1. Should I disclaim my disability on my application to college?
You
are not required to disclose your disability at any time and the
college is prohibited by Federal law from asking you about a disability
on the application form. If you believe your disability has had a
negative impact on your grades and test scores and, thus, those scores
do not truly reflect your ability to do college level work, then it
might benefit you to explain that to the admission officer or committee.
However, this is a personal decision that you should also discuss with
knowledgeable folks such as your parents, school counselor, vocational
rehabilitation counselor, or even someone at the college. Often, once a
student has been accepted, the college will give incoming students
information regarding the office or offices that provide services for
students with disabilities as well as time frames for requesting
accommodations. It is, then, up to you to contact the appropriate
officials if you feel you will need services.
2. Where do I go to get tested for a learning disability or ADD?
If you regularly see a family doctor, ask him or her if they can make a
referral to someone that can provide you with the appropriate testing.
You may also contact the Office of Disability Services for a
recommendation. You can go online and research possibilities through the
Learning Disabilities Association of America.
3. Is there campus transportation?
We do not offer on-campus transportation. Wee have a van shuttle to the barns for class or work purposes. The city of Findlay has accessible van transportation to access the city surroundings. The HATS local phone number is:419-423-7261.
4. Can I have my service animal with me in my dorm room?
Yes! As
established by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), service
animals shall not be excluded from University facilities or activities.
The ADA defines a service animal as: “any animal individually trained
to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a
disability, including, but not limited to, guiding individuals with
impaired vision, alerting individuals who are hearing impaired to
intruders or sounds, providing minimal protection or rescue work,
pulling a wheelchair, or fetching dropped items.”
To work on campus, a
service animal must be specifically trained to perform a service
function. If an animal meets this definition, it is considered a
service animal regardless of whether it has been licensed or certified
by a state or local government or a training program. Service animals
whose behavior poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others
or is disruptive to the campus community may be excluded regardless of
training or certification.
- Procedures and responsibilities for the
students using service animals must be obtained at the Office of
Disability Services.
- Service animals may not reside in University housing without expressed approval of Residence Life.
5. My doctor says I should get unlimited time for taking tests. The Disability Office says I’m allowed time-and-a-half – why?
The college has the responsibility under federal law for ensuring
access to their programs and activities by students with disabilities.
Often, the Disability Services Office is delegated the authority to make
decisions on what is regarded as reasonable adjustments to ensure equal
access because they have the knowledge, credentials, and experience to
do this. The office often uses medical or other professional
documentation provided by the student as a basis for making such
decisions but they are not required to exactly follow the
recommendations made in the documentation provided.
6. Are there special classes for students with disabilities at UF?
Unlike high schools, UF does not offer special or remedial classes for students with disabilities. UF does offer stepping stone classes for all students depending on academic records and/or ACT/SAT scores.
7. Is the campus wheelchair accessible?
The majority of classroom buildings are accessible on campus. The
director of disability services will make arrangements with the
facilities director to arrange accessibility to classes/meetings or
events.
8. Do all of my professors need to know about my disability?
It is your choice to which professors you would like to disclose your limitations. With your permission, the professors of your classes will get a notice with your name and accommodations. The director will not discuss diagnosis with any faculty or staff member unless you sign a release of information form.