Past Questions and Comments

Q: With the new furniture procedures, do I need to submit a form for every class?

A: Yes! In order to get your furniture accommodations you must submit one
furniture request form for every class that you are enrolled in. If you turn in
only one form, your request will be returned thus delaying your furniture
accommodations.

Q: DSS periodically checks my class schedule to look for any changes in
accommodation needs, right?

A: No, DSS does not check students class schedules. If you make changes to your
classes/class schedule you need to notify DSS by requesting new accommodations as
well as submitting new furniture request forms if that is a part of your
accommodations.

Q: If I am 20 minutes late to my testing appointment, can I just stay 20 minutes
longer.

A: Unfortunately, DSS has limited space available for testing. If you are 20
minutes late you lose that time. Many times we have back to back appointments and
we can not allow you to run longer than what you are scheduled for, as well as what
your instructor allows for, because it causes delays for other people who are
scheduled through out the day.

Q: How do I know if I am I registered with DSS?

A: DSS registration takes place through a student initiation process. Students meet
one-on one with a disability management advisor in the DSS office to discuss
services and accommodation needs. In addition, students need to provide medical
verification and documentation that clearly identifies specific functional
limitations associated with the disability. This documentation must meet SSU’s
guidelines (Guidelines can be found on our website: http://www.sonoma.edu/sas/dss/). If you need to discuss your registration status, please contact the DSS office on
707-664-2677 (TTY/TDD 707-664 2958) or stop by our office in Salazar Hall 1049 to
discuss your needs.

Q: I need to see a disability management advisor, how do I schedule an appointment?

A: Appointments can be scheduled in person or via telephone. Using email to make
appointments is not advisable as schedules fluctuate so frequently.

Q: Does my professor know the nature of my disability?

A: No, it is up to the student how much information they would like to give the
professor about their disability. Some students find it helpful to discuss the
nature of their disability with their instructors, while others prefer to keep those
details confidential. The DSS accommodation letter only speaks to your
accommodation needs, not the nature of your disability.

Q: Can I get test or re-tested for a learning disability at SSU?

A: SSU does not provide psychoeducational testing. If you think you need to be tested,
our office can provide you with a list of local testing providers. SSU does not
provide funding for psychoeducational testing. In order to be eligible for support
services for a learning disability, testing must meet SSU’s guidelines; please refer
to our website: http://www.sonoma.edu/sas/dss/ for more information.

Q: If I got accommodations last semester do they just continue for the rest of my
time at SSU?

A: No, you must meet with a disability management advisor at the start of EACH SEMESTER
in order to set up accommodations. It is the student’s responsibility to contact
our office to make an appointment to meet with a disability management advisor and
notify instructors that you have accommodation needs. Official paperwork from our
office must be presented to professors within a reasonable timeframe in order to be
accommodated.

Q: Are accommodations retroactive?

A: Accommodations are only active from the point that an instructor receives a DSS
accommodation letter. The accommodation letter must be given to the instructor
within a reasonable time frame for them to be able to provide the authorized
accommodation.

Q: If I get extra time for my exams and quizzes do I also get extra time for
assignments and homework?

A: No, extra time is not given for assignments, homework or other out of class
requirements. Please contact a disability management advisor if you need additional
assistance.

Q: I take my exams in the DSS office, how do my tests get to the DSS office?

A: It is the student’s responsibility to confirm with your instructor how the exam will
arrive at the DSS office and how it should be returned prior to every exam. In
addition, the student must ensure that a “blue test form” is completely filled out
for each exam and returned to our office prior to the exam. “Blue test forms” are
located online as well as provided to you when you receive your accommodation
letters from your disability management advisor.

Q: If I work with a note taker, will they take notes if I miss class?

A: No, a note taker will provide notes for you only when you attend the class.

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