Rules Regarding Protected Information
The Disability Resource Center operates under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). In addition, information such as registration with the DRC, documentation, and diagnosis is protected by the confidentiality standards of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). Under FERPA, your status as a student registered with the DRC is disclosed on a need-to-know basis only. Any information you provide to the DRC regarding your disability will be kept confidential and maintained so that only DRC staff have access. Your student records, degree, and transcript will not reflect your registration with our office.
Disclosure of Protected Information
It is important to note that, while we hope you feel comfortable talking about your disability, you never need to disclose it to anyone other than the DRC. If at any time you feel that an instructor or someone else outside the DRC is trying to get information about your diagnosis, you can simply refer the person to the DRC. We will give them only the information they need to know according to FERPA and the ADA.
Need-to-Know
Your status as a student registered with the DRC will only be disclosed to PSU faculty and staff who will provide you with accommodations you have requested. Therefore, you are in charge of whether an instructor or PSU staff person is notified of your eligibility for accommodations. We do not inform instructors or staff of a student's disability or diagnosis.
If you do not want an instructor to know that you are registered with the DRC, you can decline to enter a service request for the class. It is important to know that the instructor is not obligated to accommodate you if you choose not to submit a service request.