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Student Accessibility Services (SAS) works in collaboration with the С����Ƶ’s Human Resources Dept. to provide resources, support, and accommodations to ensure that all aspects of student life are accessible and inclusive of persons with documented accessibility needs.  SAS welcomes students to self-identify as an individual with an accessibility need.  SAS will interact with individual students to identify necessary services and accommodations to ensure equitable access to the С����Ƶ’s programs and services.  SAS staff is comprised of С����Ƶ’s Student Affairs Manager, Human Resources Senior Generalist, and Housing Director. If you have questions, please email studentaccessibility@mbl.edu.

When all required information needed to determine eligibility for accommodations is received, SAS staff will review and render a decision.  SAS staff meet on a bi-weekly basis to review accommodation requests.  SAS staff will work with the student and С����Ƶ campus partners to implement approved accommodations.

Steps for requesting an accessibility accommodation:

• Complete and submit the online Accommodation Request Form 
• Submit current and comprehensive supporting documentation for your request – see Guidelines for Supporting Documentation below.  You are encouraged to speak with SAS if you have questions or concerns about the type of documentation you may need to provide.  Supporting documentation can be uploaded within the Accommodation Request Form
• The SAS staff will review your request and consult with campus partners as needed to determine whether or what accommodations would be appropriate.
• Students will be contacted in a timely manner by SAS staff with a determination

The Importance of Advanced Notice

SAS review of documentation can take two to three weeks.  To ensure that accessibility support and services can be implemented in a timely manner, advanced notice is essential.  Students are encouraged to submit their requests and documentation as soon as possible to allow for timely processing and implementation of their accommodations.

GUIDELINES FOR SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION

Supporting documentation is information from an appropriately certified professional who has completed an assessment of accommodation needs or is providing medical treatment to address a condition that requires accommodation.  Such professionals include physicians, educational psychologists, therapists, mobility specialists, and rehabilitation counselors.  Documentation is used to determine eligibility for support and services.

Accommodations are reasonable modifications to С����Ƶ policies and practices, where necessary, to address barriers and ensure equitable access to С����Ƶ programs and services.

Supporting Documentation Components

• Completed by a licensed professional including the date, signature, and license number of the examiner (not a family member)
• A description of the disability, including the diagnosis and history
• A description of the current impact in daily living and in an educational setting
• A description of the expected duration, frequency, severity, and progression of the condition
• A description of the past use and effectiveness of accessibility services.

Supporting Documentation Examples

• Educational, psychological, or medical records
• Reports and assessments created by healthcare providers, psychologists, or an educational system
• Documents that reflect education and accommodation history, such as a current institution’s accommodation verification letter
• Disability Documentation Forms for mental health and medical conditions
• Statement from a health or other service professional
• Vocational Assessment

Keep the Following in Mind

• Disability is defined by federal disability laws as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. Major life activities include, but are not limited to: sensory conditions, walking, learning, concentrating, communicating, and speaking.
• Submit an Accommodation Request Form in a timely manner.  The form and all supporting documentation must be submitted to SAS with sufficient time for a review of the information before accommodations and services are expected to be implemented.
• SAS may need to ask you to provide additional information if the submitted documentation is incomplete or does not support your accommodation request.
• If you do not have documentation, we encourage you to meet with an SAS Staff member to discuss your situation and possible referrals for documentation.
• Professionals may recommend reasonable modifications, but SAS (in consultation with appropriate faculty, staff, and/or a third-party reviewer) make the final decision about eligibility and appropriate modifications based on the essential requirements of the academic or research program or service.
• You are encouraged to keep a copy of the documentation that you submit to SAS for your personal records.
• All documentation must be submitted in the English language.