Referring Students to DSD

Concerned faculty members regularly contact Disabled Student Development (DSD) with questions about a student that they feel may have a disability. While DSD obviously desires that all students with disabilities receive the necessary accommodations, it is the responsibility of the student to initiate contact with DSD.

All students admitted to Ball State are sent a disability "self-disclosure" form. If this form is returned, the student will be made aware of services that Ball State offers pertaining to the disability that the student lists on the self-disclosure form. Students may also disclose a disability to DSD at any time during their time at Ball State.

Unlike high school, where teachers actively refer students to special education services, we must remember that college students are adults, and privacy is a major consideration. As a result, if you have a student that you feel qualifies for services from DSD, your referral to the DSD office needs to be informational and supportive as opposed to directive or authoritarian.

We recommend questions such as "Did you know that Ball State has a disability services office?" or comments such as "That is a concern that the folks in the disability office would be happy to discuss with you. Do you know where that office is located?" Since the student's privacy is a concern, we recommend that this type of discussion take place in your office or discretely before or after class. Some students have a disability (particularly a learning disability or a psychiatric disorder) of which they are not aware. Others are aware, but choose not to disclose.

Informing a student of the DSD office is not a violation of privacy, as the individual will make the decision as to whether to follow up. Of course, if a student has asked for a disability related accommodation, the referral is appropriate and necessary.