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How You Can Help as a Parent

  • Encourage your student(s) to utilize available services on and off campus.
  • Encourage your student(s) to renew academic accommodations each semester. In the beginning of each semester, students need to request their accommodations in each course. Without the student’s request, accommodations cannot be provided. Accommodations are not retroactive; students who have requested and been approved for accommodations receive services and accommodations beginning on the date the process was completed.
  • Encourage your student(s) to see the DSS Office when there are problems receiving requested accommodations or other issues related to their disabilities.
  • Encourage your student(s) to self-advocate and speak up for themselves.
  • Encourage your student(s) to ask questions and communicate with their instructors.

Communication Starts with the Student

DSS Office staff (as well as DigiPen staff and faculty) communicate primarily with students, even if that student signs a release form with the DSS Office. At the K-12 level, parents may have been the primary contacts for teachers and the school district in regard to their student(s), but at the postsecondary level, students are in charge of communication with faculty and staff.

The best way you can help your child be successful at DigiPen is to talk directly to them. If parents wish to discuss concerns about their students with the DSS Office, they are welcome to do so. However, the DSS Office will not share specific information regarding students unless the student requests the information be shared.

In addition, DigiPen faculty and staff, including the DSS Office, will not contact parents when students are having difficulty in class. Students are responsible for seeking assistance when they have issues with their academic progress.

Requesting Accommodations

Only students can request DSS accommodations. Parents cannot request accommodations for their students, and should instead encourage their student(s) to contact the DSS Office if they believe they need reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access to educational opportunities.

Contact Us

Prospective students, current students, faculty, and staff are welcome to contact dss@digipen.edu with any questions.

Kay Widmer, MS, LMHC

Vice President of Student Support

Jeffery Schneider

Coordinator of Disability Support Services