Requesting Accommodations for the First Time
The steps required to request accommodations from SDS are simple and straightforward! The sooner you submit your request and supporting documentation, the sooner we can approve your accommodations and ensure they will be in place when you need them. Read on to find more information about the steps to begin the accommodation request process.
Requesting Accommodations for the First Time: Your Roadmap
Step 1: Complete and Submit the Request for Accommodation Form
Using the form linked below, let the SDS know about specific disabilities and how they could affect your participation in the DU community. Specify which accommodations you are seeking now, as well as any you may have used in the past.
Step 2: Submit Supporting Documentation
All requests for accommodation require qualifying documentation to support your claim of disability.
Step 3: Engage in the Interactive Process
Shortly after you submit your request, a member of our office will reach out to schedule a meeting. It is important to check your DU email during this time! Intake meetings are scheduled for an hour and 15 minutes and include a discussion on how the student’s disability impacts their academics, both in and out of the classroom, as well as general functioning on campus. During this meeting, our team member will get to know you more and support you through the accommodations review process. They will also inform you of any next steps that you will need to take.
Step 4: Stay in Touch
Accessing accommodations in higher education requires at times a bit of engagement from students to ensure accommodations can be implemented. Students are responsible every academic term for informing the faculty member(s) teaching the courses they're taking by sending their Letters of Approved Accommodations (LOAAs) through the Accommodate portal. This only takes a few clicks through the Accommodate portal and there is a how to guide available on our website here.
If you are having difficulty with an accommodation, or if any issues arise, please reach back out to SDS!
Provider Documentation Guidelines
SDS Documentation Policy
Students must coordinate with their current treatment provider to obtain appropriate documentation. Documentation may be in the form of diagnostic testing or a letter of support from the current, treating healthcare provider. Supporting documentation must include the following information:
- Submitted on formal letterhead from the treating provider
- Include the treating provider’s signature and license number
- All documentation must be submitted in English
- Within a relevant time frame
- Include a formal diagnosis
- All documentation requires the following elements:
- Disability/Diagnosis
- Functional limitation based on objective evidence
- The need for accommodation(s) based on objective evidence
We have a template letter that you may wish to share with your provider when requesting documentation from them.
Law Students
Law Students and Accommodations
Your first point of contact can be either SDS or the Sturm College of Law Student Affairs office, which serves as a liaison to SDS for law students who have disabilities. Once approved for accommodation(s) through SDS, law students will work with their Student Affairs office to coordinate the implementation of most accommodations.
What to Expect From Us
Confirmation Email
After submitting a request, you will receive a confirmation email from the SDS at your DU email address within four (4) business days. If you have not received a confirmation email by then, please email us to let us know.
Scheduling an Appointment
Once we have received your completed request form and all required documentation, we will contact you within ten (10) business days to schedule an appointment.
Meeting with an Accommodation Specialist
You will meet with your designated Accommodation Specialist to discuss what accommodations for which you may be eligible and discuss next steps.
Additional Questions?
If you ever have any additional questions or concerns, you can always email us at our main inbox, or email your accommodation specialist directly.