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.

COVID-19 Update:

Please be aware that due to COVID-19, the Disability/Access Services Office is currently working remotely. If you are mailing or faxing documentation for accommodations due to a disability, please be aware that there may be a delay between when documentation is sent and when we contact you to schedule an intake appointment.  

Your documentation can be faxed to 508-626-4913, emailed to disabilityservices@framingham.edu, or mailed to:

Framingham State University attn. Disability/Access Services
100 State Street
Framingham, MA 01701

Academic Success 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.

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 semester for students who have requested them by September 1st, and as needed after the semester begins. 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.
Blackboard: Test Availability Exceptions on BB
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. Tanya Milette, our Accessibility Coordinator, will contact you directly if a notetaker is needed.

Is CASA open?

CASA is here for you! As you know, campus will look very different this fall. While access to the physical space will be limited, you can still access all of our tutoring services for remote support.

Access Tutoring: Tutoring at FSU
Access Supplemental Instruction (SI): Check your course Blackboard site

You can make Zoom appointments with CASA staff, including Disability/Access Services.

How will my Instructors be notified of my accommodations?

This semester, 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 Fall 2020 Academic Accommodation Letters, please click the following link: bit.ly/LettersF2020 (no spaces; capital L, capital F)

Can I still take exams in CASA?

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. You will still be expected to bring or e-mail your Instructor a Permission to Test form (green form); the form can be completed electronically.

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 Blackboard, 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 Tanya Milette at tmilette@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.