QUALIFYING FOR SERVICES
If you want to use accommodations at MSU, you will need to officially register with the DS office. Please call 606/783-5188 to schedule a confidential intake session. Ideally we will meet in person, but if necessary due to your circumstances (e.g., taking classes at a regional campus or online), an intake can be conducted over the phone. If possible, please bring the required documentation with you (see Disability Documentation Guidelines on this site) or have it sent in advance of our meeting.
While you may pursue qualifying for services at any point, it is usually best to do so well in advance since some accommodations require additional lead time to arrange (e.g., sign language interpreters, note-takers, housing requests, materials in an alternate format, and some others). If you would prefer to attend a class or take an exam without accommodations first, please take into account that sufficient lead time will still be necessary from the time of your request. Remember too, that accommodations are not retroactive - your rights to them become effective with their approval during the intake session.
During the initial intake session, you will be asked to provide some basic information such as student I.D., phone number, and academic major. Your supporting documentation will be reviewed, and our understanding of the impacts of your disability will be clarified with your input. Together we will determine the adjustments that are both reasonable and relevant to your particular needs at the University. You will be expected to be an active participant in this process. We'll go over our Policies and Procedures Agreement and present it for your signature. Be assured that you'll get a chance to ask any questions so that you will leave the intake with a clear plan for using your accommodations.
In subsequent semesters you can renew your approved accommodations by simply calling, e-mailing, or stopping by the DS office to request them. Although you may remain qualified for services, they are driven by your request and so are not put in place again without your renewal.
