Parent FAQs
Here at the DSS Office, we understand that parents of students with disabilities are transitioning to college just as much as their child. Up until now you have served as your child's advocate to ensure that their rights have been met and that they were receiving an appropriate education. Now that they are enrolling in college, the roles will be reversed and your child will be expected to serve as their own advocate. Obviously you will still be involved in your child's life, but instead of steering the car, you will become the navigator to help ensure that they are utilizing all the resources that LMU has to offer. Please take a moment to review the frequently asked questions below to understand how the DSS Office is here to support your child.
Please click on a question to review the response below:
If you have a question that you do not see listed, please feel free to contact our office.
Will there be any changes to my child's accommodations now that they are at LMU?
There may be changes to the type of accommodations that your child receives. The reason for this is because the laws that govern appropriate access change. In secondary education (k-12) students receive accommodations under the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. In post-secondary education (college) accommodations are provided under The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as well as Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
In secondary education the goal is access and success, but in post-secondary education there is only one goal, access. Students registered with the DSS Office are therefore entitled to equal access to demonstrate their ability. Return the the top
What is meant by the term "reasonable accommodation"?
A reasonable accommodation is any adjustment that creates an even playing field for students with disabilities. It does not mean that the student will receive all the accommodations they want. Rather, it ensures that students will receive the accommodations needed in order to provide them with equal access to the University. Return to the top
What does my child need to do to continue the accommodations they received at their previous school?
At the college level, students must self-identify in order to receive accommodations. Your student should contact our office as soon as possible so that we may discuss the process with them. Depending on the disability, there are several types of documentation that may need to be submitted to the DSS Office. It is advised that students send copies of all documentation and maintain the originals for their own personal files.
Once all of the documentation has been submitted, the process of reviewing the file will begin. Incomplete files will not be reviewed. Reviews can take up to 15 business days. Once complete, a written letter explaining the outcome of the review will be sent to your child by postal mail. Return to the top
When should my child request accommodations from the DSS Office?
The DSS Office accepts requests for accommodation on a year-round basis. However, we advise that students submit documentation as soon as they know that they will be attending LMU. This allows time for their file to be reviewed and for accommodations to be set in place before they begin classes. The review process can be time consuming and in a few occasions, additional documentation is requested before a final decision can be reached. Due to these factors, students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Return to the top
What happens if my child's request for accommodations is not approved?
The DSS Office does not deny requests for accommodation. If upon first review, there is not enough evidence to show a substantial limitation in a major life activity which would result in the need for accommodation, then the DSS Office would draft a letter to your child requesting further documentation. Return to the top
If I have questions or concerns about my child, will the DSS Office be able to speak with me about my child?
Any file that the DSS Office may have on your child is kept confidential. We will not be able to disclose any information without a signed Release of Information form. This form allows the DSS Office to discuss the student's file with a specified third party. If you child chooses to sign this form and authorizes the DSS Office to speak with you, this does not mean that you may act on your child's behalf. Rather, this form allows for the DSS Office to speak with you regarding specifics of your child's file. If you child chooses not to sign this form, then we will only be able to discuss general processes with you and cannot go into any detail concerning your child.
Please note that the DSS files are protected under the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) as well as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). If your student signs a general release with the Registrar's Office, this does not cover their DSS file. In order to discuss their DSS file, they must sign our release. Return to the top
If my child registers with DSS, will it show up on their transcript or diploma?
No. All DSS records are confidential and maintained within the DSS Office. Their status with our office will not be printed in any of their academic records. Return to the top
How does my child's professor become notified of their accommodations?
Each semester students meet individually with DSS staff members to complete Accommodation forms. These forms are stamped and approved by the DSS Office listing the student's name, class and the approved accommodations. Nowhere on the form does it list the student's disability. It is the student's responsibility to have it signed and return a signed copy to the DSS Office where it will be kept in their file. Return to top