Internships, Practicums & Clinical Placements
Plan Early: These high-impact experiences are required for graduation, so start thinking about potential sites and accommodation needs as early as possible in your program.
Site-Based Accommodations: Please be aware that accommodations for internships/practicums are determined by the placement site, not KU DSO. These environments are more like workplaces. Expect to follow the site's employee accommodation procedures under the ADA, which may be found on a site’s website or by talking to their HR department.
Student Responsibility to Disclose: You must initiate disclosure and request accommodations with your placement. KU faculty or staff cannot speak on your behalf.
Tip: Visit the Job Accommodation Network (JAN) at AskJAN.org for valuable tips on workplace accommodation strategies.
Transportation: KU does not provide transportation to or from off-site placements, such as internships, student teaching, or clinical experiences. If you have questions or concerns about transportation, please contact your major program advisor or internship site advisor for guidance and available options.
Students are also encouraged to:
- Explore local public transit options in the Kutztown or placement site area.
- Contact the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) or other state agencies to see if transportation assistance or funding may be available. You can apply online through PA CareerLink or contact your local OVR district office.
Please note: It is the student’s responsibility to arrange transportation and seek out available resources if transportation presents a barrier.
Get Support: If you have any questions or concerns about requesting accommodations for an internship, practicum, or clinical placement, please don’t hesitate to contact your KU faculty or the DSO — we’re here to help.
State Licensing Exams (e.g., PRAXIS)
KU DSO can complete verification forms confirming your existing accommodations, but only if your documentation meets strict timing/credential standards required by ETS or other boards.
Start Early: Begin the accommodation request process at the beginning of the semester when you plan to take your test to allow the testing agency enough time to review your request and make a determination. This determination must be made before you are able to schedule your exam.
Contact the DSO: Reach out to verify if your current documentation on file meets the exam board’s specific requirements (such as recency, evaluator qualifications, and testing recommendations). That being noted, if you know that your documentation is older than five (5) years, we recommend going directly to your provider to request updated documentation that specifically meets ETS / board guidelines.
Be Aware: Testing agencies like ETS (PRAXIS) typically have stricter documentation guidelines than KU. They may require more detailed or recent evaluations, even if KU has already approved accommodations.
If your documentation is not sufficient:
The DSO will let you know which specific requirements are not met.
You will need to return to a qualified provider (such as a licensed psychologist or physician) to obtain updated documentation that aligns with the agency’s standards.
Once you have updated documentation, resubmit it to the testing agency along with their required forms.
Reminder: KU DSO does not make accommodation decisions for state board exams. Determinations are made by the testing agency.
Study Abroad Programs
Direct-Enroll at Foreign Institutions: Coordinate accommodations with the host university abroad by contacting the office that handles accommodations.
Faculty-Led KU Programs: Students should notify the DSO as early as possible if they anticipate needing accommodations during a faculty-led study abroad program. The DSO will collaborate with the faculty program leader to determine and coordinate reasonable accommodations in advance of the trip.
KU-Affiliated Field Trips
Advance Notice Matters: Stay informed about upcoming field trips and let faculty know ahead of time if you’ll need accommodations.
Syllabus Should Include: Information on location, time, transportation, dining, and whether the trip is required or if an alternate assignment exists.
Student Role: Communicate your needs early and discuss alternatives with faculty and DSO as needed.