Academic Accomodations
Academic accommodations are adjustments or modifications made to the learning environment, course materials, or assessment methods to ensure that students with disabilities have equal access to educational opportunities. These accommodations are designed to support students in overcoming barriers that might exist due to their disabilities, enabling them to demonstrate their knowledge and skills effectively.
Students can choose specific courses in which they wants to utilize their accommodations. For example, a student may feel successful without accommodations in a composition course but may need them in a mathematics course. Please remember that some accommodations, such as testing in a low distraction setting, require advanced notice to be given to the instructor(s) and testing center staff, so planning ahead when making the decisions is important.
If extended time and/or a low distraction setting for testing has been approved, students can schedule their testing at the SSSC by making a testing appointment. The SSSC Testing Center requires 48-72 hours advanced notice, depending on the the testing accommodation request. If the course instructor(s) can replicate such accommodations, then students may be required to take the quiz/test/exam within the academic department.
Accommodations are unable to be retroactively implemented. Students can expect their accommodations to become effective on the day they are activated and notification is sent to OAR.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 require postsecondary institutions to have a grievance procedure for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to seek support from OAR for assistance with accommodation concerns. Information concerning the Student Complaint Resolution Process can be located in the Florida Tech Student Handbook.
Living Accommodations
Living accommodations refer to the adjustments and modifications made to residential spaces to ensure students with disabilities have equal access to housing on campus. These accommodations are intended to create a comfortable, accessible living environment that supports the student's academic and personal success.
OAR can assist with a housing accommodation request based on a disabling condition. Students would be required to follow the same documentation requirements as with an academic accommodation request. If approved for a housing accommodation, OAR and Housing can coordinate living accommodation services to meet the students' needs.
Florida state law requires that a vehicle must have a handicap license or tag to park in a designated handicap space. Students with such a license/tag can park in the handicap spaces if the tag is clearly displayed. Students who do not have a handicap license/tag are asked to contact Campus Security, who provides on-campus transportation for students with mobility issues. For further information, Campus Security may be reached at 321-674-8112. Also, Florida Tech's trolley system has an accessible bus for transportation around campus. View the trolley schedule information.
Students do not need to register through OAR for solely dietary needs. They are encouraged to contact Campus Dining Services to communicate their specific concerns and to work together to coordinate dietary needs. For further information, Campus Dining may be reached at 321-674-7458.
It is recommended that the student complete the ESA request form with their provider, which is located under the forms section of the OAR webpage. Once the documentation is submitted, OAR will review the request for services. Please keep in mind that there are deadlines each semester when making an ESA request. View the Emotional Support Animal Policy.