Accessibility Services 

Grand View is committed to enriching the academic experience of every qualified student and endorses reasonable accommodations for participation in all programs and activities. If you have a temporary health issue(s) or a disabling condition(s) and are seeking support, please review the information below.

Students with disabilities should schedule an appointment with Crystal Fierro (cfierro @ grandview.edu or 515-263-2971), the Director of Accessibility Services, to:

  • Review University policies and procedures
  • Request accommodations
  • Develop an accessibility plan
  • Discuss personal advocacy issues
  • Assess learning difficulties and needs

    Transitioning Accommodations from High School to Higher Education

    If you received accommodations in high school through the support of an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan, please review the information for incoming students below.

    Current & Incoming Students

    Process of Applying for Accommodations

    1. Meet with the Director of Accessibility Services (DAS), Crystal Fierro (cfierro@grandview.edu or 515-263-2971).
    2. Submit a completed Accommodations Request Form.
      a. This form should be completed by the student requesting accommodations.
      b. Ms. Fierro will respond to the request with further information about documentation requirements and the accommodations process.

    Renewing Academic or Housing Accommodations

    Academic accommodations are renewed each semester.

    1. Submit a completed Accommodations Renewal Request Form.
      a. This form should be completed by the student requesting accommodations.
    2. If documentation that is older than one year, then an updated Verification Form for Academic Accommodations should be submitted.
      a. This form should be completed by a licensed provider.

    Renewing Accommodations related to Housing or an Emotional Support Animal (ESA)

    Accommodations related to Housing or an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) are renewed each Academic Year.

    1. Submit a completed Accommodations Renewal Request Form.
      a. This form should be completed by the student requesting accommodations.
    2. If documentation that is older than one year, then an updated Verification Form for an Emotional Support Animal or Verification Form for Housing Accommodations should be submitted.
      a. This form should be completed by a licensed provider.

    Accessibility Plan

    A response to the accommodations request will be provided to the student as an Accessibility Plan or a Denial Letter. Decisions are made by the DAS on a case-by-case basis and are provided within 1 week of receipt of both the Accommodations Request Form & required documentation.

    The student is responsible for sharing the Accessibility Plan with instructors, faculty, residence life, or other staff at GV.

    Potential Accommodations

    A non-exhaustive list of potential accommodations is included below:

    • Extended completion time on exams and quizzes
    • Testing in a reduced distraction environment
    • Access to a peer note-taker
    • Textbooks in an alternate format (audio or e-book)
    • Preferential seating, near instructor
    • Emotional Support Animal (housing)

    Confidentiality

    Per the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), information regarding disabilities or disabling condition(s) is confidential. Therefore, information shared with the Accessibility Office, or the DAS is confidential. Students who want to share information about their disabilities or disability condition(s) with a third party (parent(s), case worker, provider, etc.), should complete an Authorization for Release of Information form and submit it to Crystal Fierro, Director of Accessibility Services (cfierro@grandview.edu).