How to Apply for Services

To start the process:

1. Apply and be admitted to UW-Platteville. Determine that UW-Platteville is the university you will be attending.
2. Your eligibility for services/accommodations with DAC is a separate process and is done independently of the Office of Admissions.
3. When you are admitted, start the checklist for current students.

Current Students 

Already attending UW-Platteville? No problem. DAC works with current students to provide accommodations both inside and outside the classroom.

Eligibility 

The Disability Access Center assists students with disabilities in obtaining academic accommodations and/or auxiliary aids. Accommodations are available based on documentation of a disability and a personal interview process.

To qualify for services with DAC, students are responsible for providing comprehensive documentation from a qualified professional showing a substantial limitation in one or more major life activities. To better understand the eligibility process for DAC, prospective students should review the Student Checklist.

Checklist for Current and Admitted Students

1. Select the button to apply for Access Services and complete the application as thoroughly as possible. If are a new student and you do not know your residence hall assignment yet, or have not found local housing, use your permanent address. This can be changed later.
2. Submit documentation of your disability from a qualified professional.
   • If you have documentation to upload, enter a title for the document, browse to find it on your computer and click on "Upload Documentation."
   • If you do not have documentation to upload right now, click "Upload Documentation Later" and have your clinician complete the appropriate Disability Documentation Guidelines or send the appropriate report. Documentation Guidelines for various disabilities are accessible by calling our office at 608.342.1818. You may click on the editable version of the appropriate Documentation Guideline, print it, and take it to the qualified diagnosing professional. Once your documentation is complete, either mail, fax, or drop off your documentation at DAC as soon as you are able.
   • In addition to the above required Documentation Guidelines, it is helpful to receive supplemental records of accommodations/services provided to you that show a history of accommodations provided at any previous academic setting (e.g., IEP, Section 504 plan, college service plan, etc.) and any record of accommodations provided for national standardized exams (e.g., ACT, SAT, GRE, LSAT, etc.).
   • After documentation is received, DAC will review the documentation and send you a letter acknowledging receipt of your documentation and your eligibility status. This letter, depending on the time of year, may come to your home address or your UW-Platteville e-mail address. Because of this, it is critical that students check their UW-Platteville e-mail regularly, even during the summer or on breaks. This letter outlines information about steps you will need to take next in order to obtain accommodations. 

Apply For Access Services

Accommodations

Some of the accommodations used by students are listed below. This is not an all-inclusive list. Because accommodations are determined on a case-by-case basis some unique accommodations may be needed. If you have needs that are not met through the accommodations listed below, talk with DAC Staff to determine an appropriate and reasonable accommodation that will fit your needs.

• Testing Accommodations
• Assistive Technology
• Document Conversion – examples are books in audio or electronic format and print enlargement
• Notetaking – paid notetakers are sometimes used, or students may use notetaking assistive technologies such as the Smart Pen or Glean.
• Recorded Lectures
• Preferential Seating
• Sign Language Interpreter
• Captioning 

Testing Center

If you use testing accommodations, you may be asked to use the Testing Center, located in Karrmann Library. Accommodations offered through the Testing Center vary from student to student but can include extended time for testing, a reader, speech-to-text, and a reduced distraction environment.

You may also use your testing accommodations through your individual professors.

Sharing Your VISA (Verified Individualized Services and Accommodations)

One of the significant differences between High School and College is the need to self-advocate. In K-12 education parents and the school are responsible for the 504 plan or IEP. In higher education that responsibility shifts to the student. Students are responsible for contacting our office and setting up services. Once students are eligible for services through DAC and have a VISA, students are responsible for requesting accommodations and discussing their VISA with instructors. Students do not need to share their VISA with all of their instructors; they can pick and choose based on their needs for accommodations per class. Once students have requested their accommodations and have been approved by their Disability Specialist, a copy of their VISA will be emailed to both the student and their instructor. We strongly recommend that a student then discusses their VISA with their instructors. This is typically arranged in an e-mail. The student will e-mail the instructor and set up a time to discuss their VISA. A sample e-mail can be found below. It is important to be prepared to discuss the following with instructors regarding your VISA:

• How accommodations will be facilitated
• Any other questions or concerns

Your Disability Specialist will coach you through this process during your intake appointment. Should you have any additional concerns or questions please direct them to your Disability Specialist.

Sample Email to Instructors

Below is a sample email from students to instructors.

Dear Professor Smith,

Hello, my name is Jane Doe and I am in your class, Accounting 2010 section 04. I would like to set up a meeting with you to discuss my VISA. Could we meet after class tomorrow in your office?

Thank you for your time. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Jane