Accessibility Services

Clarkson University assures equal educational opportunities by providing accommodations and services for qualified students with documented disabilities in accordance with federal law, specifically the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

By federal law, a person with a disability is any person who:

1. Has a physical or mental impairment.
2. Has a record of such an impairment.
3. Is regarded as having such an impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities such as walking, standing, seeing, speaking, breathing, taking care of oneself or learning.

For students considering or utilizing the services of OAS:

• Approximately one in 10 Clarkson students has registered with OAS for assistance with a disability (same as the national average for all college students).
• Clarkson students affiliated with OAS have the same academic success (based on grade point averages) as their peers.
• OAS offers temporary disability services to students with unanticipated injuries and needs, such as concussion and surgical recovery.
• All services are provided at no additional charge.

Review our FAQs to learn more about coordinating accommodations through OAS.

The University’s responsibility to make a particular reasonable accommodation is limited by the qualification that to do so would not impose an undue hardship upon the University’s operations, programs or activities. If a particular accommodation imposes an undue hardship, the University will consider whether there are alternative accommodations that would not impose such hardship. This policy also applies to concerns regarding physical barriers or policies and procedures preventing access. To learn more about Clarkson’s policies related to disabilities, please review the Clarkson Student Regulations.

Regulations

In accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended in 2008, the Office of Accessibility Services provides equal access to educational programs and safeguards against discrimination for qualified students with disabilities as defined by the ADA. The ADA defines a person with a disability as any person who:

• Has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.
• Has a record of such an impairment.
• Is regarded as having such an impairment.

In order for OAS to determine if a student's condition meets the standard defined by the law, an evaluative intake interview will be conducted with the student, and any additional documentation supplied will be reviewed. This interview may occur face-to-face, through video or phone call or via email communication. All decisions are made on a case-by-case basis. Any additional information requested following the intake interview will be used to determine the current functional limitations caused by the disability and reasonable accommodations in an academic or residential setting.

Decisions made by the Office of Accessibility Services may not translate to other institutions or be applicable for high-stakes exams such as the GRE, FE, MCAT, etc.

Temporary Disabilities

Services are available to students with temporary disabilities to provide access to campus academic programs and services.

Assistance cannot be provided for tasks of a personal nature such as scribing homework or assisting with home-health care.

Please contact the Office of Accessibility Services with your questions and concerns related to a temporary disability at 315-268-7643 or oas@clarkson.edu, and we will discuss resources and assistance that can be provided by Clarkson during this difficult time.

Academic Accommodation

Students with disabilities who require academic accommodations to ensure equal access to education may request an accommodation through the Office of Accessibility Services. Students may request such accommodations through Accommodations on their myCU account. In addition to the documentation guidelines described above, students may submit their high school IEP or 504 Plan or have their health provider complete and submit the form below. For more information about academic accommodations, please click here.

Academic Accommodation Request Form

Housing Accommodation

Students with disabilities and/or medical conditions who require a specific type of housing to ensure equal access to education may request an accommodation through the Office of Accessibility Services. Due to the variety of offerings through University housing, nearly all disabilities and medical conditions can be accommodated through University housing. The University values the importance of learning to live alongside others and the community experience that comes with campus living. As such, only in the rarest of circumstances would a student be released from University housing. Specific details regarding deadlines and the accommodation request process can be found on the form below.

Housing Accommodation Request Form

Dining Accommodation

Dining Services meets most student dietary restrictions through their regular dining operation. Learn about options for individuals with food allergies or intolerance on the Dining Services website. Students with disabilities who require unique or individualized dining to ensure equal access to education may request an accommodation through the Office of Accessibility Services. For dietary accommodations that can be accommodated through Dining Services, such as allergens, iron deficiencies, diabetes, etc., students should contact the Office of Accessibility Services to discuss accommodation options. The dietary accommodation requires that a person be a good self-advocate and ask questions about foods and food preparation prior to consumption. When a disability or medical condition is so severe that Dining Services is unable to safely and reasonably accommodate a student's disability or medical condition, the necessary accommodation is likely to impact the student's housing to ensure access to a kitchen. In this situation, the request would be handled through the form below.

Dining Accommodation Request Form

Emotional Support Animal Accommodation

Students with disabilities and/or medical conditions who require an emotional support animal to ensure equal access to education may request an accommodation through the Office of Accessibility Services. Specific details regarding the accommodation request process can be found on the form below.

Emotional Support Animal Accommodation Request Form

We strive to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all who attend here, work here and visit here. Guests of Clarkson University with dietary restrictions are encouraged to contact Dining Services prior to arrival to convey any dietary requirements. Medical documentation or approval from the Office of Accessibility Services is not required of University guests. Arrangements may be made with Dining Services without the disclosure of private medical information. Guests are encouraged to state that dietary needs are required due to medical reasons (without further explanation). Visit the Dining Services page for more information. Dining Services may be contacted at 315-268-3816.