In a higher education setting, reasonable accommodations are modifications or adjustments in the academic environment that provide a qualified student with a disability equal access to the university’s programs, courses, services and activities. Providing accommodations does not compromise the essential elements of a course or program or weaken academic standards. Accommodations simply provide an alternative way to accomplish the requirements by eliminating or reducing disability-related barriers and providing a level playing field.
Accommodations are determined on a case-by-case basis through an interactive process involving ADS, students, faculty and staff. In reviewing an accommodation requested by the student or recommended by an evaluator, ADS may need to consult with faculty and/or may find that the accommodation is not appropriate given the requirements of a course or program. This may include an accommodation that was previously received in high school or at another college. ADS may propose an alternative accommodation that would be effective, but which neither the student nor the evaluator has requested.
ADS assists students who have a temporary injury or condition which results in a functional limitation. Students with temporary conditions should submit an ADS application and upload documentation from a medical provider which provides the following: date of injury, functional limitation, recommended accommodation and expected date of recovery.
Please be aware that you may request an accommodation for an internship. An internship accommodation may more closely resemble a job accommodation rather than an academic accommodation. Internship accommodations require advance planning and often involve a significant amount of interaction between the academic program, ADS and the student. If you will be participating in an internship experience, plan to discuss whether accommodations will be needed with your ADS specialist as early as possible.
While students with service animals are not required to register with ADS, it is recommended that they notify the office so that we may offer any necessary assistance. The student may be asked whether the animal is needed because of a disability, and what work or task(s) the animal has been trained to perform.
If a student plans to reside on campus, they should contact the ADS office prior to bringing their animal into the residence halls. This will allow us to coordinate with Housing and Residence Life to make appropriate arrangements.