Disability Support
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COGNITIVE DISABILITIES
K-State provides a broad range of supportive services to students with cognitive disabilities, including learning disabilities, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, brain injury, psychological disabilities, and Asperger's Syndrome. The Disability Support Services office provides or arranges for academic accommodations for these students with the support of faculty and numerous other university offices.
Faculty and staff at K-State are understanding of the needs of students with disabilities and will work with them in their pursuit of educational goals.
Eligibility
Disability Support Services provides services and academic accommodations to students with documented disabilities.
DSS uses the documentation and other information provided by the student when determining what accommodations the university will provide.
A student with a disability is any student who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity such as caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, hearing, speaking, breathing, walking, seeing, learning, or working.
Documentation will be accepted from appropriate professionals knowledgeable in their given field of expertise.
Get information about documentation required for services and accommodations
Learning disabilities
To be eligible for accommodations, a student with a learning disability must provide written documentation of the learning disability. This documentation should reflect an adult profile and include a history of accommodations the student has received and relevant test scores.
Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Students diagnosed with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder must provide written documentation of the disability. This should include a statement of the diagnosis, a current summary as to whether and in what manner the AD/HD substantially limits the student's ability to function in a university setting.
Psychological disabilities
Students are required to provide written documentation of a psychological diagnosis. This documentation should include a summary of present symptoms and how the condition impairs the student's ability to learn. Age of the documentation that can be accepted is dependent on the condition, status of the student, and the student's request for accommodations.
Accommodations for English Composition
In English composition classes, accommodations for students may include extended time for in-class assignments, use of a word processor with spell and grammar check, and a writing specialist for all written assignments for the course.
Special courses
Enhanced University Experience
The Enhanced University Experience is an elective course students can take their first semester. It provides an orientation to the university and study skills instruction. For more information, call 785-532-6492.
Mathematics
A math placement test is required for students entering K-State. This helps place each student in a math course at a level appropriate to his or her ability.
Math Review is a course for students who are experiencing difficulty with arithmetical computations.
Intermediate Algebra is a self-paced, modular course that prepares students for college algebra.
College Algebra, which requires a year and a half of high school algebra, is required for most programs of study.
Studio College Algebra is a newer version of this course, which covers slightly less material and is targeted at students preparing for STAT 325 or MATH 205. The class is taught with one lecture, one studio in a computer lab, and one recitation each week. In the studio, students work in pairs and use spreadsheets to apply algebra techniques to situations often involving real data.
Financial aid
Students with disabilities who apply for financial aid are given the same opportunity and consideration as other students. Applications for financial aid, including grants, loans, and scholarships, should be submitted to Student Financial Assistance, 104 Fairchild Hall, by November 1 for incoming students, and by February 1 for continuing students. Some scholarships also require an accompanying essay, which is due to the DSS office by February 1. Documentation of disability is required.
Many students with disabilities are eligible for services provided through vocational rehabilitation programs. Students eligible for these programs can receive assistance with tuition, books, and other expenses, including funding for personal readers and tutors.
Application for services
Application for services can be made by contacting Disability Support Services at 785-532-6441 or at www.k-state.edu/dss.
Supportive services
Many supportive services are available to eligible students who are accepted into the program.
Disability Support Services will function as a liaison with students' instructors and will recommend appropriate academic accommodations. These may include test-taking accommodations such as extended time, readers, or a distraction-reduced environment; assistance in obtaining alternative text; and lecture notes.
Many of the services provided to students take time to arrange. For example, if you have a reading disability and it is recommended that you use alternative text, it may take several weeks to obtain the materials. Consequently, students who are considering attending K-State are encouraged to apply for services early in the process of planning for college. Many students visit with DSS staff during June Orientation and Enrollment, or transfer student orientation in April, before attending K-State.
Tutorial assistance is available for many basic courses. Editorial assistance is available to students who have particular difficulty in the area of writing. In addition, a specialist is available to assist with time management and study skills.
Adaptive technology
An adaptive technology lab is available for students with disabilities in 213 Hale Library (in the Media Development Center). Adaptive technology includes screen reading and voice recognition software and an Arkenstone Reading Machine.
Voice recognition software allows a computer user to speak into a microphone and have the spoken word appear on screen. This can be used with word processing programs as well as e-mail.
Screen reading software reads text on a computer screen aloud. It is typically used by students with reading disabilities to listen to an electronic textbook.
Also available is an FM listening device and two VictorReader Vibe players.
Disability Support Services will help students learn to use the available technology.
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