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Disability Accommodation Procedure

Lewis & Clark College is committed to ensuring equal access for students with disabilities. The Office of Student Accessibility (OSA) works with students to provide reasonable accommodations in line with the ADA Amendments Act of 2008, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other relevant federal, state, and local laws. We also follow best practices recommended by the Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD).

Our Commitment

The Office of Student Accessibility (OSA) provides individualized support and facilitates reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities to ensure full participation in academic, co-curricular, and residential life. A formal Student Disability Grievance Procedure is also available to provide a prompt and equitable resolution of concerns related to access or disability discrimination.

Eligibility and Scope of Accommodations

Lewis & Clark recognizes disabilities that affect physical, sensory, psychological, health-related, or cognitive functioning. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Mobility and sensory impairments

  • Mental health conditions

  • Learning disabilities

  • Chronic health conditions

We also provide support for students with temporary medical conditions (e.g., injury, illness, or pregnancy) when appropriate.

To receive accommodations, students must:

  • Submit a request to the Office of Student Accessibility (OSA)

  • Provide appropriate documentation from a qualified provider

  • Engage in an interactive process to determine reasonable accommodations

Accommodations are based on documentation, student input, and the essential requirements of academic programs. Please note that the presence of a disability disclosed in an application for admission does not automatically initiate the accommodation process.

Confidentiality

All disability-related information is kept confidential and stored securely in compliance with The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and applicable privacy laws. Only authorized personnel have access to this information.

How to Request Accommodations

Undergraduate and Graduate Students (CAS & GSEC)

Submit your request through the OSA office, located in Albany Hall, Room 206. Once approved, the OSA will share classroom accommodations selected by the student with Faculty through the Semester Request process.

Law School Students

Submit your request to OSA (Albany 206). Once approved, the OSA will share classroom and non-classroom accommodations with the Law School’s Associate Dean of Student Affairs through the Semester Request process. Only classroom accommodations selected by the student will be shared with instructors.

Documentation Guidelines

Documentation must reflect current functional limitations and the need for accommodation. It must come from a licensed professional familiar with the student’s condition. Below are general requirements by disability type:

1. Physical Disabilities
Documentation should describe current limitations and, if applicable, include recommended accommodations.

2. Learning Disabilities
Testing should address current cognitive and academic functioning. Documentation must:

  • Be from a qualified evaluator

  • Include test scores, tools used, and interpretive summaries

  • Assess areas such as reading, writing, processing, and reasoning

  • Provide accommodation recommendations if appropriate

3. Psychological Disabilities
Documentation must describe how the condition or treatment (e.g., medication) affects academic performance and should include specific accommodation recommendations.

Types of Reasonable Accommodations

Examples of reasonable accommodations include:

  • Extended time or reduced-distraction settings for exams

  • Alternative formats for course materials (e.g., audio, braille, digital text)

  • Note-taking support or assistive technology

  • Flexibility with attendance or assignment deadlines (when disability-related)

  • Housing adjustments

  • Sign language interpreters or real-time captioning

Students and their healthcare providers may suggest specific accommodations, but the final decision is made by Lewis & Clark based on documentation and the academic program’s requirements. Accommodations are not granted if they:

  • Fundamentally alter course or program objectives

  • Lower academic standards

  • Pose undue administrative or financial burdens on the College

Implementing Approved Accommodations

Once accommodations are approved:

  1. The student submits a Semester Request to activate them.

  2. OSA issues an Accommodations Letter, which is sent to instructors.

  3. Faculty implement the listed accommodations.

Early submission is encouraged. Requests related to exams should be submitted:

  • At least one week in advance of a scheduled exam

  • Two to three weeks in advance of final exams

Accommodations take effect once implemented and are not automatically retroactive. However, students facing past barriers are encouraged to contact OSA to explore options for support.

Addressing Concerns or Disagreements

Faculty or staff who believe a requested accommodation may:

  • Fundamentally alter a course

  • Compromise academic integrity

  • Conflict with program objectives

should consult with the OSA. We aim to find collaborative solutions that support both the student and academic standards. If needed, the OSA may involve academic leadership (e.g., department chair, program director, dean, or Law School’s Associate Dean of Academic Affairs).

Students who disagree with an accommodation decision have the right to file a grievance through Lewis & Clark’s Student Disability Grievance Procedure.

Updated: June, 2025