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Student

 

Accommodation Letters:

When should I request my accommodation letters?

• At least 1-2 weeks before each semester starts.

How do I request my accommodation letters?

• Learn more about AIM Online Portal here. 

When will I get my accommodation letters?

• Accommodations letters are usually processed through AIM within one business day. Learn more about AIM Online Portal here. 

How will my professors be notified?

• Your accommodation letter will be emailed to you and your instructor. Students are responsible for meeting with the appropriate faculty and staff to discuss accommodations and where you will test. 

I dropped a class and added another to my schedule. How do I request letters for my new professor?

• If you register for a course, please allow the system 24 hours to update. If you do not see your course listed after 24 hours, please contact TDS as soon as possible. 

AIM:

How do I log into AIM?

• Learn more about AIM Online Portal here. 

How do I request an exam on AIM?

• Learn more about AIM Online Portal here. 

 Accommodation/Documentation Review:

How do I qualify for accessible parking?

• All questions regarding Accessible Parking should be directed to Parking and Transportation. A state-issued Disabled Persons Parking license plate or placard must be displayed at all times in vehicles parked in any ADA accessible space. 
  

  To request an ADA parking license plate or placard in the state of Georgia, follow these steps:
  Step 1: Complete the MV-9D form, which is linked here: 
  Step 2: Work with your healthcare provider to complete the form.
  Step 3: Submit the completed form as instructed on the bottom of Page 2 of the MV-9D.

  Please see the »Æ¹Ï¶ÌÊÓƵ Campus Maps for accessible parking locations.

I had accommodations at a previous college. Can I have the same ones here?

• That depends. Sending us a copy of the documentation you gave that school along with a copy of an accommodation letter from their Office of Disability Services is helpful, but it doesn’t guarantee the same or any accommodations here.

Who reviews my paperwork and decides if I get accommodations or not?

• For most mobility disorders, chronic illnesses, etc., a disability service provider will review the documentation and let you know if we have enough information to approve accommodations. For most psychological disorders, ADHD, Autism, learning disabilities, etc., we submit paperwork to the Regents Center for Learning Disorders (RCLD) in Athens to get approval. In other cases, academic departments at AU have the final say on if an accommodation can be given.

Why wasn’t I given the accommodations I asked for?/ Why was my request denied?

• Common reasons could be your documentation may not meet USG and/or the RCLD’s criteria or we may not have enough information about your disability to approve the request. Whatever the case, we will tell you what else we need or offer other solutions for the concern. It’s up to you to follow-up with us with the appropriate material.

Contacting a Disability Services Provider:

I emailed/left a message for a DSP. Why haven’t I received a response yet?

• The DSPs may be busy handling other concerns and can’t guarantee that they can assist you immediately. They also typically end services at 4:30 PM during the week. The office is closed on Saturday and Sunday, so phones and emails are not monitored, but someone will contact you in the following business days.

How can I make an appointment with a DSP?

• Email tds@augusta.edu to request an appointment or call (706) 737-1469.

Where are we meeting for the appointment?

• Most of the appointments with DSPs are through Microsoft Teams but in-person appointments are available.

Testing:

When can I take my tests with TDS?

• Confirm your test date and time with your professor.Our office closes at 5 PM on Mondays through Fridays; Tuesdays are available for late nights with exams starting no later than 5:30pm, you may need to come in earlier on those days. If you have any questions about testing availability for accommodated testing, contact us directly through email tdstesting@augusta.edu or by calling 706-737-1469. 

Conflict Resolution:

I don’t think a professor will honor an accommodation I have. What should I do?

• Speak to your professor first to see if they won’t or if you just THINK they won’t. After that, if they aren’t honoring your accommodation(s), reach out to your DSP and we can reach out to the professor for more information about the situation.

My professor said I can’t use this accommodation in their class. What can I do?

• Let your DSP know and we will reach out to the professor for more information.

I forgot to send you something you requested. Why didn’t you remind me?

• We can’t keep track of everyone who still needs to turn in something and what they need to turn in for their requests. After we send you the email telling you what we need, it’s your responsibility to email it to us in a timely manner.

I received provisional accommodations last semester. Can I have them again?

• This is case-by-case, but there’s no guarantee you can. You may have been told what else you needed to send us to transition your accommodations to permanent a few months before the provisional accommodations ended. If you haven’t sent them to us with enough time to review them before the next semester, you may not qualify for provisional accommodations again.

 

Faculty

 

Can any student take a test at TDS?

• Currently, only accommodated students registered with TDS can take proctored tests with us.

Does a proctor form need to be with every test/quiz?

• Contact tdstesting@augusta.edu to learn more about proctor forms. 

I suspect a student has a disability. What can I do?

• Reach out to the student to ask if they’d like a few resources you think may help them not only succeed in your class, but also benefit them at »Æ¹Ï¶ÌÊÓƵ as a whole (TDS, Career Services, SCAPS, the Academic Success Center, etc.). 

It’s easier to give an accommodation instead of going through the formal process. Can’t I just do that?

• Unfortunately, this is unfair to students who are engaging in the formal accommodation process and it creates confusion. It causes inconsistencies in expectations and procedures across professors and departments, so just refer students who need accommodations to TDS.

Classes started a LONG time ago. Why am I JUST NOW getting a letter for this student?

• In some cases, a student may have forgotten to request their accommodation letters and an upcoming assignment or a conversation with you may have reminded them to reach out to TDS. Other times, a student may not realize they have a disability or need accommodations until later in the semester.

Do these accommodations apply to assignments the student has already turned in?

• No, the accommodations don’t apply retroactively, so they shouldn’t be applied to previous assignments. The accommodations start from the day you get their letter.

When can students with accommodations take their test with TDS?

• Our office closes at 5 PM on Mondays through Fridays; Tuesdays are available for late nights with exams starting no later than 5:30pm. If a student gets extended time, they may need to come in earlier on those days. If you have any questions about testing availability for accommodated testing, contact us directly through email tdstesting@augusta.edu or by calling 706-737-1469.

 

Parent/Legal Guardian

What are some differences between high school and college for students with disabilities?

• Key Differences between High School and College for Students with Disabilities; Transitioning to College for Students with Disabilities

Can my college student sign a release of information form that will allow me to speak with TDS?

• A college student can sign a release giving staff permission to share information with parents. However, even if a student signs a release, staff will generally only communicate with parents in the presence of the student. Students are required to handle any matters related to our office, including requesting accommodations and reporting issues. 

Can I request accommodations for my college student?

• All accommodation requests must come directly from the student

How can I help my college student who is struggling in classes even with accommodations?

• Ask your student if they are using all of the accommodations approved. Encourage them to speak to TDS for assistance. If the student would like to discuss their accommodations, the student is responsible for requesting to speak with a disability service provider about any changes and additional documentation to substantiate those changes. Academic Success Center is also available for all students. 

In high school, teachers kept me informed of how the student was doing. Will TDS or the professors contact me if my student is having difficulties in class?

• In college, students are responsible for seeking assistance if they are having problems. Parents will not be contacted regarding accommodations, grades or any other academic issues. Parents may refer to their student with any questions regarding academic progress.