Student Accessibility Services

Welcome to Student Accessibility Services at Assumption University. If you would like to engage in the process of requesting academic accommodations due to a disability, please complete the following steps:

1. Submit a Student Accessibility Accommodation Request Form.
2. Submit relevant and comprehensive documentation (See documentation guidelines)
3. Current students should schedule an intake meeting by emailing Julie LeBlanc at jm.leblanc@assumption.edu. 
4. Fill out the Student Intake Questionnaire
5. Meet to complete the intake process

During the student intake meeting, the following occurs through an interactive process:

1. Review of documentation, self-reported information and requested accommodations
2. Determination of eligibility and development of reasonable accommodations 
3. Review of both university and student responsibilities in implementing accommodations 
4. Sharing of resources and support services at the University 

Once accommodations have been implemented, it is the student's responsibility to notify Student Accessibility Services if the accommodations are not meeting the student's needs. Self-advocacy is encouraged throughout this process and supported through Student Accessibility Services. 

Any student with additional questions on requesting reasonable accommodations should contact the Office of Student Accessibility Services. We are happy to assist you.

Assumption University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to all students with disabilities including housing accommodations. Students who wish to request a residential accommodation for the first time should submit a Student Accessibility Accommodation Request Form.  Students who currently have academic, housing or dining accommodations should log into the Accommodate system and complete a Housing Request. Housing Accommodation Applications are due for review by the Student Accommodations Committee at the following times: 

• Incoming Students: Prior to the final June Orientation program
• Returning students: The Office of Residential Life will contact eligible students at the beginning of the spring semester for the exact date

New documentation must be completed each year an accommodation is requested.

If the request is granted, the University will work with the student to find an appropriate placement. Should the student’s request for accommodation be denied, or should the accommodation proposed by the University be contested, the student has the right to appeal the decision.
 

Service Animals

Assumption University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to all students with disabilities as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as amended and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.  Assumption University permits the use of a Service Animal by individuals with a disability in any area open to the general public. 

The policy applies to any Service Animal whose user or handler is participating in the University's programs or activities or who is on the university's campus, including University Housing.  This policy includes students, employees and third parties.  The policy applies to all Service Animals, including working Service Animals, Service Animals in training and Service Puppies. 

Assumption University's Service Animals Policy

This policy does not apply to “Assistance Animals”, see information below and separate policy. 

Assistance Animals

Assumption University (AU) is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to all students with disabilities as required by the Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act of 2008 (“ADA Amendments Act”), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Fair Housing Act.  The University engages in an interactive and collaborative process with students in order to determine eligibility for reasonable accommodations, including the accommodation of Assistance Animals.   Assumption University reserves the right to amend this Policy as circumstances require.  This policy applies solely to “Assistance Animals” (defined within policy) which may be necessary in Campus housing.  It does not apply to “Service Animals” as defined by the ADA Amendments Act. 

Assumption University's Assistance Animals Policy

Assumption University's Dining Services provides an array of healthy and tasty options for students with food allergies. Taylor Dining Hall features My Zone, an allergen-friendly area free of gluten, tree nut and peanut products are available to approved individuals with food allergies, celiac disease or other conditions affected by diet. My Zone is accessible by card swipe and is equipped with dedicated appliances, toasters, and microwaves to reduce the risk of cross-contamination. 

Simple Servings, one of our most popular stations, features entrees that are free of the most common allergens found in food, including gluten, dairy and shellfish.

A trained chef is able upon request to prepare meals for individuals with specific allergies and other dietary sensitivities. Questions about ingredients can be answered by our trained managers. 

Disclaimer:  Separate equipment, storage areas, utensils and preparation areas minimize, but do not totally eliminate the chances of gluten and allergens in the Simple Servings foods.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Kathie Hanwell
General Manager, Campus Dining Services
508.767.7578

or

Julie LeBlanc
Senior Director for Student Accessibility & Retention Initiatives 
(508) 767-7500
 

Students who plan to request accommodations must submit relevant and comprehensive documentation of disability. 

Documentation submitted for academic accommodations should include an evaluation by an appropriately-qualified professional and it should indicate the current impact of the disability as it relates to the request for accommodation. Some examples of documentation include educational evaluations, diagnostic reports, and medical reports. 
Due to the length of the eligibility and accommodation process, it is recommended that documentation be submitted well in advance of any accommodation request. Once documentation has been reviewed by the Office of Student Accessibility Services, the student must schedule a meeting with an Accessibility Services staff member to discuss and determine reasonable accommodations.

Submission of documentation is not the same as a request for accommodations. Students must request accommodations each semester by completing the Semester Request form in the Accommodate system. 
 

Documentation Guidelines

In order to establish that an individual is covered under the guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Amendment Act of 2008 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, documentation must indicate that the diagnosed condition substantially limits a major life activity.

What makes documentation substantive?

• A clear statement of disability including diagnosis 
• Evidence of a substantial impact on one or more major life activity and how the current functional limitations might show themselves in an academic environment 
• Information on whether the impact is current and stable or fluctuating (fluctuations may require updated documentation of the condition)
• Validation of a connection between the impact of the condition and the requested accommodations
• Is a comprehensive evaluation (psychoeducational or neuropsychological) containing test scores, a clinical summary of assessment procedures and evaluators narrative (ex. Learning disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorders, etc.)
• Provided by a qualified practitioner.

Please note, if a student submits incomplete or inadequate documentation for the accommodation process, Accessibility Services has the right to request further documentation. Accessibility Services does not administer any diagnostic evaluations.
 

Academic Accommodation Eligibility Appeal
Eligibility for an academic accommodation is determined through an interactive process between the individual student and Assumption University.  If eligibility for an accommodation is denied, the student should contact the Senior Director of Student Accessibility and Retention Initiatives in a timely fashion stating the reason for their concern and any specific remedial action being requested.
If the concern is not resolved at this level, the student may choose to pursue a formal appeal by submitting their concern in writing to the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs. Such an appeal should be made as soon as possible but must be done within 7 days of the refusal of an accommodation or failure to resolve the concern.
Once the formal appeal is received, the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs will review the written appeal and all relevant information. The Associate Vice President will either uphold the original decision/accommodation as determined by the Office of Accessibility Services, or revise the accommodation. 

The Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs will notify the student in writing of the University's final decision. The appeals process will be completed within 30 days from the time the appeal is referred to the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs. The decision of the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs is final. 

Housing Accommodation Appeal
If the student believes that the request for a housing accommodation has not been met, he or she may appeal. Appeals must be received in writing by Benjamin Kadamus, Assistant Dean of Students within 7 working days of the Committee's communication. The Assistant Dean of Students then assembles and chairs the Student Accommodations Appeals Committee, consisting of objective representatives from Student Affairs. The Assistant Dean of Students will notify the student in writing of the Appeals Committee's decision. The appeals process will be completed within 30 days from the date the appeal is received by the Assistant Dean of Students. The decision of the Student Accommodations Appeal Committee is final.

Implementation of Approved Academic Accommodation Appeal
If a student believes that he or she is being denied an approved and requested academic accommodation, or their accommodation is being applied inappropriately, and he or she is not able to reach an agreement with their professor, the student should contact the Senior Director of Student Accessibility and Retention Initiatives. If the concern is not resolved at this level, the student may submit a formal appeal in writing to the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs. This should be done as soon as possible.
Once the formal concern is received, the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs will review the written appeal in light of all relevant information. The Associate Vice President will either uphold the original decision/accommodation as determined by the Office of Student Accessibility Services, or revise the accommodation. The Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs will notify the student in writing of the University's final decision. The appeals process will be completed within 30 days from the time the appeal is referred to the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs. The decision of the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs is final.
 

Accommodation Eligibility Appeal
Eligibility for an accommodation is determined through an interactive process between the individual student and Assumption University. If eligibility for an accommodation is denied, the student should contact the Senior Director of Student Accessibility and Retention Initiatives in a timely fashion stating the reason for their concern and any specific remedial action being requested.

If the concern is not resolved at this level, the student may choose to pursue a formal appeal by submitting their concern in writing to the Dean of the School of Graduate and Professional Studies. Such an appeal should be made as soon as possible but must be done within 7 days of the refusal of an accommodation or failure to resolve the concern.

Once the formal concern is received, Dean of the School of Graduate and Professional Studies will review the written appeal and all relevant information. The Dean will either uphold the original decision/accommodation as determined by the Office of Accessibility Services or revise the accommodation. 

The Dean of the School of Graduate and Professional Studies will notify the student in writing of the University's final decision. The appeals process will be completed within 30 days from the time the appeal is referred to the Dean of the School of Graduate and Professional Studies. The decision of the Dean of the School of Graduate and Professional Studies is final.

Implementation of Approved Academic Accommodation Appeal
If a student believes that he or she is being denied an approved and requested academic accommodation, or their accommodation is being applied inappropriately, and he or she is not able to reach an agreement with their professor, the student should contact the Senior Director of Student Accessibility and Retention Initiatives. If the concern is not resolved at this level, the student may submit a formal appeal in writing to Dean of the School of Graduate and Professional Studies. This should be done as soon as possible.

Once the formal concern is received, The Dean of the School of Graduate and Professional Studies will review the written appeal in light of all relevant information. The Dean will either uphold the original decision/accommodation as determined by the Office of Student Accessibility Services or revise the accommodation. Dean of the School of Graduate and Professional Studies will notify the student in writing of the University's final decision. The appeals process will be completed within 30 days from the time the appeal is referred to the Dean of the School of Graduate and Professional Studies. The decision of the Dean of the School of Graduate and Professional Studies is final.
 

The Office of Student Accessibility Services works with faculty and staff across campus. A student may be referred to one or more of the following offices:

Academic Support Center

The Academic Support Center provides tutoring services for all undergraduate students at Assumption University. 

Counseling Services

Assumption has mental health professionals available to provide counseling to students by appointment. The Counseling Services staff also makes referrals to local resources depending on the situation.

Student Health Services

Student Health Services provides medical care for a variety of issues. Students should call ahead to make an appointment. The Student Health Services staff also makes referrals to local resources depending on the situation.