Requesting academic accommodations through Disability Resources is a simple two-step process.
New students
If you are requesting accommodations for the very first time the steps will be slightly different than if you are already registered with Disability Resources for other accommodations.
In order to receive accommodations, students must submit a formal request for accommodations to Disability Resources (DR). Students who have not requested accommodations from DR in the past should submit the New Student Intake Form and upload documentation of disability with this form.
If you do not have access to your documentation at the time that you submit the form we can also accept documentation through mail, email or fax. If you choose to submit documentation through one of these alternate means please keep in mind that your request will not be considered complete until we receive both your form submission and documentation. If you have questions about the type of information we look for in documentation please see the Documentation Guidelines.
For first year/transfer students: we are not able to fully process accommodation requests until after the student has been assigned a student ID number and have a WashU Key. Student ID numbers and WashU Keys are always assigned well in advance of the coming semester so the timing of ID and WashU Key assignment will not impact students’ ability to have accommodations in place before classes begin.
Once we have received a student’s supplemental request we will reach out to them to set up a meeting to discuss the requested changes in more detail. Students should leave this meeting with an understanding of what changes will be approved, but a formal letter of approval and updated Accommodation Letter will be sent via email in the days following the meeting.
Connected students
These steps are specific to students who have previously registered with Disability Resources for any type of accommodation request including academic, housing, transportation, or for a temporary injury.
to Access WashU and and submit the Accommodation Plan Modification Request in order to request a change or addition to their current accommodations. Step-by-step directions to complete the supplemental request are below.
- Navigate to Access WashU.
- Log in with your WashU Key.
- Select the “Accommodation Plan Modification Request” tab on the menu bar on the left-hand side of the page.
- Fill out all form fields and click “Submit Application.”
- Upload any additional supporting documentation.
Disability Resources will try to use the documentation already on file to support a change to accommodations. However, if the documentation on file does not support the request we may ask for additional documentation, particularly if the documentation on file doesn’t directly address accommodations in the academic environment. If you have questions about the type of information we look for in documentation please see the Documentation Guidelines page of our website.
Once Disability Resources have received a student’s Accommodation Plan Modification Request, a Disability Resources professional will review their form and documentation and will follow up with them accordingly. Be sure to monitor your WashU email address.
Once we have received a student’s supplemental request we will reach out to them to set up a meeting to discuss the requested changes in more detail. Students should leave this meeting with an understanding of what changes will be approved, but a formal letter of approval and updated Accommodation Letter will be sent via email in the days following the meeting.
Timeline for processing requests
Academic accommodation requests are accepted on a rolling basis; there is no deadline for submission. However, in order to receive prompt accommodations and services, students are advised to submit a request with documentation at least two weeks in advance of when they would like accommodations to be implemented.
Please note, requests for accommodations that are submitted after the last day of classes cannot be implemented in that same semester. For example, a student who submits a request for testing accommodations during reading week will not be able to use testing accommodations during finals. Such requests will be implemented beginning the following semester.
Unsure what accommodations to request?
If you have been recently diagnosed or haven’t used formal accommodations in the past, you may be unsure of what accommodations to request. This is an excellent question to ask of your documentation provider as they can give recommendations and include those recommendations in your documentation. Each student’s request and documentation is reviewed on a case-by-case basis and our meetings are designed to be an interactive discussion. So, request anything that you feel is necessary to provide you with equal access to learning activities or environments. If you are still unsure what to request, indicate that on your request form, and we will brainstorm possible accommodations when we meet.