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Student Disability Services

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Student Disability Services at the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith supports qualified students with disabilities by coordinating reasonable accommodations. This page explains the rights and responsibilities you have when requesting, receiving, using, changing, or appealing disability accommodations through SDS.

This page focuses only on rights and responsibilities related to disability accommodations. You are also responsible for following the broader student rights, responsibilities, policies, and conduct expectations outlined in the UAFS Student Handbook.

Your Rights Related to Disability Accommodations

As a student registered with Student Disability Services, you have the right to:

  • equal access to academic courses, university housing, programs, services, and activities.
  • be free from disability-based discrimination, exclusion, or retaliation in university programs or activities.
  • have the same rights and privileges available to other UAFS students.
  • request and receive reasonable accommodations due to a qualified disability.
  • request changes or additions to your approved accommodations if/when your disability-related needs change.
  • appeal decisions related to your accommodation requests.
  • choose which approved accommodations to use in each class.
  • receive your approved accommodations at no cost to you.
  • have your disability-related information kept confidential, except when disclosure is required by law, university policy, or your written permission.
  • have information available in accessible formats.

Your Responsibilities Related to Disability Accommodations

If you request or use disability accommodations, you are responsible for participating actively in the accommodation process. This includes:

  • Registering with Student Disability Services and completing the SDS accommodation approval process.
  • Providing documentation to verify your eligibility and support your accommodation request.
  • Paying any costs associated with obtaining testing, reports, examinations, or evaluations that document your disability.
  • Meeting UAFS qualifications and essential technical, academic, and institutional standards.
  • Meeting with your instructors to discuss how your approved accommodations will be implemented.
  • Signing the Approved Accommodations Summary with each instructor when using your approved accommodations.
  • Requesting accommodations each semester by meeting with SDS for an accommodation review.
  • Understanding that accommodations are not retroactive.
  • Reminding your instructors of your accommodation needs at least three days before an exam.
  • Contacting SDS at least one week before an exam if you need to test in the SDS testing room.
  • Notifying SDS of any changes to your course schedule or instructor.
  • Reporting any concerns or problems with your accommodations to Student Disability Services as soon as possible.

Essential Course and Program Requirements

Reasonable accommodations are designed to provide equal access. They do not remove or waive essential course requirements, academic standards, technical standards, conduct expectations, or institutional requirements.

Receiving accommodations does not change your responsibility to meet the same essential requirements that apply to all students in your course, program, or university setting.

Activating Your Accommodations

You may choose whether to use your approved accommodations in one or more classes. When you're ready to activate them, review the full process on the Applying for Accommodations page.

Frequently Asked Questions

As a student registered with Student Disability Services at the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, you have the right to equal access to courses, housing, programs, and university activities. You have the right to request and receive reasonable accommodations, appeal accommodation decisions, choose which accommodations to use in each class, and have your disability-related information kept confidential. Your approved accommodations are provided at no cost to you.

Yes, you have the right to select which approved accommodations you use in each class. You are never required to use all your approved accommodations. If your needs change, contact SDS to discuss updates to your accommodation plan.

Contact Student Disability Services as soon as possible. SDS can help resolve issues with accommodation implementation and ensure your approved accommodations are being provided. Don't wait until after an exam or assignment to report a problem.

Yes, you are responsible for any costs associated with obtaining testing, reports, examinations, or evaluations needed to document your disability. However, once accommodations are approved, they are provided to you at no cost.

Yes, you have the right to appeal decisions related to your accommodation requests. Contact Student Disability Services to learn about the appeals process and next steps. Information about appeals and grievances is also available on the Disability Accommodation Appeals and Grievances page.

Questions about your rights or accommodations? Email Student Disability Services at ADAFREEuafs or call 479-788-7577.