ASU Mid-South | West Memphis, Arkansas

Disability Services

Disability Image

Equal opportunity is the foundation for success. Disability Services at ASU Mid-South works collaboratively with students, faculty, and staff to help create an inclusive educational environment for students. Reasonable accommodations are provided by faculty to access course content and/or demonstrate learning when the design of the educational environment prevents equal participation.

We strive to ensure access for students with disabilities and to comply with ADA, ADAAA amendments act of 2008, Section 504 and Section 508 of Rehabilitation Act. Any ASU Mid-South student with a disability may utilize services through our office.

Step 1: Register for Classes
– If you’re new to Mid-South, complete the admission steps (https://www.asumidsouth.edu/apply-now/new-student/)
– Register for classes with your advisor (Find your advisor here: https://www.asumidsouth.edu/students/academic-advising/)
Step 2: Request Accommodations for Classes
First Time Students:
– Open Starfish from Canvas or directly from the My Mid-South page (https://www.asumidsouth.edu/mymidsouth/)
– Click the Menu button (3 white lines at left side of top blue bar by the word “Starfish”) and choose “Student Surveys”
– Complete the “Disability Services Initial Accommodation Request”
– Gather medical documentation (such as a copy of the IEP or 504 from high school or other information) – bring documentation to the initial meeting. (If you need the form for a doctor to complete, you can use the Disability Functional Limitations form.

Returning Students:
– Open Starfish from Canvas or directly from the My Mid-South page (https://www.asumidsouth.edu/mymidsouth/)
– Click the Menu button (3 white lines at left side of top blue bar by the word “Starfish”) and choose “Student Surveys”
– Complete the “Renewing Request for Accommodations”

Step 3: Schedule an Appointment to Discuss Accommodations
– Schedule an appointment with the Disability Services Office
o Email: slkrehl@asumidsouth.edu
o Call: 870-733-6790
o Use this link: Appointments with Dr. Krehl
Step 4: Accommodations Shared with Instructors and Student
– Accommodation letters will be shared confidentially with the Student’s Instructors and the Student through Starfish.
– No medical information will be shared – only the classroom accommodations that have been discussed.
– The student has the responsibility to follow up with the instructor to request the accommodations that are stated in the letter or reach out to the Disability Services Office if Accommodations are not being followed.
Step 5: Repeat Each New Semester
– The student must complete an official request for accommodations for each new semester (August, January, and June).
– To request renewed accommodations, complete the “Renewing Request for Accommodations” under Student Surveys in Starfish.
– The best idea is to complete the survey as soon as registration for the new semester is completed with the advisor!
Temporary Accommodations
ASU Mid-South recognizes that individuals with temporarily disabling conditions that are a result of injuries, surgery or short-term medical conditions may need access to services and resources similar to individuals with permanent disabilities. Examples of temporary disabilities may include, but are not limited to: broken limbs, hand injuries, short term impairments following surgery or medical treatments, and pregnancy.

To request Temporary Accommodations:
1. Open Starfish from Canvas or directly from the My Mid-South page (https://www.asumidsouth.edu/mymidsouth/)
2. Click the Menu button (3 white lines at left side of top blue bar by the word “Starfish”) and choose “Student Surveys”
3. Complete the “Disability Services Temporary Accommodation Request”
4. Collect Medical Documentation the outlines needed accommodations and reason for those accommodations. The Disability Functional Limitations form may be used.
5. Schedule an appointment to discuss the situation.
o Email: slkrehl@asumidsouth.edu
o Call: 870-733-6790
o Use this link: Appointments with Dr. Krehl

– The College DOES NOT provide personal assistance to students with temporary disabilities such as building-to-building transportation or the transport of books or other personal items.

– Title IX
Title IX requires a school to excuse a student’s absences due to pregnancy and related conditions, for as long as the student’s doctor deems the absences to be medically necessary. When the student returns to school, she must be reinstated to the status she held when the leave began, which should include giving her the opportunity to make up any work missed. For more information on Title IX and academic support for pregnant and parenting students, click here.

Accommodations Begin When Process is Completed
Accommodations are not retroactive. Students must request accommodations as far in advance as possible to allow for implementation. Waiting until the last minute jeopardizes the chances of utilizing accommodations.
There is no deadline, but accommodations will begin when all required documentation is completed, and an initial meeting has been conducted.
Difference Between High School and College Accommodations
There is no Special Education at the college level. Educational rights covered by IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Act) do not apply to postsecondary education. Colleges must comply with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the civil Rights Restoration Act. College students have civil rights, but no “education” rights.

Postsecondary institutions are required to:

  • Make all programs and services physically accessible to all students
  • Provide auxiliary aids, notetakers, and appropriate equipment to ensure the participation of students with disabilities in college classes and activities
  • Accommodate the academic participation of qualified students with disabilities in college classes and activities
 Postsecondary institutions are not required to:

  • Provide specific auxiliary aids as long as the college provides a method of assistance that allows equal opportunity
  • Provide academic modifications if these modifications would fundamentally alter the nature of the course or program or place undue burden on the institution
  • Lower admission criteria for applicants with disabilities
  • Diagnose a disability or conduct testing and assessment of learning difficulties, physical, or mental impairments
  • Provide personal attendants
  • Provide personal or private tutors

• Prepare “Individualized Education Programs” (IEP’s)

Differences in Policies and Procedures

High School

  • The school is responsible for identifying students with disabilities
  • The school must provide the assessment of disability, classify disability, and involve parents
 College 

  • The student must self-identify or disclose his/her disability
  • The student must provide documentation of his/her disability to the designated office

 

  • School staff will discuss academic progress with parents or legal guardians
  • The school must develop an Individualized Educational Program
  • The school must provide a free and appropriate education including modified program and appropriate related services

      • The school must coordinate the provision of all       services, monitor progress, and evaluate results
  • The student is considered an adult with privacy and confidentiality protections. Staff cannot talk with parents or legal guardians about the student’s academic progress
  • The student must request specific accommodations and provide supporting evidence through documentation
  • The student must act as independent adults to activate and obtain accommodations and structure weekly schedules
  • The college must provide reasonable accommodations for students who qualify

Differences in Accommodations

High School

  • Services include individually designed instruction, modifications, and accommodations based on the IEP
  • Modifications that change course outcomes may be offered based on the IEP
  • Appropriate accommodations are determined by the student’s Individualized Educational Plan (IEP)

 College

  • Reasonable accommodations may be made to provide equal access and participation
  • The college is not required to lower or effect substantial modifications to essential requirements.
  • Appropriate accommodations must be determined based on the student’s disability documentation, and individual need

Differences in Parent’s or Legal Guardian’s Role

High School

  • Legal guidance is provided by IDEA
  • Periodic progress reports are given to parents
 College 

  • Legal guidance is provided by Section 504 and ADA
  • No progress reports will be given to parents

 

  • Teachers are free to approach parents without consent from student to discuss student’s progress
  • The parent is the student’s legal guardian 
  • The parent is expected to advocate for the student
  • Teachers are free to approach parents without consent from student to discuss student’s progress
  • The parent is the student’s legal guardian 
  • The parent is expected to advocate for the student
Questions?
Contact:
Dr. Barbara C. Baxter Learning Success Center
Stephanie Krehl
ADA Coordinator
Donald W. Reynolds Center
2000 West Broadway
West Memphis, AR 72301
870-733-6790
Email: slkrehl@asumidsouth.edu
Appointment Link for Current Students: Appointments with Dr. Krehl

Non-discrimination Statement

Arkansas State University Mid-South does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, sex, disability, genetic information, veteran status or marital status in any of its practices, policies or procedures, and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts, Girls Scouts, and other designated youth groups. This includes, but is not limited to, employment, admissions, educational services, programs or activities which it operates or financial aid. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:

Jeremy Reece

Title IX Coordinator
Arkansas State University Mid-South
2000 West Broadway
West Memphis, AR 72301

Phone: 870.733.6786
Email: jreece@asumidsouth.edu

Stephanie Krehl

ADA Coordinator
Arkansas State University Mid-South
2000 West Broadway
West Memphis, AR 72301

Phone: (870) 733-6790
Email: slkrehl@asumidsouth.edu

For further information on notice of non-discrimination, visit https://ocrcas.ed.gov/contact-ocr for the address and phone number of the office that serves our area, or call 1-800-421-3481.