Accommodations & Services

Student Access and Accommodation Services (SAAS) provides individualized accommodations and support services designed to ensure equal access to courses, programs, and campus life. Accommodations are determined based on each student’s unique needs and functional limitations, not just a diagnosis.

Our goal is to remove barriers so you can fully participate in your education while maintaining the academic standards and integrity of your courses.

Academic Accommodations

Academic accommodation supports access to classroom instruction, assignments, and course participation.

Examples may include:

  • Extended time on exams and quizzes
  • Reduced-distraction testing environment
  • Access to note taking support or lecture materials

These supports help ensure you can demonstrate your knowledge without barriers created by your disability.

Assistive Technology & Alternative Formats

SAAS provides access to tools and materials that improve accessibility to course content.

Assistive technology may include:

• Screen readers or text-to-speech software
• Speech-to-text tools
• Accessible apps and software

Alternative formats may include:

• Digital textbooks and accessible PDFs
• Audio versions of course materials
• Large print

Accessible materials allow students to interact with course content in ways that best meet their needs.

Communication Access Service 

For students who are Deaf, hard of hearing, or benefit from communication support, SAAS coordinates: 

  • ASL interpreters 
  • CART (real-time captioning) 
  • Transcription services 

These services ensure equal access to lectures, discussions, and campus events. 

Classroom & Campus Access

Some accommodations support physical, environmental, or participation-based access across campus.

Examples may include:

  • Accessible classroom seating or furniture
  • Mobility-related supports
  • Preferential seating

These accommodations help remove physical or environmental barriers to learning.

Additional Support Services

Beyond accommodations, SAAS supports student success through:

  • Guidance on self-advocacy and communication
  • Support navigating academic barriers
  • Assistance working with instructors
  • Referrals to campus resources

Students are encouraged to stay connected with SAAS throughout the semester for ongoing support.

Individualized & Interactive Process

Accommodations are not one-size-fits-all. SAAS works collaboratively with each student through an interactive process to determine appropriate accommodations based on individual needs.

If you need change, accommodations can be reviewed and updated at any time.

Campus Access & Event Support

SAAS works to ensure that all students have equal access not only to the classroom but also across campus spaces, programs, and events. We partner with campus offices, faculty, and event organizers to support accessibility and remove barriers wherever possible.

Access to Campus Spaces

SAAS supports students in navigating physical and environmental access to Heartland's campuses. If you encounter barriers related to mobility, seating, classroom access, or other environmental needs, we can help.

Examples of campus access support may include:

  • Assistance with accessible classroom seating or locations
  • Support addressing mobility or navigation barriers
  • Coordination around temporary access needs
  • Problem-solving environmental concerns impacting your participation

If you are experiencing access barriers, we encourage you to contact SAAS so we can work with you and campus partners to find a solution.

We are here to help you access every part of campus life.

Contact Us

Need Help?

We are just an email or visit away.

Appointments

Click the button below to request an appointment for various SAAS services or a general information appointment.

Schedule Appointment

Call Us

Phone number: 

309-268-8259