Reasonable Accommodations

What is a "reasonable accommodation"?

A "reasonable accommodation" modifies the environment or a task in order to provide equitable access to a program or activity in the most feasible manner available. It is intended to minimize the effects of a disability so an academically qualified person can benefit from or participate in an activity to the fullest extent possible given the resources.

 
Reasonable accommodations are both disability and person-dependent. Hence, reasonable accommodations may vary from person to person for the same "type" of disability. The term "reasonable" refers to the match of the accommodation, including professional justification, to the limitation caused by a particular disability to a specific student. In other words, is the accommodation "reasonable" for the particular student need?  

Also, "reasonable" includes the cost involved. When assessing an accommodation for cost, the term "undue burden" is applied. This is judged against the University's total resources.

Therefore, a request for accommodation is deemed reasonable if it:

- Is based on appropriate individual documentation;

- Allows the most integrated educational experience possible without compromising essential requirements of a course or program;

- Does not pose a threat to personal or public safety;

- Does not impose undue financial or administrative burden on the University;

- Is not of a personal nature (e.g., hiring personal care attendants).

Students are responsible for requesting accommodations (Request for Consideration of Reasonable Accommodations form) in a timely manner and must first be recognized as eligible for accommodation through Disability Services. As stated above, accommodations are determined according to an individual student's need and appropriate diagnostic information provided by the student.

Additionally, some students realize they need an accommodation once the semester has progressed. While Disability Services can't guarantee immediate implementation at short notice, personnel will do its best to make timely arrangements.