How Are Accommodations Determined?

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 criteria are used in determining accommodations. Disability is defined as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, a record of such an impairment, or being regarded as having such an impairment. Accommodations are determined by the current impact of a disability. The questions below must be answered “yes” for a student to receive an accommodation.

• Has the student provided documentation that meets established
  criteria?
• Does the student have a disability as defined above?
• Is there evidence of current impact and support for each requested accommodation?
• Is the student “otherwise qualified” for the course or program?
  That is, the student
  – meets the academic prerequisites and technical
  standards
  – can perform the essential components with or without accommodations
• Is the requested accommodation reasonable? That is, the accommodation
  must not
  – alter the essential components of the curriculum or program
  – pose a threat to personal or public safety
  – impose an “undue hardship” on the university (i.e., an undue
  financial or administrative burden)
  – be of a personal nature (e.g., personal assistant for home care)