How do I request accommodations?

The following procedures should insure that you receive the appropriate and reasonable accommodations that will assist you in mitigating the impact of your disability and ensuring an equal opportunity:

As early in the semester as possible (preferably within the first two weeks of the semester) you should initiate contact with the Office of Disability Services (ODS) to request accommodations. At this time, if you have not already done so, you should provide ODS with current documentation regarding your disability. The documentation must state the diagnosis and explain how the disability substantially limits you. Please visit the following website for more specific information regarding guidelines for documentation: www.jmu.edu/ods/documentation.shtml

  1. You should then plan on meeting with someone in ODS to review how the disability substantially limits you and determine what reasonable accommodations would be appropriate for you. Recommendations from documentation and consultation with the student are both used to determine accommodations. Final determination of accommodations rests with the university.

  2. At your request, an "Access Plan" will be produced for each course in which you may need an accommodation.

  3. It is then your (the student's) responsibility to take the "Access Plan" to your professors, meet with them privately, raise their level of understanding of your strengths and disability, and work out the logistics of providing the approved accommodation. Since the primary relationship in the learning process is with the professor, we strongly encourage you to take the initiative within the first two weeks of the semester, or earlier, as appropriate, to develop that relationship.

  4. If difficulties occur in the actual provision of approved accommodations and you are unsuccessful in resolving those issues, then you may appeal to ODS and request assistance with securing the appropriate accommodations. Appeals and requests for assistance should be made as soon as any difficulties arise. ODS will work with both the student and the faculty member or department to arrive at an appropriate resolve.

If you would like additional information about requesting accommodations and services please contact Disability Services at 568-6705.