request for accommodations.
  • Eligibility & Planning: Staff assess whether your documentation supports the request and determine next steps--further clarification and plan for reasonable accommodations.
  • Notification: You will be informed during the meeting—or shortly after—whether your accommodations are approved.

  Note: The exact timing depends on how complete your documentation is and the interactive process with Disability Services.