Requesting a Disability Accommodation 

If you’re an accepted student who has already paid your admissions deposit and needs an accommodation due to a disability, we’ve got you covered. Just follow these simple steps: 

1) Provide current and relevant documentation verifying your disability.

Documentation may include educational or medical records, reports, and assessments created by health care providers, school psychologists, teachers, or the educational system. This information is inclusive of documents that reflect education and accommodation history, such as an IEP, Summary of Performance (SOP), and teacher observations. IEP’s and 504 plans are not applicable in the postsecondary context but, if provided, they must show the current impact of the condition and identify a connection between the disability and the accommodation(s) requested. Documentation will vary in its relevance and value, depending on the original context, credentials of the evaluator, the level of detail provided, and the comprehensiveness of the narrative. Additional documentation may be requested. 

What information should be included? 

At a minimum, the Office of Disability Services requests the following information: 

• Diagnostic Statement identifying your disability 
• A description of the diagnostic methodology used 
• Date of diagnosis 
• Name and qualifications of the evaluator 
• Description of the current functional limitations 
• Recommendations for accommodations/services 

2) Meet with Disability Services. 

For non-academic accommodation requests, such as requests related to housing, the Coordinator of Disability Services may seek input from the Dean of Students, the Dean’s designee, or other personnel, to ensure we’re meeting all your needs. 

If the individual is unwilling to accept any alternative accommodation offered by Disability Services or there are no alternative accommodations available, Disability Services will provide a verbal explanation and written notification to the individual of the denial, the reasons for the denial, the right to appeal the decision, and the procedures for that appeals process. The notification shall be in writing and made within seven (7) business days of the notification from the individual of their unwillingness to accept any of the alternative accommodations offered or the determination that there are no alternative accommodations available.  

All appeals are reviewed by the Vermont State University ADA/Section 504 Compliance Officer or their designee. If the appeal is denied, the Vermont State University ADA/Section 504 Compliance Officer or their designee shall provide written notification of the denial to the individual and a written explanation with all of the reasons for the denial.   

VTSU Disability Related Discrimination and Harassment Procedure 

If a student believes that they have been discriminated against or harassed on the basis of a disability, the student may file a report pursuant to VSCS policy 311. For additional information about Policy 311 and the report process.

If you believe you’ve experienced discrimination or harassment based on your disability, we take that very seriously. You can report such incidents following VSCS policy 311. For more information on this policy and the reporting process, check out the VSCS Policy 311 Resource and Reporting Guide for Incidents of Harassment and Discrimination. We’re here to support you every step of the way.