Access & Accommodations

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At Arkansas State University, Access & Accommodation Services (AAS) offers the support, tools, and services you need to succeed both in the classroom and across campus. Explore what’s available and find out how to request accommodations each semester.

We want every Red Wolf to feel confident navigating campus. A-State has ramps, elevators, and other accessibility features to help you get where you need to go. But we offer more than that. Explore our services and accommodations that support your academic and everyday needs.

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Service Animals

Students with qualifying disabilities may have a service animal on campus. Others may request an emotional support animal (ESA) while on campus. Learn more about the application process, documentation requirements, and housing accommodations.

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Assistive Technology

We offer equipment and tools like e-text (PDF and other formats), smartpens, and listening devices to support your learning. These are all available for check out. Contact us to learn what’s available and how to get started.

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Testing Services

Students approved for testing accommodations may receive extended time, a reduced-distraction environment, alternative formats, and more. Learn how to schedule exams and access support through our testing services.

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Transportation Services

Students with disabilities may qualify for scheduled transportation to and from academic buildings. Learn more about eligibility and how to apply.

Note-taking

One common in-class accommodation includes peer note-taking support and note-taking software. Services are arranged through our office based on approved accommodations.

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Captioning & Interpreting

All video content should be captioned per the A-State captioning operating procedure. Live captioning is available to support students who need additional assistance. ASL interpretation services are also available as requested. Faculty and staff can find more information about captioning procedures, transcription guidelines, and how to request assistance through our detailed resources.

Access important forms, policies, counseling, and campus services to support you at A-State. You’ll also find helpful contacts, external resources, and tools for students and faculty.

Resources

New to AAS? Here’s how to register. You’ll need to fill out a form and schedule an intake meeting. Accommodations can’t be provided until both are complete.

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Complete the Registration Form

Step 1

To request accommodations, you’ll need to fill out the AAS Registration Form.

Students must complete this form online.
If you need a paper form, stop by the AAS office or email us at dservices@astate.edu.
If you're only applying for an emotional support animal, do not fill out this form. Follow directions for Assistive Animals.

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Schedule a Counselor Meeting

Step 2

Once you’ve submitted the form, you’ll need to book an intake meeting with an AAS counselor.

Schedule via Penji or use the link in your registration confirmation email.
Choose to meet in person, by phone, or via Zoom.
Intake meetings are required to complete your registration.

Registration Requirements for Each Semester

There are a few steps you need to take at the beginning of each semester to continue receiving accommodations:

Log in to AIM and submit your requests from your pre-approved list (see steps below).
If you need to make changes to your approved accommodations, schedule a meeting with your AAS counselor.
You’ll get a copy of your accommodation letter by email when it’s sent to your instructors.

Schedule a Counseling Meeting

Requesting General Accommodations

Log in to the AIM Portal.
Under "My Accommodations," select "List Accommodations."
Click “Step 1: Select Class(es)” and choose the courses you need accommodations for.
Click “Step 2: Continue to Customize Your Accommodations.”
Under “Select Accommodation for...,” check the accommodations you want for that course.
Repeat step 5 for every class.

Requesting Note-Taking Services

Log in to the AIM Portal.
Under "My Accommodations," select "Note-Taking Services."
Only click "Confirm" for the classes in which you truly need note-taking (don’t request for labs or online courses).

Share Your Notes. Support Your Peers.

Want a simple way to help another student? Become a volunteer note-taker. If you already take clear notes in class, just share them. It’s a small effort that can make a big difference for a classmate with a disability.

How to get started:

1. Log in to the AIM Portal

2. Fill out the Note-Taking Volunteer Application

3. Upload your notes at least twice a week

It’s that easy—and it matters.

My experience being a notetaker at A&AS has been incredibly rewarding. I began notetaking in my freshman year because it was an easy way to volunteer and help other students. It has motivated me to be more attentive in class so that I can produce the best notes I can for my classmates, and my organization skills have increased significantly as a result. Notetaking not only benefits other students, but yourself as well! I am so glad to be a notetaker with A&AS and highly recommend becoming one.

Destiny Taylor,

Volunteer Note Taker

Apply on AIM

Course Substitutions

On occasion, a student with a learning disability or other disabilities that present significant learning difficulties, may encounter a course in which the student is not capable of passing due to his/her disability condition(s). These courses are usually part of the core curriculum in the student's choice of major and are highly protected by accreditation criteria/requirements. When a situation arises where a student has given their "best effort" in a particular subject, but continually struggles to pass or even fails the course because of their disability, some type of action needs to be in place to assist these students. To this end, the office of Access & Accommodation Services offers course substitutions to students who encounter this problem. Please see the course substitution policy and application by clicking here for more information.

In rare cases, students with a disability may qualify to substitute a required course. This happens when a student has made a strong effort but is unable to pass due to a documented disability.

Course substitutions may be allowed if other accommodations don’t work and the course isn’t required for program accreditation.

Course substitution policy and application

Filing a Disability-Related Complaint

Students who believe they’ve been denied access or experienced discrimination due to a disability can file a complaint with the Director of Access & Accommodation Services.

To file a complaint:

Submit a written complaint within 35 school days of the issue.
Include your name, contact info, and a short description of the problem.
A review will be completed within 25 school days.

If you’re not satisfied with the outcome, you can request a review by the AAS Committee, or escalate it to the Vice Chancellor for Diversity and Community Engagement. You may also pursue external options, like filing a complaint with a federal agency.

Full Procedure and Grievance Form