Supporting Your Student’s Independence with Accommodations
One of the most important ways you can support your student is by encouraging independence and self-advocacy.
At ܽƵ, students are responsible for initiating and managing their own accommodations through Disability and Access Services (DAS). While we recognize the vital role parents and support people play, our process is centered around the student—and our communication is with them directly.
Here’s how you can help:
- Encourage your student to connect with DAS early, even before classes begin each semester.
- Remind them to check their ܽƵ email regularly for updates or requests related to their accommodations. Following through with time-sensitive communications is especially important for this process.
- Support them in preparing for conversations with faculty and staff about their approved accommodations.
- If you have supported your student in the past with their accommodations, help them understand your new role to support “behind the scenes” and helping them develop their communication and self-advocacy skills.
- Respect their privacy and trust them to take the lead—we do!
Due to federal privacy laws (FERPA), we are unable to share specific information or discuss a student’s file with parents or families without the student’s written consent. A FERPA release does not allow the parent or family members does not allow acting on the student’s behalf. However, we’re here to empower your student and guide them through every step of the process.