Instructor Rights

As a University of Iowa instructor, you have the following rights: 

  • Require student to initiate request for accommodations. 
  • Require that a student provide you with a Letter of Accommodation (LOA) from SDS before providing any requested accommodations. 
  • Require that a student meet with you to discuss their accommodations at the beginning of the semester or as soon as they receive accommodations. 
  • Require students to take an exam with you/department as long as it meets the accommodation requirement and applicable college policies. 
  • Question SDS regarding accommodations that you believe would result in a fundamental alteration to an essential component of the course. 

Limitations to Instructor Rights 

On the other hand, it is not your right to: 

  • Deny a student reasonable accommodation(s) listed on their Letter of Accommodation (LOA). 
  • Ask students questions about their disability including their diagnosis or nature of their disability.  
  • Ask if the accommodation is necessary. 
  • Request documentation of a disability directly from a student. 

Instructor Responsibilities

  • Ensure instructional materials are in accessible formats, which include captioned videos, text readable documents, etc. For additional information see: IT Accessibility Policy 
  • Finalize textbooks and reading lists in a timely manner to allow time for books to be put in an accessible format. See: Textbook Ordering Policy 
  • Include a statement in syllabus as to how students can receive accommodations. See Syllabus Statement (15.2 k) 
  • Announce to your class how you prefer to communicate with students with disabilities regarding their accommodations at the beginning of the semester. 
  • Meet with students who provide a Letter of Accommodation (LOA) from SDS to discuss implementation of their approved accommodations. 
  • Provide accommodations in a timely manner.  
  • Instead of providing accommodations to students who self-identify as having a disability but are not registered with SDS, refer them to SDS. 
  • Maintain appropriate confidentiality of accommodation notifications and communications regarding disability. 
  • Contact SDS with any questions or concerns about an approved accommodation, or how to best work with a student with a particular disability.