A reasonable accommodation is a modification or adjustment to a course, program, service, or activity that enables a qualified student with a disability to obtain equal access. Equal access means an opportunity to attain the same level of performance or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges as are available to a similarly situated student without a disability. Only the peripheral requirements of courses, programs, and activities are subject to modification. Essential elements of courses, programs and activities must remain intact. The University is obligated to make a reasonable accommodation only for known limitations of otherwise qualified students with disabilities.

To determine reasonable accommodations, SSD may seek information from appropriate University personnel regarding essential standards for courses, degree programs, and/or activities. Final determination of reasonable accommodations is made cooperatively between SSD and the University community.

1. The barriers resulting from the interaction between the documented disability and the campus environment.
2. The possible accommodations that might remove the barriers.
3. Whether or not the student has access to the course, program, service, or activity, without accommodations.
4. Whether or not essential elements of the course, program, service, or activity are compromised by the accommodations.
   

• Accessible classroom, location, and furniture
  
  
• Assistive computer technology Assistive Listening Devices (ALD)
  
  
• Auxiliary classroom aids and services (notetakers, readers, scribes, interpreters)
  
  
• Captions for film and video material
  
  
• Document conversion (alternative print formats: Braille, large bold print, audio tape, electronic)
  
  
• Priority registration
  
  
• Taped lectures
  

• Extended test taking time (50% additional time is the standard)
  
  
• Computer access for essay exams
  
  
• Use of a basic calculator for math computation
  
  
• Long exams administered in two parts
  
  
• Reduced distraction test environment
  
  
• Readers and/or scribes
  
  
• Other accommodations may be appropriate, but will only be implemented with instructor or departmental approval including course substitutions alternative ways of completing assignments (e.g., oral presentation versus a written paper)
  
  
  

1. Students with disabilities who require accommodations must seek assistance from SSD in a timely manner, usually prior to the start of classes or as soon as a disability becomes known. SSD cannot ensure the provision of accommodations if a student does not inform SSD and/or professors of the need for accommodations at least 5 days in advance.
   
   
2. Students must provide documentation of their disability and how it limits their participation in courses, programs, and activities from a certified professional.
   
   
3. SSD will document the disability and the need for accommodation.
   
   
4. SSD will ensure that disability-related documents are kept confidential and shared with University personnel on a limited and need-to-know basis only.
   
   
5. SSD and the student will discuss the interaction between the disability and the academic environment to determine the reasonable accommodations. Consultation with faculty, the academic department, staff, and outside professionals regarding essential elements and reasonable accommodations will occur in situations that are unclear or complex.
   
   
6. SSD will outline the process for the provision of reasonable accommodations and will present this to the student. In determining reasonable accommodations, the following questions will be answered:
   
   what accommodations will be provided;
   
   why the accommodations will be provided;
   
   when will the accommodations be provided;
   
   who is responsible for providing the accommodation;
   
   and how will the accommodation be provided.
   
   Standard policies and procedures established by SSD, for auxiliary aids and services (e.g., sign language interpreting, document conversion, exam modifications, and academic assistance) will be included in the plan.
   
   
7. As appropriate, SSD will write individualized letters to faculty members, program/department directors and/or deans. A letter is intended to certify that a student has a disability, list required accommodations and invite the recipient to contact SSD if there are concerns or questions about the accommodations. Some situations, such as those involving students’ participation in off-campus internships or clerkships, may require involvement of additional faculty, staff and internship site coordinators.
   
   
8. The student with a disability will be responsible for delivering individualized letters to designated faculty or staff members. There may be procedural exceptions, particularly for students in professional/graduate programs. In these cases, students will be informed of the procedures specific to their situations.
   If the intended recipient of an instructor letter is unavailable, (e.g., on sabbatical or leave), the student will consult the appropriate department chair.
   If neither the faculty/staff member nor the department chair is available, the student should immediately request assistance from SSD.
   
   
9. Students with disabilities are responsible for contacting SSD immediately if reasonable accommodations are not implemented in an effective or timely way. SSD will work with university personnel and students to resolve disagreements regarding recommended accommodations.
   
   
10. Students with disabilities who believe they have been discriminated against on the basis of their disability may follow established Grievance Procedures.
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