Information & Tips

Students Registered with Accessibility Resources

In addition to the accommodations and support services outlined in your accommodation letter, Accessibility Resources students have access to regularly scheduled, individualized academic coaching. Registered students are also welcome to work in the Accessibility Resources Learning Center, a quiet place to study, use the computer, and take advantage of the assistive technology we have available.

Activating Your Accommodations

If your condition or needs remain the same, new documentation is not required and you should submit the Accommodation Activation form at the beginning of each semester to gain access to accommodations and support services. Upon submitting the form, you’ll receive a new accommodation letter to give to your instructors. If your condition or needs have changed, then you should contact your Accessibility Resources Coordinator to discuss whether you need to submit updated documentation.

How to Be Your Own Advocate

Accessibility Resources wants you to be successful at the Academy of Art University, and we encourage you to take ownership of your academic career to get the most out of this incredible educational opportunity. Consider the following advice on how to successfully be your own advocate and take advantage of the resources and support services that are available to you.

• Start early

  If you know that you’ll need accommodations, it’s best to communicate those needs before the semester starts. Submit a Request for Information form and someone from Accessibility Resources will contact you to get the registration process started.

 

• Plan ahead

  If you have received accommodations in the past, make sure you activate your accommodations for the upcoming semester before it begins.

  High school students and parents: Click here to learn about preparing for independence in college.

 

• Attend workshops and A.R.C. Training & Tutoring sessions

  It’s not always possible to get all of your questions answered during class. Contact A.R.C. for current workshop schedules and to sign up for free tutoring.

 

• Give out your accommodation letters

  An instructor will not be able to offer you extra support if they don’t know that you need it–make sure you give them your accommodation letter right away. Disclose what you are comfortable discussing.

 

• Don’t expect everyone to know exactly what to do to accommodate you

  If you feel that your instructors don’t understand your needs, please ask your Accessibility Resources coordinator to resolve the problem right away–we are here to support those that support you.

 

• Keep us updated

  Regular check-ins with your Accessibility Resources coordinator can help you stay focused on your work, and anticipate and avoid crisis situations.

Rights & Responsibilities of People with Disabilities

Students have the right to:

• An equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from employment, courses, programs, services, and activities offered through the university
• An equal opportunity to work, learn, and receive reasonable accommodations, academic adjustments, and/or auxiliary aids and services
• Appropriate confidentiality of all information regarding their disabilities.
• Choose whom to disclose information to regarding his/her disability
• Information made available in accessible formats

Students have a responsibility to:

• Meet qualifications and maintain essential institutional standards for employment, courses, programs, services, and activities
• Self-identify as an individual with a disability when an accommodation is needed, and seek information, counsel, and assistance as necessary from Accessibility Resources
• Document (from an appropriate professional) how the disability limits participation in employment, courses, programs, services, or activities
• Follow published procedures for obtaining information, services, and reasonable accommodations
• Deliver the Letters of Accommodation to faculty and meet with faculty early in the semester to discuss specific needs for disability modifications and/or accommodations
• Follow general rules, policies, and procedures as stated in the Academy of Art University catalog

Student Veterans

Military/Veteran Support

Accessibility Resources provides incoming and enrolled veterans with disabilities the specialized support and resources they need in order to succeed at Academy of Art University. Reasonable accommodations help level the playing field so that students are able to perform to the best of their abilities without their disability or medical condition getting in the way. If you have any questions about managing your academic career while dealing with a service-related disability, please contact our office to discuss your specific concerns with a coordinator.