Yes. Any accepted family should disclose an IEP, 504, or other exceptionalities (one or more disabilities as defined by federal or state eligibility criteria. These disabilities may include specific learning disabilities (SpLD), speech and language disorders, emotional/behavioral disorders, physical disabilities, autism spectrum, or other impairments such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)) in writing to gifted@msu.edu as soon as possible before program start so that staff can look into appropriate accommodations. This process must be repeated annually for academic year students.

Accommodations for students with disabilities in GATE programs:

The GATE programs are programs of Michigan State University (MSU) and MSU is subject to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.  This requires the University to provide equal access to its programs and services.  It also requires the University to provide accommodations where reasonable in order to gain equal access to programs and services.  The University is not subject to the Individuals with Disabilities in Education (IDEA) Act. The IDEA Act requires the K-12 school to provide Free and Appropriate Public Education.  This means that K-12 schools are responsible for identifying students who may need services, identifying whatever services will help the student succeed in class and providing those services, including issuing Individual Education Plans (IEP’s).  The difference in laws means accommodations for students with disabilities are handled differently.  When a K-12 student is in a GATE program, they must contact gifted@msu.edu to request an accommodation.  GATE administrators will then work with the parent, student and K-12 institution where deemed appropriate and determine if the requested accommodations are reasonable.