Accommodations

Reasonable Accommodations

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.

Important points to remember about your accommodations:

  • It is your responsibility to let your ADS specialist know as soon as possible if you experience any difficulties with either accessing your accommodations or if you think your accommodations need to be revised.
  • Professors should not provide accommodations on the basis of a disability if you are not registered with ADS.
  • Professors will begin to provide you with your accommodations from the time they receive your ADS letter of accommodation. Accommodations are NOT retroactive.
  • The purpose of an accommodation is to ensure access rather than success. Professors are not expected to modify or waive the essential requirements of a course or program.
  • The process of requesting and receiving accommodations is meant to be interactive. All people involved — the professor, the student and the ADS staff — have a shared responsibility to make sure the process works. You are expected to take an active role and advocate for yourself in a professional way. ADS is available to assist both you and your professor in implementing accommodations as they relate to specific course or program requirements.

Types of Accommodations

Classroom

Testing

  • Extended time
  • A reduced distraction environment or use of the Testing Center
  • Use of various assistive technology such as reading and writing software

Campus Access

Housing

Personal Care Attendant

The University recognizes that a qualified student with a disability may need the services of a Personal Care Attendant (PCA) as an accommodation, to assist them with fully participating in the University’s activities. It is the student's responsibility for recruiting, hiring, and paying for the PCA's services. 

Students who wish to request a PCA on campus must be registered with ADS and have reviewed the Personal Care Attendant Guidelines. Once the student has hired a PCA, a Personal Care Attendant Agreement Form must be signed by both the PCA and student before it is submitted to ADS. 

Temporary

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.

Internship

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.

On-Campus Student Employment

As a student employee with a disability who may need a reasonable accommodation to perform essential functions of their job, please refer to Submit an Accommodation Request.

Service Animals

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.