Accessible Education Frequently Asked Questions

Please review our frequently asked questions about the Office of Accessible Education below. For questions not answered here, please email oae@loyno.edu to speak with a member of our team.

What if I do not want to talk to others or my instructors about my disability?

You only need to disclose your disability/diagnosis to this office. You may, however, need to meet with or email each instructor about your specific accommodations each semester.

Will my accommodations be different than in high school?

Maybe. We have some information on our webpage that addresses some of the differences. Give us a call or email to learn more.

Do I need to provide documentation each semester?

No, but you will need to notify your instructors/faculty of your accommodations every semester. If something changes or you are requesting additional accommodations, more documentation may be required.

Can I receive accommodations if I have a temporary injury or illness?

Temporary impairments such as a broken arm or a concussion are not categorically excluded as disabilities under the ADAAA. Every attempt is made by OAE to provide support and assistance to students who experience a temporary impairment.

Are accommodations retroactive?

No. Accommodations begin only when you have provided your instructors with your Course Accommodation Record from the OAE and have discussed how an accommodation may work in specific classes. Instructors must be given reasonable time to arrange for the accommodations requested or to clarify with OAE if an accommodation may not be reasonable for a given course.

I might need some help in the classroom, like taking notes or accessing textbooks. How does this work?

Be sure to share needs and concerns with the OAE team member during your meeting. We have tools and other resources to use to assist you.

What if my accommodations don't work for me or I run into other issues?

Please contact OAE as soon as possible so that we can try to help you resolve accommodation issues or other concerns. If the concerns are not disability-related, we can refer you to many other campus resources.

Will my disability information be kept confidential?

The OAE complies with the Family Education Right to Privacy Act (FERPA), a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. Student education records remain confidential between the student and the OAE, although FERPA contains an exception for conditions when University officials (faculty or department chairs for example) with legitimate educational interests may need information in order to determine the reasonableness of an accommodation.