DSS Instructor Portal

Use your Blazer ID campus credentials to log into the DSS Instructor Portal, the online services portal UAB faculty use to review faculty notification letters, review student accommodations by course, confirm testing agreements and schedules, and more!

DSS Instructor Portal Tutorial

Why do I need to use the DSS Instructor Portal?

Provides a landing page for all accommodation-related information and requests
Instructors have access to all Faculty Notification Letters received for a given semester
Instructors can view requests related to testing, note-taking, and deaf and hard of hearing accommodations
Instructors will be able to view student exam requests, complete the Alternative Testing Agreement, and upload exams
Automated emails will streamline DSS Testing Center communications with instructors, including notifications when students cancel or no-show for an exam

Tips for Initiating Interactive Process

Faculty, staff, and supervisors are required to engage in the "interactive process" with students who request accommodations.

Consider what is required:
- Technical standards
- Course requirements
Respond to requests
Implement accommodations when reasonable
Identify unreasonable requests
Ensure DSS awareness/refer students

How to Respond to Accommodation Requests

Talk to the student to gather information about their needs.
Explain why an accommodation may not be needed due to the nature of the course or clinical setting (example: extended test times in course with no tests or quizzes).
Set clear expectations for how the accommodation can be used in a course or clinical setting.
If you believe an accommodation may be unreasonable, contact DSS!
If a student expresses concerns about how you plan to implement accommodations, contact DSS via email.

AIM Flex Plan – Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Flex Plan?

The Flex Plan is a tool in the AIM portal that helps instructors outline how disability-related absence and deadline extension accommodations will work in their courses. It allows instructors to set expectations in advance while maintaining academic standards.
Why are Flex Plans used?

Flex Plans streamline accommodation management, ensure consistency, and support both instructional needs and student access. If a student in your course has relevant accommodations, you will receive an email prompting you to create a Flex Plan.
What happens if I don’t create a Flex Plan?

If a plan is not created, DSS will apply a default plan using general guidance.
How do I create a Flex Plan?

Log into the DSS AIM portal and complete the Flex Plan Questionnaire. DSS will review the plan before it is released to both you and the student. AIM also saves your plans so you can copy and edit them for future semesters.
How do I determine a reasonable number of absences?
It is important that you provide a reasonable number of additional absences beyond standard attendance policy on Question 3 of the Flex Plan.

To determine reasonable number of additional absences:
- If your course has an attendance policy: allow 50–100% more absences than the standard policy (e.g., if 2 absences are allowed, approve 3–4).
- If no policy exists: students should typically attend 80–85% of class meetings.
Do students need to provide doctor’s notes?
No. Documentation is handled privately by DSS.

In lieu of providing a doctor’s note, students have two options for notifying their instructors on days they need to use a disability-related absence.
1. Completing the Implementation Questionnaire that is emailed to the instructor and DSS Case Manager.
2. By sending an email to both the instructor and DSS.
How should deadline extensions be handled?

If a flare up or episode occurs on the day an assignment or exam is due, students may request a deadline extension.

Typical extensions are 24–48 hours, meant to recover lost time during a flare up.

The number of extensions considered reasonable is at the instructor’s discretion and should reflect the course structure and pacing.

Details of how this will apply for your course can be outlined on Questions 4-8 of the Flex Plan.
Who can I contact with questions?

Reach out to Disability Support Services (DSS) at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for assistance with the Flex Plan or the AIM system.