»Frequently Asked Questions

Is registering with Disability Services right for me?

If you think you have an issue (learning, psychological, medical, and/or physical) that is limiting you from performing at your best in school, please make an appointment with the Director by calling (714) 516-4520. We can discuss the issue and explore options.

How do I register with Disability Services?

Please see our How to Register page.

How do I schedule an appointment?

You can email Disability Services. We will send you a link to schedule an appointment with our office.

How soon can I meet with a DS Specialist for an intake meeting to set up my accommodations?

Schedules vary throughout the academic year. The beginning of each semester tends to be the busiest. We encourage our students to plan accordingly.  Additionally, we recommend students majoring in Health Science (including Biology, or Biochemistry) to submit their documentation and schedule an intake the summer prior before their first semester.

What kind of accommodations do you offer?

Each student is assessed on an individual basis. Accommodations vary depending on each student’s needs.

Example of accommodations we provide:

• Coordination of special arrangements to meet individual test-taking needs
• Volunteer peer notetakers
• Permission to use a voice recorder in lecture classes
• Sign language interpretation for deaf students
• Real Time Captioning services
• Special tables and chairs in the classroom
• Facilitation of obtaining books in alternate formats

What kind of documentation do I need to receive accommodations?

Please see our Documentation guidelinesfor all disability documentation. It also lists various tests that are useful to determine appropriate accommodations for learning disabilities and ADHD.

What should I bring for my first appointment with Disability Services?

During your intake appointment, we will review your documentation together, discuss how your disability has impacted your learning to date and agree upon what accommodations are reasonable and appropriate for your education experience at Chapman University. Note: approved accommodations at a previous college/university are not automatically guaranteed. Accommodations are approved based on the actual disability documentation (scores, medical tests, physician clinical reports, etc.).

If your appointment is scheduled in person, we highly encourage students to bring their laptop or tablet!

Does Chapman University offer testing to diagnose learning disorders or ADHD/ADD?

No. Students may contact Disability Services to request a list of testing referrals.

I am a current student and think I may have a learning disorder.

You may contact Disability Services to schedule an appointment with the Director to explore your options.

Where can I find out more information about learning disorders?

Please refer to our Resources page for helpful information. The learning disabilities information is great information for students and parents. It also contains useful Chapman University specific information.

I had accommodations in high school. Will I continue to have the same accommodations?

It is possible to have some or similar accommodations, but it is not automatic. In high school accommodations were provided under the legislative act called IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act). Accommodations were provided to support the student to be as successful as possible. In higher education disability accommodations are provided under the Americans with Disability Act (ADA). The goal of this legislation is to provide equal access to education. Accommodations are to compensate for limiting functions of a disability. This allows the student with a disability to compete equally among their classmates.

How can I get testing accommodations?

You must have a diagnosis supported by adequate documentation. See our documentation guidelines. All accommodations are determined by the Director and are assessed on an individual basis.

How soon can I get testing accommodations?

Most accommodations are effective after meeting with the Director and after the professor has been notified. This is not always immediate, so meeting with the Director is important before the accommodation is needed.

I am a current/prospective student and would like to know what kind of services and accommodations you offer to students with disabilities.

Each student is assessed on an individual basis. Accommodations vary depending on each student’s needs. Please refer to the how to register page to start the process.

I am a current or prospective student with a disability and need special housing accommodations. 

Housing requests disability documentation separately. Please visit the Residence Life website for further information.

I am a current student and have been approved for accommodations. How do I get those accommodations each semester?

Each semester you will need to submit a Semester Request via the online Accommodate account. This will automatically send an email to you with an accommodation letter that is to be forwarded to your professors. Specific instructions on these steps can be found in your Accommodate profile.

I am a current student and have testing accommodations.  Where do I take my exams?

At the Testing Center inside DeMille Hall Room 160. Please call Testing Center at (714) 997-6828 for further information.

How do I schedule an exam?

Log into your Accommodate profile and click the Room Booking tab (at least 1 week before regular exams and 1 month before finals). There you will select the appropriate date and time to take the exam. The Testing Center will contact the professor to ask for the exam.

I was approved for accommodations last semester– do I need to meet with DS again this semester?

No. Students only need to meet with DS one time, and can continue using their accommodations every semester until they graduate.

How do I access my accommodation letter?

Log into your Accommodate profile, and submit a new Semester Request for the current semester. You can also access a PDF version of your accommodation letter by clicking the “Accommodations” tab on your accommodate profile. 

How do I book exams with the testing center?

Test room bookings will only be available to students who have submitted a semester request for the current semester. After, use the Testing Room tab on your Accommodate profile to book your exams!

Remember to book your exams at least seven days in advance. Contact dstesting@chapman.edu with any questions or issues with exams. 

How do I make an appointment to talk with someone to change my accommodations?

Easy! Just e-mail ds@chapman.edu and we will send you a link to schedule. You can meet with the same specialist who you met with during your intake, or any staff member from our team. 

Can I receive housing accommodations for my disability?

Yes, students may be approved for housing accommodations! However, this is a process managed through ResLife and not directly through Disability Services. Visit their Housing Accessibility page to learn more, or e-mail housingDAR@chapman.edu.