Meeting the needs of students with disabilities

Recently, The Gazette published a column containing several inaccuracies regarding the resources provided by University of Iowa Student Disability Services. It is important to clarify the services SDS offers so that students and faculty continue to take advantage of the assistance that is available to them. Our staff members coordinate accommodations for students with disabilities to allow their performance to more accurately reflect their academic skills and abilities. In doing so, we affirm the worth of each individual and the spirit of diversity inherent within the inclusive community that is the University of Iowa.

In a March 13 piece, a guest columnist complained about a change in SDS services but incorrectly stated that SDS previously paid note takers to attend classes in which a student with a disability was enrolled. In fact, SDS has never paid for note takers. It has always been the faculty member's responsibility to help students with note-taking needs. SDS's role is to act as an intermediary in order to provide confidentiality for those students who request this service from faculty members and wish to remain anonymous.

Additionally, it has also always been the faculty member's responsibility to proctor exams for all students in their classes. In the past, as a courtesy and when requested by a faculty member, SDS was able to proctor exams for students who needed additional time. In the last two years alone, we have seen a 30 percent increase in the number of students needing accommodations who have chosen to attend Iowa. SDS can no longer handle all of the faculty requests and must prioritize exams that require specialized technology, unusually long extended test times, or a scribe. Most faculty members have been understanding and have found workable solutions to proctor exams for students who need a simple accommodation. SDS continues to arrange for sign interpreters, create digital versions of textbooks when they aren't otherwise available, caption videos shown in the classroom, and provide adaptive classroom furniture as needed.

We are delighted when students with disabilities choose the University of Iowa for their college education. We will continue to meet their needs without additional staffing, relying instead on improved technology and increases in operational efficiencies. We appreciate the partnership of faculty members in supporting the academic endeavors of all our students who receive accommodation.

' Mark M. Harris, is director of Student Disability Services at the University of Iowa