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Frequently Asked Questions

Will the University provide the same services and modifications as the high school IEP?

The IEP is specific to K-12 education. Accommodations in higher education are determined by disability documentation and substantial limitation due to the existence of a disability. Some services provided in K-12 education may be inappropriate in higher education (e.g., shorter assignments/exams). Determining the availability of accommodations in college is not based on whether an IEP existed (or not) in high school. An IEP can never be used as the sole means to document a disability.

Is Accessibility Services responsible to provide tuition and fee waivers for students with disabilities, and help with the cost of books?

No. Financial aid and scholarships may be available through the Financial Aid office located in the Felix Martinez Building. Other resources include the NM Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, New Mexico Commission for the Blind, and other state agencies or federal agencies.

Will whatever accommodations I say I need be provided?

Accommodations are based on disability documentation and substantial limitation of the disability. The University does not make fundamental alterations to classes, degrees or programs. Consideration is given to individual preferences. However, it is the institution’s decision, as long as accommodations provided can be shown to be reasonable and equally effective as any the student suggests.
Are Colleges required to provide one-on-one tutoring?

Tutoring is considered an item of personal nature and, therefore, outside the scope of accommodations. NMHU provides equal access to the same tutoring provided to all students. Students should contact Student Support Services for more information on available tutoring services.

Whenever accommodations are requested, can all the previous exams/assignments be changed, if necessary?

The obligation to provide an accommodation begins at the point a request is made. Reasonable notice is required from the student to request accommodations (e.g. books on tape); although a good faith effort is expected by the institution to provide them in a timely manner. Accommodations are not retroactive.

Since I provided the other college with documentation about my disability, is all I need to do is bring the accommodation list to the college to which I am transferring?

Each college is permitted to establish their documentation guidelines/ requirements. Accommodations provided at one institution do not obligate another institution to the same. Each institution of higher education is required to make its own informed judgment.

Can I have the ASL interpreter I choose?

Generally speaking, there is a lack of qualified interpreters in New Mexico. Qualified interpreters are provided as an accommodation to facilitate communication. Provided that the interpreter is qualified, Accessibility Services makes every effort to assign an interpreter of the student’s choice. However, the ultimate decision rests with the Office of Accessibility Services and a wide variety of reasons may prevent the office from hiring the student’s choice. In all cases, the interpreter should adhere to the Code of Ethics, have the skill level necessary to communicate effectively, and be able to utilize the student’s sign system. In postsecondary, interpreters are not tutors, Paraprofessionals, or helpers.

Suggestions/recommendations for Instructors

Instructors should not make accommodations without first consulting with the Accessibility Services staff, nor should instructors accept or review medical or psychological reports if offered them by a student to support a request for accommodation. Students should be referred to Accessibility Services to meet with staff for a review of these documents, and to determine eligibility for services and accommodations.

It would be exceptionally useful if instructors would make an announcement in class and have a statement in your syllabus to the effect as follows:

“In accordance with federal law, it is University policy to comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). If you believe that you have a physical, learning, or psychological disability that requires an academic accommodation, contact the Coordinator of Accessibility Services by phone at (505) 454-3252 or (505)454-3188, via e-mail at desquibel@nmhu.edu or visit Room 108 of the Felix Martinez Building on the main campus. If you need this document upon which this notice appears in an alternative format, you may also contact the Coordinator of Accessibility Services.

It is inappropriate to ask a student if they have a disability, nor should an instructor ask the student what’s “wrong” with them. It is also inappropriate to inquire about the details of the disability when presented with a Notification to Instructors/Faculty letter. You may privately ask the student how the disability will affect specific tasks required in your class.
Always make sure that your discussions with students are done in private, and be aware that many students are very uncomfortable in approaching instructors to discuss their special academic needs.

Instructors should know that accommodations are not retroactive. Instructors do not need to readminister tests or make adjustments to course activities/grades that have already occurred if the student makes a request late in the semester. Instructor must make accommodations from the date a “Notification to instructors” letter is received.

Specific modalities for working with specific disabilities (i.e learning disability, deaf, hard of hearing, blind or visually impaired, etc.) are available at the Office of Disability Services.

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