Student accommodations are determined on a case by case basis, depending on the student's specific needs and disability. We will never blanket deny or approve accommodations based on previous cases/students.
SDS Process:
- Students are required to contact SDS and submit documentation. This documentation must be from a licensed medical professional who is qualified to both diagnose and treat a specific disability or condition. This documentation is confidential and will remain in the SDS office. Faculty, administrators or liaisons do not have access to this private information and should never request specifics on a student's disability or condition.
- SDS then meets with that student to discuss their specific needs, functional limitations, course/clinic requirements, and finally the reasonable accommodations that will not fundamentally alter stated learning outcomes or technical standards. If there are questions or potential issues around a fundamental alteration of SLOs or technical standards, SDS will communicate with the school liaison and/or program directors and faculty to engage in the interactive process to determine solutions. Faculty are encouraged to reach out at any time to discuss accommodations with SDS.
- Once reasonable accommodations are approved, SDS sends the accommodation letter (detailing the approved accommodations) to the student, and to the school liaison and/or program director to dispense to faculty members. The liaison and/or program director will then assist faculty in facilitating approved accommodations.
General guidelines for process and fundamental alterations from UCOP can be found here: https://www.ucop.edu/ethics-compliance-audit-services/compliance/american-disabilities-act-ada/academic-accommodations.html