AccessAbility Services will maintain the confidentiality of all student records as required or permitted by law. Confidential information may include; test data, transcripts, grades, biographical history, disability information, case notes, and correspondence. Student records are protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA). FERPA is a federal law that affords students certain rights regarding their education records. The University considers all students to be “independent” as it relates to FERPA. Therefore, except as provided below, information from a student’s education records will not be released without a written consent from the student.

Documentation and information related to a student’s request for accommodations provided to AAS is deemed private and will generally not be shared without the expressed written permission from the student. The University reserves the right to share such information without consent as deemed appropriate by the University: where there is a threat to an individual’s safety and/or an emergency situation, a reasonable educational “need to know” is present, or as otherwise required by law.

AccessAbility Services utilizes an electronic case management system, in addition to hardcopy student files. Information about student demographics, academic programs, documentation of the condition(s), accommodations, and student contacts with AAS are maintained in these files. AAS’ electronic case management system is hosted on a secure server and is developed and maintained using industry best practices. AAS’ electronic system does not share information with other databases throughout the University (e.g., Banner, Blackboard, etc.). Access to the electronic case management system and hard copy files is limited to authorized AAS personnel only.

In an effort to support disability-related research, including projects designed to assess the efficacy and needs of disability services, AAS may collaborate on a wide range of research initiatives with investigators within and outside the University. In such instances, students registered with AAS may be contacted by an AAS staff member to ascertain their willingness to participate. Students may refuse to participate or withdraw from such studies at any time for any reason without penalty.

Once a student no longer has contact with the AAS office (e.g., graduates, leaves the University, etc.), student files are securely stored in accordance with the State of Connecticut’s Records Retention and Disposition Schedule.

Request for Disability Documentation

Students who would like to request a copy of their disability documentation on file with AccessAbility Services should complete an Authorization to Release Disability Documentation and send the signed form along with a copy of a photo ID to aas@wcsu.edu. At this time, we are only able to email documentation.