Frequently Asked Questions

Student FAQs

What is a disability?

• A disability is a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity. Virginia Tech defines disability and disability related terms in University Policy 4075. A disability could be physical, psychological, or learning based, for example and include chronic and temporary/emergent disabilities injuries and/or illnesses.

Do I qualify for SSD services?

• Any disabled student is encouraged to learn about SSD’s services, supports, and/or accommodations.

What resources does SSD provide?

• SSD provides several resources to support disabled students and to foster an accessible campus. SSD reviews and determines reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities, provides financial assistance through the Buzz’s Bunch Scholarship, provides academic coaching, and operates the Werth Testing Center for accommodated testing.

What is reasonable accommodation?

• Reasonable accommodation refers to academic adjustments and auxiliary aids and services that are necessary to afford students with a disability an equal opportunity to participate in the University’s programs and activities.

How are reasonable accommodations determined?

• SSD leads an interactive process to determine the most reasonable accommodations. Staff review disability-related barriers with the student, learn more about the student’s University life, and brainstorm adjustments that would allow the student to have an equal opportunity to university life.
• Reasonable accommodations do not fundamentally alter or eliminate essential course requirements, do not create a health or safety concern, or impose an undue burden on the institution.

Faculty and Staff FAQs

How can I support students with disabilities in my work?

• The first step in supporting students with disabilities is letting them know that you are there to help. The best way to do this is through a statement on your course syllabus letting students know that they may approach you if they need an accommodation. An example of one of these accommodations is using captioned media on videos and films shown during class.

I received a request for a volunteer note taker in my class. What are my next steps?

• If you received a request for a volunteer note taker in your class, please see information for faculty and staff on the SSD Note-Taking Accommodations page.

I received a request for testing accommodations, but I do not have a testing location. What can I do?

• Please see information for the Werth Testing Center at SSD.

If you have additional questions or concerns, contact Services for Students with Disabilities at 540-231-3788 or ssd@vt.edu.