Registering with SDS

Student Disability Services (SDS) welcomes students to self-identify as an individual with a disability. SDS staff will engage with you in an interactive process to identify necessary services and accommodations to ensure equitable access to University programs and services.

To initiate the process, submit the online SDS Accommodation Request Form available in the SDS Application Center. When access needs are not obvious or visible, disability documentation that meets SDS guidelines is needed to establish eligibility.

Upon receipt of all information needed to determine eligibility for accommodation, SDS staff make accommodation decisions weekly. SDS will work with the student and campus partners to implement approved accommodations. Students are responsible for following the procedures outlined on this website for registering and using disability services and accommodations.

Steps for Registering with SDS

1. Complete and submit the online SDS Accommodation Request Form available in the SDS Application Center.
2. Submit current and comprehensive disability documentation for your disability(ies), as applicable. Review the SDS guidelines for disability documentation before requesting documentation from your healthcare professional. You are encouraged to speak with SDS if you have questions or concerns about the type of documentation you may need to provide. Disability documentation can be uploaded directly to your accommodation request form in the application center.
3. Meet with an SDS staff member to discuss the impact of your disability and potential accommodations and services to mitigate access barriers caused by your disability. The SDS staff will review your request and consult with campus partners as needed to determine whether or what accommodations would be appropriate.
4. Students will receive an Accommodation Determination Letter (ADL) that states the approved accommodations. Students are also able to review their approved accommodations in the AIM Student Portal, under “My Eligibility” tab under “My Accommodations”.
   • Graduate/Professional students: Copies of the ADL are shared with the Disability Liaison for the graduate/professional division who will assist with the implementation of accommodations.
   • College students: A copy of the ADLwill be shared with the Disability Liaison in the College. College students are responsible for formally notifying their instructors of their approved accommodations in their courses quarterly. Additional information on using academic accommodations is available on our website as a resource to students.

The disability process is an interactive one. Contact us if your condition changes or if you would like to discuss other accommodation options.

The Importance of Advance Notice

Reviewing documentation and scheduling intake appointments can take approximately one to two weeks, depending on the volume of requests. Some accommodations, such as accessible formats and providing interpreters, can take several weeks to coordinate and schedule. To ensure that disability supports and services can be implemented in a timely manner, advance notice is essential.

Due to the large number of newly admitted student requests received throughout spring and early summer, students are encouraged to submit their requests and disability documentation as soon as possible to allow for timely processing and implementation of their accommodations prior to assignments being released in the summer.

Although SDS receives and processes requests throughout the quarter, it is important to note that any requests received within the last two weeks of a quarter will be reviewed for eligibility in the following quarter, as most late accommodation requests cannot be reviewed, coordinated, and implemented prior to the close of the quarter.