If you are a student with a documented disability and receiving accommodations in high school, you may be eligible to continue receiving accommodations at NIU - once accepted. Parents and students, however, need to be aware that before any services can be used, NIU's Center for Access Ability Resources (CAAR) must have received "appropriate" documentation for the specific documented disability. Please take a moment to carefully review the information on this page in order to make a seamless transition from High School to the University.
What is a "documented disability" and would that apply to me? There are numerous examples of a documented disability and too many to list here. But one tip would be if you have a 504 plan, I.E.P. (Individualized Education Plan), or Audiogram, etc., and you have or are relying on accommodations (preferential seating, extended time on tests, note taker, books on tape, and learning assisted technology and devices). Maybe in your sophomore, junior or senior year of high school you experienced a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation (maybe one-on-one testing with a school psychologist). Or, you had a case manager or special teacher that helped you when you needed it. These services may be based on a documented disability.
CHANCE requires all applicants to submit: NIU Application; High School Transcripts; ACT Scores; and Personal Statement. We also ask for any student with a documented disability to initially submit an IEP, 504 plan or the documentation that supports any accommodations the student is currently receiving. Please send this to:
Tracy Ash
CHANCE Counselor
Williston Hall East 122
DeKalb, IL 60115
Why am I asked to provide additional "stuff"? Once a student's application has completed the review process, a student might be invited to an interview. At this stage all students will take a pre-admission basic math test and CHANCE endeavors to afford all students an equal opportunity to be successful on this test. If a student can provide sufficient evidence in advance that he or she qualifies for extended time we will gladly offer that accommodation during the interview stage of the admission process.
You may be contacted directly from CAAR inviting you to take advantage of the wide range of services offered. The following links will provide you with detailed information as to the specific guidelines of what is considered "Appropriate Documentation" that will determined a student's eligibility for use of services:
Visual Impairment, Physical Disability, Psychiatric Disability and Other Health Concerns - A physician's report on the etiology, evaluation, and prognosis of the disability. All persons with disability of a fluctuating nature should have updated documentation on at least a yearly basis, this is, especially important in the cases of students with psychiatric and progressive health conditions.
Deaf or Hard of Hearing - An audiological report from a licensed audiologist, verifying the degree of hearing sensitivity. Students should make an appointment with the NIU Speech and Hearing Clinic during the first semester of attendance for a standard hearing evaluation. A copy of the audiological report will be on file with CAAR. After the initial appointment, students will have access to the NIU Speech and Hearing Clinic should further appointments for evaluation or other services be necessary.
Disability Documentation Forms for Diagnosticians
- Attention Deficit Disorder Documentation form
- Psychiatric Disability Documentation form
- Physical or general disability documentation form
TIPS for Students
- Make sure the documentation is current especially for students diagnosed with a learning disability. "Current" is defined within three years of the comprehensive diagnostic evaluation at the time of a student's attendance at NIU. If this evaluation was last done your freshman year of high school (or earlier), NIU does not consider it to be CURRENT and it cannot be used as permanent supporting documentation. Contact your case manger now to schedule a comprehensive diagnositc evaluation BEFORE the end of this academic year.
- Once accepted, contact the CAAR Office early to verify that office has your documentation on file.
- Get to know your CAAR Coordinator and how to utilize these services.
- Make sure you attend the CAAR orientation.
- Please consult our CHANCE - CAAR Checklist.
TIPS for Parents
- Assist your daughter or son in obtaining the appropriate documentation for services.
- Encourage your daughter or son to gain an individualized understanding of the full range of services within the context of this University and her or his needs. Special Education or Resource Centers do not exist within the University environment. CAAR provides a critical service with the sole purpose to "level the 'educational' playing field" in relationship to an individual's documented disability.
- Remind your daughter or son that he or she is a Northern Illinois University student first and foremost - who may qualify for services through CAAR - but is equally responsible for performing to the standards of the University.
- Please consult our CHANCE - CAAR Checklist.
Contact information for additional questions and/or concerns:
Tracy Ash
CHANCE Counselor
815/753-8081
tash@niu.eduGarth Rubin
CAAR Coordinator
815/753-1303
grubin@niu.edu