Getting Started with Accessibility Services
Accessibility Services is committed to ensuring equal access by fostering an accessible learning environment and provides comprehensive, professional services and programs for students who self-identify with disabilities to ensure equal academic opportunities and participation in College-sponsored programs. Driven by the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Accessibility Services implements a robust, structured process to establish disability, understand how disability may impact a student, and make informed decisions about accommodations. Ensuring that accommodations provide effective access requires a collaborative, individualized approach that is unique to each student.
The purpose of an accommodation is to ensure an equal educational opportunity for qualified individuals with disabilities. Accommodations may include auxiliary aides and services, as well as modifications to academic requirements as necessary to minimize the impact of the disability.
Steps to Request Accommodations
To request accommodations or services for your disability, please follow the steps below:
- Submit a completed Student Intake Form and supporting disability documentation.
Students may submit information and accommodation requests at any time. Please note the review process typically requires 2 to 3 weeks. For more information about the review process or the type of information to submit, please visit the Documentation Guidelines page. Please submit all forms and documentation via email to resourcehub@lafayette.edu
- Submitted information is reviewed.
Student information will be reviewed on an individual, case-by-case basis. After the review, Accessibility Services will contact the student to set up an appointment to discuss accommodations. If you have not heard from Accessibility Services within 3 weeks of submitting the information please contact the office at resourcehub@lafayette.edu to check on the status of your request.
- Meet with Accessibility Services for an Intake Interview
The student will meet with an Accessibility Services staff member to discuss accommodations, policies and procedures, and resources available.
- Receive Confirmation of Accommodation Letter The Confirmation of Accommodation Letter is a document provided by Accessibility Services which outlines the reasonable accommodations that are to be provided to the student. This letter describes the approved academic and housing accommodations as recommended by Accessibility Services based on an individualized review of the student’s documentation and intake meeting. A Confirmation of Accommodation Letter is provided directly to the student when he/she has met all of the following criteria :
- Submitted an Student Intake Form and appropriate documentation to Accessibility Services;
- Met with a staff member from Accessibility Services and engaged in the interactive process;
- Have been determined by Accessibility Services to have a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act; and
- Accessibility Services has made a determination that there are accommodations that the student may need, and that it may be reasonable for Lafayette to provide
Please note: It is the student’s responsibility to disclose their disability to Accessibility Services and to provide the appropriate documentation to support the need for the requested accommodations.