Receiving a Request for Accommodations

Formal requests for accommodations will be listed in a student’s Disability Accommodation Letter, which is issued and signed by a Disability Services Representative. When meeting with faculty to discuss accommodations, students should present this letter and obtain the appropriate faculty signature. The Disability Accommodation Letter verifies that the student has a documented disability and is therefore eligible for the listed accommodations. Copies of the signed accommodation letter should be retained by students, faculty, and Disability Services for reference. Students who disclose a disability to faculty without presenting a letter should be directed to Dan Newman in Disability Services.

Although a student may request implementation of an accommodation at any time, it is recommended that the student make this request as early as possible.

Please note that the accommodations recommended are meant to facilitate academic opportunity for students with disabilities so that they may meet the essential requirements of the course. Accommodations should not compromise or alter fundamental academic standards. If you have questions about how to implement specific accommodations, please contact Dan Newman in Disability Services.

Examples of Common Accommodations:

Determination of appropriate accommodations is based on the student, the nature of the disability, and how the disability affects the student in the academic environment. Examples and explanations of common accommodations (see below) may help you in your discussions with students.

Use of a note taker and/or copy of faculty notes. The note taker service is coordinated for students who have a disability that impacts their ability to take notes, or who need additional notes to supplement their own notes or class attendance.

Extended time on exams/quizzes in a distraction-reduced environment. Extended time on exams/quizzes is utilized by students who have a disability that prevents them from demonstrating their skills within standard testing time limits. A distraction-reduced environment is a quiet testing room without the disruption of visual or auditory stimulation. Students who have disabilities that impact their ability to concentrate or integrate sensory input may find this helpful. Students with this accommodation are responsible for notifying faculty in advance of the exam/quiz.

Extended time on assignments as mutually agreed upon by student and faculty. Some students have disabilities that impact their ability to meet work objectives quickly and efficiently, and may need extended time in order to prepare for an assignment and fulfill its requirements. It is the responsibility of the student to speak with faculty directly to discuss extensions and alternate due dates for assignments and papers. Because assignment due dates are important for efficiency, organization, and grade validity, extensions should only be granted as mutually agreed upon by student and faculty. The exception is for students with a medical or health condition which could impact their ability to complete assignments due to sudden exacerbation of symptoms, medical emergency, or hospitalization. Faculty members are asked to be flexible in this case, because students may not be able to give advance notice.

Consideration regarding attendance. The Lesley University Attendance Policy states that students are expected to attend classes. Student attendance records and penalties for student absences or tardiness are kept at the discretion of the individual instructor. While some students have a disability that may impact their attendance, consideration of disability with regard to attendance is also at the discretion of the individual instructor. This accommodation is made to acknowledge that some students have disabilities of an episodic nature or disabilities that might make it difficult for a student to meet the attendance policy set forth by faculty. This accommodation addresses flexibility with regard to physical attendance in class. The student is fully responsible for any work due or material covered in class during the absence(s). Neither extended time on assignments nor arrangements for making up tests and exams missed during absences are included in this accommodation. Those must be arranged with faculty individually. Faculty will handle these issues on a case-by-case basis as deemed appropriate.