Internships, Fieldwork, and Other Non-Classroom Learning Experiences

Students engaging in internships, fieldwork, student teaching, or other off-campus learning experiences (hereafter referred to as “fieldwork”) may choose to disclose or not disclose a disability to their assigned fieldwork site. Students are free to discuss their options and the possible consequences and benefits of disclosure vs. non-disclosure with the ODS as they make that decision.

Requests for fieldwork accommodations must be made at least six weeks in advance of the fieldwork experience. Any delay in making requests for accommodations may delay the start of the experience or necessitate postponement until a future semester.

Students should NEVER disclose a disability to a fieldwork placement site without first discussing their needs with both the ODS and the CSU field placement office for their program. Students participating in fieldwork who will be requesting accommodations must make that request through the Office of Disability Services. The ODS will work with the CSU Field Placement Office responsible for the student’s program to discuss appropriate accommodations. This will begin an interactive process that will include the student, the field placement office, the ODS, and the field placement site representative. Accommodations will be individualized to the student’s needs as they relate to the requirements of the academic program and the placement site.

CSU, in conjunction with the fieldwork site, is required to make reasonable accommodations for participating students with disabilities. Neither CSU, nor the facility, is required to make changes or adjustments that would fundamentally alter either the nature of, or the essential requirements of, the program or any related courses.

Student Employees with Disabilities

Students with disabilities who are hired for on-campus work positions are entitled to reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act. If assistance is needed in determining whether a student is qualified to do the job and if accommodations can be made for a disability on the job, the Coordinator should be contacted. Guidelines for hiring people with disabilities (including legal and illegal interview questions), job analysis forms, and other work related information are available in the ODS office.