Information for Incoming/Prospective Students

Self-Advocacy

As we welcome you to Albertus Magnus it is important to know that, within the Office of Accessibility Services, as well as across campus, the person responsible for your success is you, the student. In line with the college’s mission, we strive to prepare students to enter the world beyond college, and that starts with creating self-advocacy.

More importantly, it is your responsibility as a student with a disability to notify the Office of Accessibility Services of your disability and needs, participating fully in the intake process and requesting appropriate accommodations. It will also be your responsibility to notify your faculty of your accommodation status and identify how to best implement your accommodations in each specific class.

Self-Advocacy Tips

  1. Know your rights and responsibilities as it relates to your role as a college student with a disability.
  2. Understand your specific disability and how it relates to your role as a learner. No one will better understand your needs better than you.
  3. Constantly assess your needs and accommodations to determine if there are any areas that you may still require accommodations. 

Legal Differences

High School

When in K-12 schools, students with disabilities are protected and supported by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). As part of being supported by the IDEA, students are provided Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) or 504 plans, which are not guaranteed at the College level. Additionally, students with a diagnosed disability would be entitled to accommodations as well as special support services in high school.

College

Upon entering College, students with disabilities are protected by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008. Colleges must allow equal access to all qualified students, regardless of disability status. However, a diagnosed disability does not guarantee accommodations, and the severity of the disability and its impact are considered before approving accommodations.

  IDE(I)A (K-12)  Section 504 (College/University) ADA (College/University) 
Requirements in the Law  Provides a free, appropriate, public education in the least restrictive environment. Requires any agency, school, or institution receiving federal financial assistance to provide persons with disabilities to the greatest extent possible, an opportunity to be fully integrated into the mainstream.  A civil rights law. Extends coverage of Section 504 to employment, public and private educational institutions, transportation providers and telecommunications, regardless of presence of any federal funding.  
Definitions in the Law  Specific disability categories are defined in the law; covers students with educational disabilities that require special services from specially-trained teachers. Not all students are eligible.   Defines persons with disabilities who have a physical or mental impairment which limits one or more major life activities, have a record of such an impairment, or are regarded as having an impairment.  Definition of disability essentially the same as Section 504 and extends coverage to persons without disabilities who may be related to or associated with a person with a disability. 
Who is Covered?  Covers students with educational disabilities that require special educational services ages 3-21 or until graduation.   Protects all persons with a disability from discrimination in the educational setting based solely on disability.  Protects all persons with a disability from discrimination in the educational setting based solely on disability. 
Services Provided  Offers educational services that are remedial in addition to services available to all mainstream students.  Eliminates barriers that would prevent a student from full participation in programs/services offered to the general school population.  Eliminates barriers that would prevent a student from full participation in programs/services offered to the general school population.  
Bottom Line  Guarantees every eligible student success (passing on to the next grade or next class).   Guarantees access and equal opportunity (success is the student’s responsibility). Guarantees access and equal opportunity (success is the student’s responsibility). 

Source: Ohio Wesleyan University

Frequently Asked Questions

Accommodations are offered for a variety of disabilities. Categories of disabilities may include, but are not limited to:
  • Mobility/Orthopedic Disabilities
  • Learning Disabilities
  • Emotional/Psychological disabilities
  • Head Injuries
  • Chronic health-related disabilities
  • Blind/low vision
  • Attention deficit disorders
  • Speech impairments
  • Deaf/hearing impairments
  • Autism spectrum disorders

Certainly! We would be happy to talk with you about your specific concerns to help you understand how Albertus Magnus may be able to meet your needs.
It is possible, but you should be aware that College accommodations are governed by the law differently than High School accommodations. We will work with you to create an accommodation plan that addresses your needs, Albertus Magnus is not able to fundamentally alter any courses in service of accommodations.
While there is no set deadline, as Albertus Magnus understands that students may be identifying their needs throughout their time on campus, there are certain factors to consider. For example, applying for Housing Accommodations is best done prior to the start of the semester, to ensure that specific accommodations can be granted in a timely manner.

Additionally, while Academic Accommodations may be granted throughout the academic year, it is important to understand that accommodations cannot be retroactive. This means that if you are approved for extended time on exams, for example, you are not able to retake any exams you’ve already taken with your new accommodation.
Yes. It is important to know that the accommodation process is fluid, and not static. What may have worked for you in one semester may not be enough in the following semester. If you feel that your current accommodations are not beneficial, or determine a new need, you will need to meet with the Office of Accessibility Services to discuss your concerns and apply for new accommodations. In these instances you may need to supply additional documentation to speak to a specific need.
No. The Office of Accessibility Services will provide you with a letter, stating your accommodations, for you to deliver to your faculty. Only by notifying your faculty in this way will you have access to your accommodations.
No. Once you are approved for accommodations it is up to you to determine when you would like to utilize them. You can notify your faculty of your accommodation status, but you are not obligated to use those accommodations if you find that you do not need them for a specific course.