Special Needs

The University of Louisiana at Monroe strives to serve students with special needs through compliance with Sections 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008. These laws mandate that postsecondary institutions provide equal access to programs and services for students with disabilities without creating changes to the essential elements of the curriculum. While students with special needs are expected to meet our institution's academic standards, they are given the opportunity to fulfill learner outcomes in alternative ways. Examples of accommodations may include, but are not limited to, testing accommodations (tests read aloud, extended time), sign-language interpreters, relocation of inaccessible classrooms, permission to record lectures and note-taking assistance.

The Counseling Center acts as the point of entry for individuals who have documented learning disabilities and psychological or physical special needs. The accommodation decisions are addressed on an individual basis. The Counseling Center professional, in conjunction with the student, evaluates the effects of the student's disability in relation to the curriculum and academic standards. During this process, faculty and other campus representatives may be consulted to review the academic environment and its relationship to the student. After reasonable and appropriate accommodations are determined, students are required to complete a Permission to Release Information Form. This form authorizes a release of disability information supplied by the student. The faculty members who will be teaching the student with special needs will be provided an accommodation letter by the student which indicates the suggested and requested classroom modifications. The documentation and accommodation letters are retained in the student's file with the Counseling Center so that the student can return at the beginning of each semester to complete a Permission to Release Information Form which is pertinent to that particular semester's coursework.

Accommodations do NOT apply retroactively. If the student neglects to request accommodations from his or her instructors, those instructors are under no obligation to retroactively correct for this. Accommodations apply to present and future, not past, events.

Documentation Guidelines

Testing Accommodations and Procedures

Student Responsibilities

Before Classes Begin

Once class schedules are final, the student must report to the Counseling Center and complete the Permission to Release Information Form. This should be done no later than the last day to add classes.
Students requesting books in alternative format should contact the Counseling Center as soon as a final schedule is determined.
For students needing classes relocated to an accessible site, notify the Counseling Center as soon as possible so there is ample time to make these arrangements.

The First Day of Class

Arrive early to secure the best possible seating.
For students using interpretors, save them a seat.
For students using special equipment, arrive early to work with the instructor so that class time will not be taken up.
Get copies of syllabus, outlines, required text, and the instructor's office location and hours. Organize each class syllabus, outlines, notes, and calendar in a notebook.
For students coordinating their own note-taking services, secure a note-taker and arrange to get notes. If a note-taker cannot be found, or you choose not to coordinate the service on your own, request assistance from your professor.
Provide note-taker with carbonless (NCR) paper, if needed. This paper is available at no charge through the Counseling Center.
The student should identify themselves to the professor, before or after class, or during office hours, and explain that they will providing them with an accomodation letter form the Counseling Center.

After Last Day to Add Classes

At this point, the Counseling Center should be in receipt of your Permission to Release Information Form so that Accommodation Letters can be written. Students will receive these letters through their Warhawk email account and will deliver to each of their professors.
Discuss accommodation(s) with the professor. If he/she cannot provide the accommodation(s) needed, please contact the Counseling Center for further instructions or if there are questions as to what procedures need to be followed.

During the Semester

Keep the Counseling Center informed of dates for exams or major projects if requesting special assistance (i.e. interpreting / reading / special testing / out of class assignments) from the Counseling Center.Remember, the tests must be scheduled with the Counseling Center at least three (3) days before the test date.
Make appointments to talk to professors to monitor notes and progress. Do this at least once before an exam and again after the exam.
If special need related problems arise, please report them to the Counseling Center as soon as possible!

Special Needs Parking

An application for Mobility Impaired Parking Permit and a memo, which are to be presented to the attending physician, can be obtained from the University Police Department or they can be downloaded from the ULM Police Website.

Students must have their physician read the memo carefully and complete and sign the application which verified their disability. The student must then present the completed form to the University Police Department for approval. The UPD will provide students with a decal which designates the length of time they are eligible to receive mobility impaired parking.

Students with temporary injuries who apply for mobility impaired parking will be assigned parking privileges for the anticipated length of recovery. Re-application for the permit is necessary if the condition persists beyond 90 days.

For any impairment that is considered permanent by your physician, recertification must be done each Fall for the academic year.

Elevator Access

Students with special needs who require the use of an elevator can have their identification cards activated by the Counseling Center. In order to receive this service, students will be required to present documentation validating their disability, whether permanent or temporary. Students whose documentation must require more extensive verification may refer to the Grievance and Appeal Procedure listed below.

Grievance and Appeal Procedures

Any student who disagrees with the academic accommodation(s) that have been determined should first speak to the Counseling Center Director. The student should express his/her concerns and be prepared to offer alternative solutions. If, after consulting with the Director, there still is not satisfaction on the part of the student regarding the proposed accommodation(s) or the provision of the accommodation(s), the student should speak with the Dean for Student Affairs. If the student still is not satisfied with the proposed or provided accommodation(s), the student may file a formal grievance with the Chair of the Council on Students with Special Needs. The Counseling Center will assist with this process. The Chair, with assistance of the Disability Determination Subcommittee of the Council, will evaluate the eligibility of the student to receive the requested accommodations. Upon validation of the student's request, the Chair will notify the Counseling Center in writing of the decision.

For questions and concerns about disability procedures and other disability issues, contact the ULM Counseling Center: Phone: 318-342-5220 | Fax: 318-342-5228