Disability Services

Framingham State University offers equal opportunities to all qualified students, including those with disabilities. The University is committed to making reasonable accommodations as necessary to ensure that its programs and activities do not discriminate, or have the effect of discriminating, on the basis of disability. Disability/Access Services works with students with ADD/ADHD, learning and psychiatric disabilities, students with mobility disabilities, students who are blind or low vision, students who are d/Deaf or hard of hearing, and students with chronic medical conditions.

Disability/Access Services works to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified students. The purpose of accommodations, modification, and/or auxiliary aids is to reduce or eliminate any disadvantages that may exist because of a disability. Framingham State University is not mandated by law to waive specific courses or academic requirements considered essential to a particular program or degree. Rather, the University is mandated to modify existing requirements on a case-by-case basis in order to ensure that individuals are not discriminated against on the basis of their disability.

Although in-person tutoring is not available until fall semester, we invite students to check out ThinkingStorm, our online tutoring service. Links to ThinkingStorm are found in Canvas. Check out our tutoring page for more information.

How will I receive Academic Accommodation Letters from students?

This semester, students will request their Academic Accommodation Letters be e-mailed to their instructors. Disability/Access Services will e-mail letters at the beginning of the course session. Students will be copied on the e-mail and have been encouraged to contact Instructors if an additional conversation is necessary.

Are students still entitled to academic accommodations in my online/remote/hybrid course?

Yes, students are still entitled to the academic accommodations listed on their Academic Accommodation Letter, with the understanding that some classroom accommodations may no longer be necessary.

Is Disability/Access Services able to proctor my student’s exam?

Disability/Access Services will be available to proctor quizzes and exams in CASA only for students registered with the Disability/Access Services Office, and only for those courses held on campus. Availability will be limited to ensure social distancing in the testing room.

Testing in CASA will be available by appointment only. Students are expected to bring or e-mail you a Permission to Test form (green form); the form can be completed electronically and e-mailed to Disability/Access Services along with the exam. Disability/Access Services will also accept an e-mail with relevant information including materials permissible during the exam and any special instructions in lieu of a Permission to Test form.

Online Quizzes and Exams
You can extend exam times on timed quizzes and exams for students with an extended time accommodation. If your online quizzes and exams are untimed, you do not need to take any action.
Canvas: Once I publish a timed quiz, how can I give my students extra time?
Cengage Webassign: Grant Extra Time for Timed Assignments
Pearson MyLab: Change Assignment Settings for Multiple Students

My course will be remote/online. Will some students still need notetakers?

The need for a notetaker will be determined on an individual basis. If course/lecture content is available online, a notetaker will likely not be needed. Maddy Nannery, our Accessibility Coordinator, will contact you directly if a notetaker is needed.

How will my Instructors be notified of my accommodations?

At your request, Disability/Access Services will e-mail your Academic Accommodation Letter to each of your instructors. We will copy you on the e-mail, so that you may follow up with each of your instructors as necessary.

To request your Summer 2023 Academic Accommodation Letters, please click the following link: https://bit.ly/AccommodationsSummer23

Do I still get my accommodations for online/remote courses?

Yes, students are still entitled to the academic accommodations listed on their Academic Accommodation Letter, with the understanding that some classroom accommodations may no longer be necessary. See below:

Extended Time on Timed Online Quizzes and Exams
Instructors can extend time for individual students for quizzes and exams on Canvas, MyMathLab, etc. You should e-mail your instructor to remind them of your extended time accommodation before you begin an online exam!

Assistance with Notetaking
The need for a notetaker will be determined on an individual basis. If course/lecture content is available online, a notetaker will likely not be needed. Contact disabilityservices@framingham.edu with questions about note takers for your courses.

Textbooks in an Accessible Format
As always, you are responsible for purchasing your course materials. If you have difficulty finding a reading in an accessible format (for example, as a PDF or in audio), please contact disabilityservices@framingham.edu as soon as possible for assistance.