Morehead State University officials are highlighting the services they can provide for students with disabilities. MSU’s Office of Disability Services works with students with a wide range of needs. However, representatives report one of the most common accommodations on campus pertains to test-taking.
Misty Litton is the Assistant Director of the Office of Disability Services. She said students who struggle with anxiety or ADHD may need more time, or a new location.
“A different environment, other than the classroom, so they don’t have the distraction of their peers around them. Or they may just need more time, to show they’re learning, on a test. It’s not any kind of special treatment to just have a little bit of extra time to demonstrate what you know,” said Litton.
Service animals are a common sight on campus and in classrooms. Not as visible though, are emotional support animals. The Assistant Director of Disability Services said students with mental health disabilities can apply for an emotional support animal that would mostly stay in and around their dwelling.
Morehead State University’s Office of Disability Services encourages incoming students to advocate for themselves. Officials said in the K-12 environment, schools are more proactive about reaching out to students through IEP or 504 Plans. Litton said that’s not the case in college.
“As an adult no one is going to stick their nose in their business, to try to assert themselves and offer them services that they don’t want. So, it’s really up to the student to come to our office, advocate for what they need and we can help them. We will always meet them half way,” said Litton.
Litton said getting help from the Office of Disability Services starts with an intake meeting. Students need to bring a letter from their doctor, describing their diagnosis and what accommodations they need to be successful.
