Steps to Request Accommodations

First Time Requests

This section provides details for how to request accommodations for disabilities if doing so for the first time at the University of Denver. 

• Steps to Submit First Time Accommodations Request

  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.

  First Time Request Online Form

  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!

• 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. 

Additional Requests

This section provides details for how to submit requests for accommodations after submitting a first time request via the steps above and completing an initial accommodations intake meeting with an SDS staff member. 

• Steps to Submit Additional Accommodations Request

  Step 1: Go to the Accommodate Student Portal. Select the "Accommodation Details" option. 

  Step 2: Select "Additional Accommodation Request" from the expanded menu.

  Step 3: Select "Add New."

  Step 4: Complete the Additional Accommodations Request form and press Submit. 

• Documentation for Additional Requests

  Additional documentation may or may not be necessary for additional accommodations requests. If the documentation submitted in the first request is relevant and pertinent to the additional accommodations being requested, then SDS may determine that additional documentation is not required to submit. To assist in the accommodation process, SDS recommends submitting any relevant documentation that you already have access to. After reviewing the request, SDS will reach out over email regarding any additional documentation required.

Law School Students

• Accommodations for Law School Students

  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.