Counseling Center

Services for Students with Disabilities
Student and Parent Resource Guide: Procedures for Obtaining Accommodations

Securing classroom accommodations-incoming students

1. Students must complete a "Request for Accommodations" form, available from the Disabilities Services Office (DSO) or by downloading the form from http://www.susqu.edu/counseling/.
2. Send the necessary documentation and the Request for Accommodations form to the Coordinator of Disability Services.
3. Students will then receive a preliminary letter regarding your eligibility for accommodations.
4. Students must schedule an appointment with the Coordinator of Disability Services in the first two weeks of classes. During that meeting accommodation needs for each class will be discussed and an accommodations agreement will be drafted.
5. Students must take a copy of the agreement to each professor. Discuss the needed accommodations. Both you and the professor should sign the contract. Return the signed agreement to DSO. Letters of Agreement must be renewed each semester.

Securing classroom accommodations-returning students

1. Students must schedule an appointment with the Coordinator of Disability Services in the first two weeks of classes each semester. During that meeting you will discuss accommodation needs for each class and draft an accommodations agreement.
2. Students must then take a copy of the agreement to each professor to discuss the needed accommodations. The Coordinator of Disability Services is available for consultation regarding suggestions or alternative accommodations. Both the student and the professor should sign the contract. Return the signed agreement to DSO.

Arranging for Alternate Texts

1. As soon as possible (by August 1st for incoming students) students should contact DSO to discuss your specific needs for alternate texts.
2. Inform DSO of your text requirements as soon as possible. We will assist students in obtaining the needed texts in a variety of ways as follows:
   1. Request an electronic copy (e-text) of the text from the publisher.
   2. If not available, the student must purchase a copy of the book and provide it to DSO. We will scan the book into a PDF file, or if necessary, a Word file, and place on a CD.
   3. The student is responsible for picking up the CD when it is ready.
   4. Obtain audio books from the Recordings for the Blind & Dyslexic, which is a great resource for obtaining audio books. Payment for services is dependent upon student or institutional membership options.
   5. Obtain e-texts from www.bookshare.com.
3. Assistive technology software is also available for use on student computers. The DSO will work with students to identify arrangements for access to software.
4. The DSO works with Information Technology (IT) to provide student assistance with their computers. Students should contact the DSO to request technical help.

Requesting a Course Substitution

1. If documentation supports and recommends a course substitution, CDS will make this recommendation to the Registrar and the Academic Advisor. The student will confer with their appropriate academic advisor and the Coordinator of Disability Services regarding specific courses that can serve as a substitution.

Securing Housing or Dining Accommodations

1. Note that a single room assignment is only granted to students for whom no other accommodation is deemed reasonable, and only when available. A medical condition alone does not qualify a student for a single room assignment.
2. Students must complete a "Request for Accommodations" form and a "Housing Accommodations" form.
3. A physician must complete a Medical Information Request form. The form should be sent to the Coordinator of Disability Services who will review the form.
4. If approved, the CDS will submit a formal recommendation to Residence Life.
5. Residence life will work with the student to identify the most appropriate housing available.
6. If dining accommodations are requested, DSO will consult with Dining Services regarding the accommodations and the student will make the arrangements.