The Office of Disability Support Services (DSS)

The Office of Disability Support Services (DSS) provides assistance to students, who qualify for reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. Reasonable accommodations may be granted, based upon verification with appropriate documentation, for chronic illnesses, neurological conditions, learning disabilities, psychiatric illnesses, mobility impairments, and other conditions or impairments that limit one or more of life's major activities.

Please refer to the College's Documentation Guidelines below and the DSS' Policies and Procedures Manual for specific information on requesting reasonable accommodations.

REQUEST ACCESS Accommodations

 

Information and Guidelines

  • The mission of DSS is to provide access to College programs, services, activities, and facilities for students with disabilities; to provide student advocacy; to encourage the highest levels of academic and personal achievement; and to advocate for an accessible environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

  • Transitioning to College can feel overwhelming and even a bit confusing. Understanding the differences between high school and college are particularly important for individuals with disabilities. Students need to fully understand that processes and rights of students in post-secondary education vary greatly from those in K-12 education.

    Below are two documents that provide information to students and their families about the transition to higher education in general, and more specifically Ivy Tech.

  • Documentation of a disability assists the Office of Disability Support Services, in collaboration with the student, to determine reasonable accommodations and/or services on a case-by-case basis. The cost of obtaining all documentation is the responsibility of the student.

    Documentation, along with the Intake Request Form, should be submitted to DSS at least 30 days in advance of the requested accommodation to allow review and implementation of reasonable accommodations.

    In general, documentation should include the following:

    • Credentials of the evaluator(s)
    • A diagnostic statement identifying the disability
    • As appropriate to the disability, a description of the diagnostic methodology used
    • A description of the current functional limitations
    • A description of the expected progression or stability of the disability
    • A description of current and past accommodations, services, and/or medications
    • Recommendations for accommodations

    Guidelines for specific disabilities may be obtained below. Should you have any questions, contact your local Disability Support Services office listed below.

  • The Office of Disability Support Services has developed the ACCESS Resource Guide to assist individuals with disabilities in understanding their rights and responsibilities within higher education, as well as providing information regarding resources.

FAQ

The role of DSS is to advocate and provide for students with disabilities equally effective access and academic accommodations in the classroom, in our programming, and around campus.

Federal disability law defines a person with a disability as an individual who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, including but not limited to performing manual tasks, seeing, hearing, walking, communicating, reading, learning, and concentrating.

An accommodation is the modification, adjustment, or elimination of a barrier to a program or service to enable an individual with a disability to perform on an equal basis. Extended time for test taking, conversion of documents to alternative formats, real-time captioning are examples of accommodations.

A student must self-disclose their needs to the DSS office and provide documentation of their disability from a licensed provider in order to receive accommodations. The records kept in the DSS Office are strictly confidential and are not part of the student’s academic record.

Ivy Tech has an obligation to ensure students’ accommodations are met in an effective manner. Instructors play a vital role in this process. Instructors are responsible for ensuring that courses are accessible to all enrolled students and that the approved accommodations of students in the course(s) are implemented. While DSS has resources to assist with alternative format text, communication access services, note-taking, and proctoring, you have the primary responsibility for implementing accommodations when given timely notice from the student. Please consult with DSS to discuss any questions or concerns regarding implementation of DSS approved accommodations in your course.

DSS prepares individualized letters/notifications to faculty members which verify the need for aides, services, and/or adjustments. Students are encouraged to meet with each professor early in the term to discuss the academic implications of their disability.

  • Log in to MyIvy > Disability Accommodation Request > Faculty
  • Use Ivy Tech Credentials to Log into Accommodate
  • Click on Accommodation Letters
  • Read message and electronically sign the letter

This may happen if a student changes sections of a course or an instructor is changed after the notification has already been sent. If no notification is listed, contact DSS. If an immediate copy is needed, the student may log into Accommodate and email you a PDF version of the letter.

To use approved accommodations, students are encouraged to notify instructors at the beginning of the term. However, DSS receives and approves requests for accommodations throughout the year, so instructors may receive notification later in the term. Instructors need only accommodate from the date/time of notice and are not obligated to retroactively accommodate students.

No. In order to ensure that the College is following best practices and ensuring equal access under the law, and so that students have a full understanding of the scope of disability services available, students should be referred to DSS prior to accommodations being approved. Generally speaking, accommodations should not be provided on an informal basis. DSS will help the student use established procedures for requesting disability services, as well as fully explore all barriers that might impact their ability to fully participate in the life of the College.

Ivy Tech provides accommodations on a case-by-case basis, based on submitted documentation. Examples of approved accommodations include but are not limited to: additional time for testing, recording class lectures, textbooks in alternate formats, a distraction reduced testing environment, or relocating classrooms for mobility reasons. This is not an exhaustive list.

Any technology used in courses should be accessible to students with different learning and physical needs. It may be helpful to contact DSS for recommendations on making course materials accessible.

Proactively thinking through the course structure and design can be helpful in ensuring that the course is as accessible as possible. It would be helpful to review information about Universal Design for Learning (UDL). The Office of Educational Technology can support you in using Ally to create an inclusive experience in IvyLearn. Additionally, DSS can address questions about classroom accessibility and implementation of accommodations.

The private conversation should be focused on ensuring equal access in the classroom. Questions that can be addressed include:

  • Do you have access needs around class participation, attendance, or test taking?
  • What are some ways to ensure that you’re able to fully participate in the course?
  • What are some accommodations that you have received in other courses that have worked well

Instructors may not inquire about specific details of a student’s disability, or request disability documentation or proof of a disability. If information is needed beyond what is included in the Accommodation Letter, please contact DSS.

If you notice a student having difficulty in your course, open a conversation with them and ask how you can help. Do not suggest that they may have a disability. Make sure they are aware of the variety of resources at Ivy Tech that can support them including the Tutoring Center, Library, and Disability Support Services. If a student references having an impairment that may substantially impact him/her (i.e. ADHD, difficulty reading, anxiety, medical condition), refer them to DSS. This provides the student with an opportunity to receive resources that can support their academic success.

Instructors should work with DSS to explore options that meet the needs of the student and maintain the core requirements of the course. Faculty members do not have the right to refuse accommodations.

Faculty members are encouraged to contact the DSS office to discuss concerns. If a student has met the prerequisites for the class it should not be suggested or advised that they drop due to their disability as this puts the college out of compliance with federal regulations.

Students with disabilities are expected to adhere to the attendance policies of their classes. However, some disabilities may prevent the student from attending some classes due to hospitalization or outpatient treatment (such as chemotherapy or side effects of medication). The DSS office can assist you in working out reasonable accommodations with the student in these cases

Information about a student’s disability and accommodations is confidential. If students ask questions regarding another student’s accommodation the instructor may state that the reason a student is allowed to use the accommodation is confidential.

More information about DSS and the services and supports provided at Ivy Tech, including contact information by campus, can be found at IvyTech.edu/dss.

Helpful Links

Find Local Disability Support Contact Info

Don't see a nearby Disability Support location? Call 1-888-489-5463 and we'll get you started.

Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET

765-643-7133
askanderson@ivytech.edu

Vice Chancellor of Enrollment and Student Success

Levi Lawson

llawson51@ivytech.edu

Fax: 765-648-2755

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Monday–Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET
Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET

Batesville Disability Support
1 Ivy Tech Drive
Batesville, IN 47006

Brandon Wernert
DSS Lead
Ivy Tech | Lawrenceburg and Batesville Campuses
(812) 537-4010 ext. 7230
bwernert@ivytech.edu
Lakefront Campus | 500 Industrial Dr | Lawrenceburg, IN 47025

Fax: 812-934-4590

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Monday–Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET
Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET
By Appointment

812-330-6046
bloomington-dss@ivytech.edu

Bloomington Disability Support
200 Daniels Way
Bloomington, IN 47404

Kristy LeVert, Director of Student Life & Support Services
Sarah Loesch, Assistant Director of Student Support Services

Fax: 812-330-6376

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Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET
By Appointment

812-374-5191
columbus-dss-cares@ivytech.edu

Columbus Disability Support
4475 Central Avenue
Columbus, IN 47203

Schedule an appointment

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Please contact Disability Support at our full-service campus located in Richmond.

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Please contact Disability Support at our full-service campus located in Lafayette.

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Call for an appointment.

219-392-3600
asklakecounty@ivytech.edu

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Call for an appointment.

219-392-3600
asklakecounty@ivytech.edu

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Monday–Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET
Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET

574-289-7001, ext 1002
R2-DSS@ivytech.edu

Elkhart Disability Support Services
22531 County Road 18
Goshen, IN 46528

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Monday–Thursday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. CT
Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT

812-429-1386
ldavis207@ivytech.edu

Evansville Disability Support Services
3501 N First Avenue
Evansville, IN 47710

Support and assistance may be provided for any new and returning student contacting us. Additionally, we provide accommodations for persons with documented disabilities in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Disability Support Services

Serving Evansville, Princeton, and Tell City

Leah Davis, Disability Support Advisor
Room 222B
The Lamkin Center, on Evansville’s main campus


3501 N. First Avenue, Evansville, IN
Phone: (812) 429-1386
email: LDavis207@ivytech.edu


Disability Services Accommodations Check List:

  1. Complete and submit the registration and intake form linked here:

https://ivytech-accommodate.symplicity.com/public_accommodation/

  1. DSS representative will contact you by email within one week of receiving your information to discuss your application for accommodations.
  2. Schedule a meeting with DSS representative to discuss course schedule, accommodations, other useful resources, and obtain your Faculty Notification Forms for the semester.
  3. Discuss accommodations and Faculty Notification Form with all faculty members each semester.
  4. Renew registration with DSS office prior to each semester.
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Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET

260-480-4110
myoquelet@ivytech.edu

Fort Wayne Disability Support
3701 Dean Drive, Harshman Hall, Room 1708
Fort Wayne, IN 46835

Fax: 260-480-2061

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Please contact Disability Support at our full-service campus located in Lafayette.

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Please contact Disability Support at our full-service campus located in Columbus.

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Call for an appointment.

219-392-3600
asklakecounty@ivytech.edu

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Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. ET

765-653-7410
jfrey@ivytech.edu

Greencastle Disability Support
915 S Zinc Mill Road
Greencastle, IN 46135

Virtual On-Demand Service:
Video | Voice | Chat
Monday–Friday | 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. ET
Enter Zoom Room →

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Please contact Disability Support at our full-service campus located in Columbus.

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By Appointment Only
Monday - Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET
Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET

317-921-4300
HamiltonCounty-DSS@ivytech.edu

Hamilton County Disability Support Services
300 N. 17th Street
Noblesville, IN 46060

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Monday - Thursday 8 AM - 5 PM
Friday 9 AM - 5 PM

317-921-4982
Indianapolis-dss@ivytech.edu

Indianapolis Disability Support Services
50 W. Fall Creek Parkway N.
Indianapolis, IN 46208

Fax
317-921-4927

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Call for an appointment

765-252-5467
Kokomo-DisabilitySvcs@ivytech.edu

Kokomo Service Area Disability Support
1815 E Morgan Street
Kokomo, IN 46901

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Please contact Disability Support at our full-service campus located in Valparaiso.

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Monday, Wednesday & Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET
Tuesday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET
Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET

765-269-5615
lf-dss@ivytech.edu

Lafayette Disability Support
3101 S Creasy Lane Ivy Hall 1323
Lafayette, IN 47905

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Lake County has 3 full-service locations. Select a location below to see contact information for their Disability Support department.

Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET

317-921-4982
Indianapolis-dss@ivytech.edu

Lawrence Disability Support Services
9301 East 59th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46216

Fax
317-921-4927

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Monday–Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET
Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET

Lawrenceburg Disability Support Services
50 Walnut Street
Lawrenceburg, IN 47025

Brandon Wernert
DSS Lead
Ivy Tech | Lawrenceburg and Batesville Campuses
(812) 537-4010 ext. 7230
bwernert@ivytech.edu
Lakefront Campus | 500 Industrial Dr | Lawrenceburg, IN 47025

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Call for an appointment

765-459-0561
Kokomo-DisabilitySvcs@ivytech.edu

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Monday–Thursday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET
Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET

812-246-9179, ext. 4106
trenners@ivytech.edu

Madison Disability Support Services
590 Ivy Tech Drive
Madison, IN 47250

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Monday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tuesday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

765-651-3100, ext. 3407
cscott111@ivytech.edu

Marion Disability Support Services
261 Commerce Drive
Marion, IN 46953

Zoom Video Call
Call 765-651-3100, ext. 3407 to schedule.

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Please contact Disability Support at our full-service campus located in Valparaiso.

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Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET

765-289-2291, ext. 1785
mcline55@ivytech.edu

Muncie Disability Support Services
345 S High Street, Fisher Building, 1st Floor, Room 104
Muncie, IN 47304

Fax: 765-289-2292

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Please contact Disability Support at our full-service campus located in Muncie.

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Please contact Disability Support at our full-service campus located in Columbus.

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Please contact Disability Support at our full-service campus located in Kokomo.

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Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET

765-966-2656, ext. 1202

Richmond Disability Support
2357 Chester Boulevard
Richmond, IN 47374

Zoom Video Call
Call 765-966-2656, ext. 1202 to schedule an appointment.

Fax: 765-962-3775

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Please contact Disability Support at our full-service campus located in Richmond.

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Please contact Disability Support at our full-service campus located in Columbus.

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Please contact Disability Support at our full-service campus located in Columbus.

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Monday–Thursday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET
Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET

574-289-7001, ext 1002
R2-DSS@ivytech.edu

South Bend Disability Support Services
220 Dean Johnson Blvd.
South Bend, IN 46601

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Please contact Disability Support at our full-service campus located in Evansville.

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Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. ET

812-298-2282
jfrey@ivytech.edu

Terre Haute Disability Support
8000 S Education Drive
Terre Haute, IN 47802

Virtual On-Demand Service:
Video | Voice | Chat
Monday–Friday | 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. ET
Enter Zoom Room →

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Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT

219-464-8514
rcraig21@ivytech.edu

Valparaiso Disability Support Services
3100 Ivy Tech Drive
Valparaiso, IN 46383

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Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET

260-482-9171, ext. 2662
abooker46@ivytech.edu

Warsaw Disability Support
2545 Silveus Crossing
Warsaw, IN 46582

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