Families
Welcome, Families!
As your student steps into Tiger life, they will take on new responsibilities, including managing their academic goals and accessing their accommodations. At LSU, we are here to support this transition and ensure they thrive.
We value your role as a supporter and advocate. We are committed to making your student's LSU journey exceptional through personalized assistance, advocacy, and inclusive programs.
Explore next steps for your student below.
Understanding Responsibilities in Higher Education
At LSU, we recognize that the transition from high school to college can be a significant change, especially for students with disabilities and their families.
High schools are required by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to identify the educational needs of students with disabilities and provide a free and appropriate education. However, in higher education, the approach shifts to ensuring students are not discriminated against by providing appropriate accommodations. This shift highlights the importance of self-advocacy and personal responsibility.
We are here to support your student on this journey. To help you navigate this process, we've compiled a guide with answers to the most common questions from parents and families.
Select a Topic to Learn More
We encourage students to be proactive in their journey. It's essential that they:
Initiate Contact: Students must reach out to Disability Services (DS) to request accommodations.
Provide Documentation: Students should submit appropriate documentation supporting their accommodation requests.
As a parent, your support and guidance remain invaluable. While all accommodation requests must come directly from the student, your encouragement can make a significant difference. If your young adult chooses, they can complete a consent to release allowing you to discuss specific aspects of their case with their Access Coordinator. This release must be specific and cannot serve as a blanket authorization for their entire college career. Students can complete the consent to release through their Access Portal.
Helping your child develop self-advocacy skills is crucial for their success in college and beyond. We encourage students to:
Understand Their Disability: Articulate their disability clearly.
Communicate Effectively: Describe how their disability affects their daily life and
suggest potential accommodations.
Be Proactive: Submit necessary documentation, request accommodations, collaborate
with instructors, and monitor their accommodations.
Impact of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
The ADA significantly influences our institution, ensuring that we provide reasonable
accommodations across all activities, facilities, programs, and employment opportunities.
For more detailed information, you and your child can explore ada.gov.
Distinction between IDEA and ADA
It’s important to understand that IDEA does not apply to higher education institutions.
Instead, accommodations at the university level are guided by the ADA, which emphasizes
equal access and non-discrimination.
Your student is not obliged to disclose their disability to LSU unless they require accommodations. This decision is personal, but voluntary disclosure can ensure they receive the necessary support.
While Disability Services does not offer tutorial services directly, LSU provides various tutoring options that are free and accessible to all students. These resources help ensure every student can succeed academically.
Receiving accommodations through Disability Services comes at no charge, making sure all students have access to the support they need without financial barriers.
Students who are approved for housing accommodations adhere to costs associated with placement.
LSU Parent & Family Programs
Welcome to the Tiger Family
Stay in the know and equipped to support your Tiger from orientation to graduation. Find what you need, when you need it most, through the resources below.