Requesting Accommodations

 

REQUESTING ACCOMMODATIONS

When requesting accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it is the responsibility of the individual with a disability to self-disclose to the Office of Disability Services for Students (ODSS) and to provide documentation of the disability. 

DISCLOSING A DISABILITY (Students)

• To self-disclose a disability, please complete the online initial accommodation request form and upload disability documentation at https://lockhaven-accommodate.symplicity.com/public_accommodation/.
• Please contact the ODSS at 570.484.2665 or email us at disability_services@lockhaven.edu if you need this form in an alternate format or if you have questions.

Accommodations for University Guests and Visitors: Please contact ODSS at 570-484-2454 or email disability_services@lockhaven.edu

Accommodations for Employees are handled through the Human Resources Office.

DOCUMENTING A DISABILITY

ODSS provides academic resources and accommodations for students with diagnosed disabilities. The documentation provided regarding the disability diagnosis must demonstrate a disability covered under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and 2008 ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA). The ADA defines a disability as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.

Disabilities Covered by the Above-Mentioned Laws:

• Learning disabilities (such as dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyscalculia)
• Medical health conditions (such as cardiac disease, diabetes, arthritis, cancer, seizure disorder, etc.)
• ADD/ADHD
• Physical/mobility challenges (ambulatory, wheelchair)
• Deaf/Hard of Hearing
• Blind/Vision loss
• Emotional/psychological conditions (such as bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, etc.)
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Traumatic brain injury
• Temporary disabilities - disabilities existing only for a short period of time (6-months or less) as a result of injuries, surgery or short-term medical conditions

DOCUMENTATION

There are multiple ways to provide ODSS with documentation of your disability. Students should submit at least one of the following in addition to his/her self-report:

• Full evaluation/diagnostic report
  • A psychological evaluation from a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist;
  • This would provide the richest information to determine the best possible accommodations and supports.
• Documentation that provides proof of diagnosis and prior accommodations.
  • IEP/504 plan;
  • Accommodation letter from previous postsecondary institution.
• Disability Verification Form (available by contacting ODSS)
  • Must be completed and signed by a licensed healthcare professional;
• A healthcare professional can submit a letter of their own. Please provide the following information to ODSS on letterhead with the date and signature:
  1. A diagnostic statement identifying the disability (with the date of diagnosis)
  2. Severity of the disorder (mild/moderate/severe)
  3. Medication or treatment currently prescribed
  4. Recommended accommodations that may assist the student in minimizing the impact of the condition in an academic setting.
• Please Note: The accommodations for higher education environments may be different from basic education environments. Although the documentation types mentioned above can provide us with the information necessary, we are not able to utilize the same accommodations in all cases. All accommodations will be discussed in the first welcome meeting with the ODSS and provided on a case-by-case basis. Any other accommodations specific to your disability must be requested and approved.

IMPORTANT NOTES REGARDING DOCUMENTATION

• ODSS will review and consider all pieces of documentation submitted. Documentation will assist our office in understanding how the disability impacts the student in an academic setting and the current impact of the disability as it relates to the accommodations requested.
• Reviewing documentation is a collaborative process and each piece of documentation is handled on a case-by-case basis.
• The eligibility determination process is not a same-day process. Once documentation is received, it will be reviewed in order of receipt; therefore, it is recommended that documentation be submitted well in advance of any accommodation related needs.
• If you would like to discuss the documentation review process, you may speak with an ODSS staff member or the Director.

DIAGNOSTIC TESTING

• Please note: Lock Haven University does not administer diagnostic tests. Individuals who desire testing or are referred by a professor or staff member to investigate the possibility of the existence of a disability may be referred by ODSS to external sources for testing.

HOUSING ACCOMMODATIONS

ODSS also works in conjunction with the office of Housing/Residence Life to provide appropriate housing/dining accommodations to students who are approved for those accommodations through ODSS.

To request housing accommodations, students must complete both of the following steps:

• Complete the Housing Application process through Housing/Residence Life. Please note any accommodation requests on the Housing application.
• Submit an Accommodation Request with ODSS.

Once those tasks are completed, communication will be made with the student to schedule a Welcome Meeting/personal interview with ODSS. This meeting will be followed by a review of the housing accommodation request form by the Director of Disability Services and the Dean of Student & Residence Life at LHU.