A reasonable accommodation is a modification or adjustment to a service, program, course, activity, job or facility that reduces or eliminates barriers that students with disabilities may encounter.
Determining what accommodations are appropriate and necessary for a particular student is a collaborative process that generally happens during the informational interview. During this meeting, an individualized “accommodation plan” is crafted which lists specific accommodations for the student. The student bears responsibility for requesting the plan each semester and communicating the plan details with each faculty member with which they have classes that semester.
Reasonable accommodations are determined by examining:
Occasionally, or in new, complex, or sensitive circumstances, it may be necessary for DSS staff to consult with other appropriate college personnel regarding accommodations.
In reviewing accommodation requests, the following analysis is used:
1. The accommodation does not fundamentally alter the nature of the program or activity.
2. The accommodation does not lower academic standards.
3. The accommodation does not present an undue financial or administrative burden on the institution.
4. The accommodation does not pose a threat to personal or public safety.