Mission
Accessible Educational Services at IU East is committed to advancing equity, inclusion, and equal access to educational opportunities for students with disabilities. In alignment of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), we work to ensure that all students have the opportunity to fully participate in the academic experience.
Through the provision of individualized accommodations, the removal of environmental and attitudinal barriers, and meaningful collaboration with students, faculty, and staff, we foster accessible learning environments across campus. We empower students to develop self-advocacy skills, promote independence, and support their academic and personal success. Accessible Educational Services also strives to cultivate a campus culture of accessibility, awareness, and belonging where disability is recognized as an important aspect of diversity.
Getting Support from AES
If you are a student with a permanent or temporary qualifying medical condition under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and are enrolled in courses at IU East, Accessible Educational Services (AES) is here to support your success.
We are committed to ensuring equal access to your education through academic accommodations, auxiliary aids, and support services. We work with you to remove barriers, foster independence, and help you achieve your personal and academic goals. If you have any questions at any point in the accommodation process or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
Apply for Accessibility Services
Students who believe they qualify for classroom accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are encouraged to register with Accessible Educational Services (AES) at Indiana University East by submitting appropriate documentation. AES is located in Springwood Hall, room 227. Documentation may also be submitted via fax at 765-973-8237.
Eligibility
Students may qualify for accommodations if they have a disability as defined by the ADA, including but not limited to:
- Physical disabilities
- Hearing impairment
- Visual impairments
- Learning disabilities
- Neurological conditions
- Psychological disabilities
- Temporary disability
- Other disabilities recognized under ADA guidelines
Steps to Apply for Services
- Self-identify with Accessible Educational Services by completing an online request form on Accommodate or visiting the office in person (Springwood Hall, room 227).
- Submit the completed request form along with appropriate documentation. Documentation may be uploaded online via Accommodate, faxed to 765-973-8237, or delivered in person.
- After documentation is reviewed, AES staff will contact you to schedule an intake appointment.
- Attend the intake appointment and complete any requirements, including a release of information form.
- Access and download your accommodation letter through the Accommodate student portal and share them with your instructors during the first week of classes.
- Review and follow the responsibilities of students receiving accommodations.
Documentation should reflect the current functional impact of the disability and generally be within three years of the request.
Documentation must be provided by a qualified medical professional, such as:
- Psychologist
- Psychiatrist
- Medical doctor or specialist
- Other licensed medical or mental health professionals
Documentation must be on official stationery from a licensed healthcare provider or mental health professional that is within three years of the service request of the academic year and must contain the following:
- A clear statement of all diagnoses identifying the disability and symptoms and describe by what means the condition was diagnosed.
- A description of how the condition limits/restricts life functions such as learning, etc.
- Information that supports the student’s request for specific academic support, auxiliary aids, and accommodations.
- A clear statement of the provider’s recommended accommodations/strategies to specific functional limitations
All documentation is reviewed by AES staff to determine appropriate accommodations.
AES does not accept:
- Handwritten letters from licensed professionals
- Patient records or notes from patient charts
- Documentation provided by a family member
- Diagnoses written on prescription pads
- Self-evaluations
- Research articles
- Medication containers (photo or physical bottle)
Documentation costs
You are responsible for the cost of obtaining the documentation. This includes the cost of getting additional information if the initial documentation doesn’t determine the extent of your qualifying medical condition(s) or support the need for your requested accessibility measures (accommodations).
Before the Semester Begins
- Register for classes as early as possible, in consult with your academic advisor.
- Request a new accommodation letter by submitting a semester request through the Accommodate system via One.IU
- Contact Assistive Technology and Accessibility Centers (ATAC) at atac@iu.edu if you require materials in an alternate format.
During the Semester
- Share accommodation letters with each instructor at the start of the semester
- Meet with instructors to discuss how accommodations will be implemented
- Submit a semester request in Accommodate immediately if your class schedule changes
Students should notify AES or their instructor as soon as possible if an accommodation is not being implemented correctly.
Testing Accommodations
- Discuss testing accommodations with each instructor to establish arrangements using RegisterBlast
- Schedule exams through RegisterBlast through your course page on Canvas after arrangements are confirmed. Students can use this KB articleto learn how to schedule an exam through RegisterBlast.
- If a scribe or reader is approved, confirm exam details with your instructor at least one week in advance
Notify AES as soon as your exam is scheduled so appropriate support can be arranged (at least one week in advance)