Accommodation Notices 101

An accommodation notice is an official notification from the UH HIlo Disability Services Office that a UH HIlo student has been approved for disability-related accommodations. The notice outlines the accommodations you are responsible for providing in your course. It does not disclose the student's diagnosis or disability.

Accommodations are intended to provide students with equal access to course materials, instruction, and assessments. They do not change essential course requirements or lower academic standards.

What should I do when I receive an accommodation notice?

• Review the student's approved accommodations as soon as possible.
• Meet with the student, if needed, to discuss how the accommodations will be implemented in your course. Remember not to ask questions about the student’s disability and keep the focus on implementing the accommodations listed on the notice.
• Begin providing accommodations as soon as you receive the notice. Accommodations are not retroactive.
• Maintain the student's privacy and confidentiality. A student's disability status is confidential, and even if they are open about it and disclose sensitive information voluntarily, you should not share or discuss it with others. If you have questions or concerns about something a student has disclosed, please consult with the disability coordinator rather than other colleagues.
• An accommodation notice needs to come from the campus where the course is offered. For example, if a UH Mānoa student is taking an online course through UH Hilo, the accommodation notice for that course must be issued by the UH Hilo Disability Office. If you receive an accommodation notice from another campus, or if a student presents you with documentation of their disability from a healthcare provider, please refer the student to the UH Hilo Disability Services Office.

What if I have questions or concerns about the accommodations?

If you are unsure how to implement an accommodation or believe an accommodation may fundamentally alter an essential component of your course, please contact Disability Services instead of making changes or denying a request. We are happy to work with you to identify effective solutions that provide equal access while preserving the academic integrity of your course.

Working Together

Creating an accessible learning environment is a shared responsibility. Disability Services values our partnership with faculty and is available to provide consultation, answer questions, and support the implementation of accommodations throughout the semester. Thank you for helping create an inclusive learning environment where all students have the opportunity to succeed.