A student with a disability that is episodic in nature may have their ability to attend class and complete coursework at the scheduled time impacted on occasion. Granting flexibility accommodations ensures that the student is not penalized for effects of their disability so long as the accommodation does not fundamentally alter the essential elements of the class. This accommodation is made on a case-by-case basis considering the specific student’s requests and disability-related needs, information provided by 3^rd parties, program/course characteristics and requirements, and consideration of available options and alternatives. NDS reviews qualifying documentation and class syllabi, consults with both the student and instructors, and makes the determination if the accommodation(s) for flexibility is reasonable.

Flexibility accommodation(s) require modifications to course policies, as related to assignment deadlines, exam/quiz dates, and attendance requirements. This accommodation may be requested when students with a disability experience a manifestation of their disability and are unable to meet a deadline and/or attend class. The use of these accommodations must always be directly linked to the student’s disability.

As an alternative, students who require extensions for most or all assignments might consider options such as a reduced course load. Planning, preparing work, and meeting deadlines is part of the expectation for college-level students. If you experience unexpected illness, injury, a recent diagnosis, or a change in condition, it might be appropriate to withdraw from a course or, when indicated, receive an incomplete grade to allow time to recover. Medical withdrawal can be requested through the NIACC Registrar.

Applying for Flexibility Accommodation(s) requires certain steps be taken:

1. Student should review each course syllabus related to attendance, assignment completion/submission, late work, and makeup exams/quizzes.
2. If additional flexibility is needed from what is stated in the course syllabus, student must submit a Flexibility Accommodation Request Form, attaching the course syllabus.
3. NDS will consider flexibility accommodations upon notice of the student’s need for the accommodation by reviewing the student’s request, qualifying documentation, and class syllabi, consulting with both the student and instructor(s), and then make the determination if the accommodation(s) for flexibility is/are reasonable based on the individual needs of the student.
4. A Flexibility Accommodation Agreement will be provided to the student and instructor for each approved class.

Important Notes:

• A meeting may be requested between the student and NDS at any time during the flexibility accommodation process.
• For every disability-related occurrence, students are expected to email faculty using the specified instructions once the agreement has been created.
• The flexibility accommodations are not intended to be used every week, for every assignment, or every exam. This accommodation is not a blanket reason to miss class.
• Absences that are not related to the effects of a disability are not included in this accommodation (e.g. absences due to a common illness, personal appointments, childcare, work, etc.) and should be addressed according to the attendance/absence policy stated in the syllabus.
• Students are not required to present the faculty with medical documentation verifying the disability-related occurrence.
• Flexibility accommodations are not retroactive. Accommodations are effective once the flexibility accommodation has been made for each course.
• Course syllabi must be attached to the request form in order for the process to move forward. If you have trouble uploading a syllabus, NDS recommends scheduling an appointment.
• If you do not understand your rights and responsibilities, the Flexibility Accommodation process, timeline, its potential limitations, or have questions or concerns about this accommodation, contact NDS; DisabilityServices@niacc.edu or 888.466.4222, ext. 4296.

Considerations for Flexibility Accommodation Requests:

• Increased Stress: The accumulation of assignments and exams towards the end of the term can create significant stress and pressure.
• Communication Challenges: Students will need to maintain frequent and clear communication with instructors, which can be overwhelming.
• Consistency in Learning: Irregular attendance might lead to gaps in learning, making it harder to keep up with the course content, fulfill learning objectives, and maintain continuity.
• Isolation: Missing classes can result in social isolation from peers, which can affect group projects, study groups, and overall classroom engagement.
• Academic Performance: Flexibility might inadvertently lead to lower academic performance if students miss important instruction.
• Instructor Coordination: Even with the help of NDS, communicating with multiple instructors to manage flexibility accommodation agreements across different courses can be complex and time-consuming.
• Time Management: If you would prefer to work on time management skills rather than request flexibility accommodation(s), consider participating in NIACC’s On Track / Time Management Program.

Reminders:

When engaging a flexibility accommodation, please remember:

1. Communicate with instructors.  Contact instructors (usually by email) as soon as possible when needing to engage this accommodation. Include information as to when you should be able to make up the work and any information you missed.

Example: Hello, Dr. Smith, I will be missing (or “missed”) your Biology 123 class today due to a manifestation (or flare-up) of my disability. I plan to get notes from one of my classmates and follow-up with you for clarification as needed.  The assignment that is due today is attached (or, “will be completed by…”, or “will be brought to your office by…”). Thank you for your support!  ~Jim

• Complete all required course work. Missed class material/participation may equate to missed course work in classes where participation is part of the grade. In some cases, an alternative assignment might be considered relatively equivalent, but must be requested. Discuss with NDS.
• Be aware of the potential for snowballing.  When deadlines and exam dates are delayed, remember that other assignments may be due around the same time.  A need to delay due dates may result in significant amounts of work due at the same time.
• If overwhelmed, contact NDS as soon as possible to discuss options; DisabilityServices@niacc.edu or 888.422.4296. In addition, NIACC’s Wellness Hub offers free services to students for management of symptoms of stress, etc.
• If physical attendance is a consistent concern, you could ask your academic advisor about taking online classes, when available.

Students and/or instructors should communicate with NDS when there is a concern about this or any accommodation or its implementation.