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Disability Support

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DISABILITY SUPPORT SERVICES

Kansas State University is dedicated to providing equal opportunity and access for every student. Total integration of students with disabilities into the college community is our primary objective.

The staff of Disability Support Services provides a broad range of services in an effort to ensure that the individual needs of each student are met. Our goal is for each student with a disability to have the opportunity to realize his or her greatest potential.

Students served

Support services and academic accommodations are available to students who have disabilities, including:

  • Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder
  • Blindness or visual impairment
  • Brain injuries
  • Chronic health impairments such as diabetes, cystic fibrosis, and seizure disorders
  • Deafness or hard of hearing
  • Learning disabilities
  • Mobility impairments
  • Psychological disabilities

Learn about documentation required for services and accommodations

Services and accommodations

Shuttle service

A shuttle service funded by the university is available for students with temporary or permanent disabilities.

Learn more about the shuttle service

Accommodations for students with cognitive disabilities

K-State provides supportive services for students with learning disabilities and/or attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and psychological disabilities.

Learn about services for students with cognitive disabilities

Accommodations for students with visual impairments

Services available to eligible students with visual impairments include alternative text, readers, and large-print materials. Test-taking accommodations are provided and may include a scribe, a reader, tests administered with a screen-reading software (auditorily), and extended time to complete examinations. Requests for alternative text should be made in a timely manner. Closed circuit televisions (CCTVs) are available in the DSS Testing Center as well as the Adaptive Technology Lab in Hale Library.

Accommodations for students who are deaf or have hearing impairments

Notes and sign language interpreters may be requested by eligible deaf or hard of hearing students for classes, lectures, and other university-related activities.

Students may obtain assistive listening devices for use in classes from the DSS office. Assistive listening devices are also available at Bramlage Coliseum, McCain Auditorium, Nichols Theatre, and the K-State Student Union.

Text telephones (TTYs) for individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired are available on campus at the following locations:

  • Office of Admissions, 785-532-6250
  • Disability Support Services, 785-532-6441
  • Campus Police, 785-532-6412

A TTY is available for use in the K-State Student Union, and phones are also available at the front desk in residence halls where deaf, hard of hearing, or speech-impaired students reside. A TTY is also available in the reserves of Hale Library and can be checked out for three-day periods by faculty or friends who wish to communicate with a student.

Accessibility

Most classrooms on the K-State campus are accessible. Any class scheduled in an inaccessible location will be moved for students with mobility impairments upon request. Students are asked to review their class schedules prior to the semester and advise DSS if they need any class relocated. New buildings on campus are completely accessible. Most old buildings have been retrofitted in order to make them partially, if not totally, accessible.

Attendant care

Employment of an attendant is the student's responsibility.

Special dietary needs

Most students with special dietary needs are able to select appropriate foods in university cafeterias. Registered dietitians are available for consultation with students.

Adaptive technology

The Adaptive Technology Lab, located in 213 Hale Library (in the Media Development Center), is equipped with large-monitor computers and a scanner. Software includes screen readers such as ReadPlease and OpenBook, which can read text aloud. A CCTV and voice-recognition software are also available. A Speech+ speaking calculator; variable-speed, four-track tape recorder; FM listening device; Arkenstone Reading Machine; and digital VictorReader Vibe players are available from the reserves desk in Hale Library.

The computers in this lab, as well as in all public labs, are equipped with Zoom Text or enlarging software.

Get more information about adaptive technology

See the Hale Library website for more information about adaptive devices and software

Parking

Students wishing to use accessible parking on campus must clearly display both these items:

  • A valid disability placard or license plate
  • A valid K-State parking permit

When designated parking is not available, holders of K-State and state of Kansas permits for accessible parking may park in metered stalls at no charge or in timed loading zones and service stalls for as long as necessary.

Visitors wishing to use accessible parking on campus must clearly display both these items:

  • A valid disability placard or license plate
  • A visitor's pass

Visitor's passes are available from Parking Services, 108 Edwards Hall, or from the information booth on 17th Street.

Parking is not permitted in fire lanes, reserved stalls, yellow crosshatched areas, or in a manner that impedes traffic. Under no circumstance should any person park a vehicle on sidewalks, grass, along the road, etc.

Read more about accessible parking at K-State

Housing

Most university residence halls are accessible for students with mobility impairments. Accommodations will be made for students with hearing impairments, visual impairments, and other disabilities on an individual basis. A limited number of adapted university apartments are available in family housing.

Find out more about housing accommodations

Financial aid

K-State offers scholarship opportunities to students with disabilities. Scholarship funding is available to students with disabilities through Educational Opportunity Funds, departmental funds, and private scholarship funds.

All K-State students must complete and submit a K-State scholarship application. Application forms are available from the Office of Student Financial Assistance, 104 Fairchild Hall. You can also apply online by clicking the link below.

Apply for scholarships online

In order to qualify for scholarships, incoming students must be admitted to the university and have completed a K-State scholarship application by November 1. Priority date for current students and transfer students is February 1. Some scholarships require students to submit an essay describing their disability, how it impacts their lives, their need for financial assistance, as well as their future goals. DSS also requests verification of disability from an appropriate professional.

Students with disabilities may be eligible for support through the state's Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program. Students eligible for this program may be given assistance with tuition, books, and other expenses such as funding for readers and tutors. VR may also help with the purchase of special equipment. Applications should be sent to a VR or Social and Rehabilitation Services (SRS) office in your area.

Read about other scholarships through Disabled Student Services

Getting ready for college

Are you ready? It's never too early to start planning.

Learn how to make a successful college transition

Questions about disability support services?

Contact Disability Support Services

Contact your admissions representative

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