Accessibility Services 

Grand View is committed to enriching the academic experience of every qualified student and endorses reasonable accommodations for participation in all programs and activities. If you have a temporary health issue(s) or a disabling condition(s) and are seeking support, please review the information below.

Students with disabilities should schedule an appointment with the Director of Accessibility Services (accessibilityservices @ grandview.edu or 515-263-2971) to:

  • Review University policies and procedures
  • Request accommodations
  • Develop an accessibility plan
  • Discuss personal advocacy issues
  • Assess learning difficulties and needs

    Transitioning Accommodations from High School to Higher Education

    If you received accommodations in high school through the support of an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan, please review the information for incoming students below. Please note, some college accommodations may differ from high school.

    Current & Incoming Students

    Process of Applying for Accommodations

    1. Meet with the Director of Accessibility Services (accessibilityservices @ grandview.edu or 515-263-2971)
    2. Submit a completed Accommodations Request Form
      a. This form should be completed by the student requesting accommodations
      b. The DAS will respond to the request with further information about documentation requirements and the accommodations process

    Renewing Academic or Housing Accommodations

    Academic accommodations are renewed each academic year.

    1. Submit a completed Accommodations Renewal Request Form.
      a. This form should be completed by the student requesting accommodations.
      b. The DAS will respond to the request with updated accessibility plan or let student know if updated documentation is required 

    Accessibility Plan

    A response to the accommodations request will be provided to the student as an Accessibility Plan or a Denial Letter. Decisions are made by the DAS on a case-by-case basis.

    The student is responsible for sharing the Accessibility Plan with instructors, faculty, residence life, or other staff at GV.

    Potential Accommodations

    A non-exhaustive list of potential accommodations is included below:

    • Extended completion time on exams and quizzes
    • Testing in a reduced distraction environment
    • Access to a peer note-taker
    • Textbooks in an alternate format (audio or e-book)
    • Preferential seating, near instructor
    • Emotional Support Animal (housing)

    Documentation Guidelines

    In reviewing documentation for accommodation eligibility, our office is looking for information that:

    • Identifies the disabling condition and the impact of that condition for which accommodations are being requested.
    • Provided by an appropriately-licensed professional. (example: a Chiropractor would not be appropriate for a mental health diagnosis)
    • Dated with Letterhead and Contact information.

    Documentation is required for all accommodations. The Department of Accessibility Services recommends using the appropriate Verification Form (housing or academic) as documentation for your accommodation request. If you prefer, you can submit a letter from your provider. Health care professionals are encouraged to consider the questions below when authoring a letter or report that will assist us in understanding the student's condition, and impact:

    • Describe your history with the student including how long you have been working with them.
    • Provide a diagnosis in accordance with current professional standards and techniques. Please include a summary of your professional assessment of the condition and any diagnostic tools used to make the diagnosis.
    • Does this diagnosis rise to the level of disability?
    • How has this disability impaired the student in carrying out major life functions?
    • What have been the historical challenges/barriers in the academic setting?
    • What do you foresee as being challenges/barriers in the university setting?
    • What does the student need in the university setting to address the challenges/barriers you specified?
    • What accommodations would you recommend?
    Providing a record of academic accommodations previously provided by other institutions (e.g. college accommodation letters, 504 plans, IEPs) can be helpful for the Department of Accessibility Services in assigning accommodations. In some cases, additional documentation may be needed to determine appropriate accommodations. Please note, some college accommodations may differ from high school.

    Confidentiality

    Per the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), information regarding disabilities or disabling condition(s) is confidential. Therefore, information shared with the Accessibility Office, or the DAS is confidential. Students who want to share information about their disabilities or disability condition(s) with a third party (parent(s), case worker, provider, etc.), should complete an Authorization for Release of Information form and submit it to the Director of Accessibility Services, at accessibilityservices @ grandview.edu or 515-263-2971.