Accommodation Process

WHO IS ELIGIBLE

The ADA defines a person with a disability as a person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activity. This includes people who have a record of such an impairment, even if they do not currently have a disability. It also includes individuals who do not have a disability but are regarded as having a disability. Our Office determines accommodations for students with a broad range of disabilities. Students may also have intersecting marginalized identities, that impact their experiences, and many of the students who are affiliated with OAS have multiple disabilities. Examples of common disabilities include but are not limited to:

• Psychological conditions such as bipolar disorder, major depression, PTSD, OCD
• Medical conditions such as Diabetes, Cancer, Crohn’s Disease, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD)
• Learning Disabilities
• Physical or Mobility Disabilities, including neuropathy
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Deaf/Hard of Hearing
• Blind/Low Vision
• Temporary injuries, including concussions or needs related to recent surgeries

Students are not required to disclose their disability(ies) to the University but must register with Disability Services and Accessibility to receive accommodations. Accommodations are designed to eliminate disability-related barriers, and they are determined on a case-by-case basis through a comprehensive, interactive process that includes the student’s request, self-report, the Disability Services and Accessibility coordinator’s observation, and documentation. To register, please complete the process described below:

THE PROCESS

1. Complete the Accommodation Request Form
2. Provide medical documentation.
3. Schedule a welcome meeting with a member of the Accessibility team once you receive confirmation that your intake form and documentation has been received. During this meeting, we’ll discuss barriers to access, reasonable accommodations that address those barriers, and services that you may need.
4. Request that your letters be sent out to your instructors each semester using the Letter Request Form.
5. Communicate with your instructor(s). Once accommodations are determined, Accessibility Services will distribute accommodation letters to faculty for the courses you requested. You are encouraged to participate in a confidential conversation with your instructor about how your accommodations are implemented in the course. As a reminder, you are not required to discuss the nature of your disability with your faculty.
6. Keep in touch with the Office of Accessibility. Let us know right away if you are not receiving accommodations for which you are eligible or if your needs change.