Access Services

Students are encouraged to begin the registration process as early as possible, preferably before the trimester/semester begins, due to the time it can take to be approved and make arrangements for accommodations.  However, there is no deadline for applying.

1. Students should initiate contact with Access Services to self-disclose a disability and request an accommodation(s).  This can be done by emailing [email protected].
    
2. Students must complete the BHSU Request Form for Accommodations and submit it to [email protected] along with documentation to support the student’s disability-related need for access purposes.
   • Documentation will vary depending on the nature of the disability and the accommodation(s) being requested.  For more information on the documentation needed, please refer to our Documentation Guidelines.
   • If needed, students can provide their health care provider with the BHSU Clinician Disability Verification Form.  [Please note, this form in and of itself is not sufficient for a diagnosis of ADHD or LD, but it can be used as supplemental information in addition to an evaluation report.]
      
3. Once the request form and documentation have been submitted to Access Services, the information will be reviewed.  We ask that students allow 5 business days for the review process, although at the beginning of each new term it can take longer due to the volume of students applying.
    
4. After the review of information, the student will be contacted to set up an intake meeting to engage in the interactive process to determine what, if any,  reasonable accommodations are necessary due to the student’s disability.  The meeting can take place in-person or remotely.
    
5. If appropriate accommodations are determined, the student is responsible for submitting their course schedule to Access Services so that notification letters can be sent to each course professor to ensure they are notified of the student’s accommodation needs.
    
6. If it's determined that accommodations are not appropriate, the student may submit a written appeal within thirty (30) class days of receiving the decision.  The appeal process is outlined in the Accommodation Dispute Resolution Policy.
    
7. Students who receive accommodations and would like the accommodations to be continued in subsequent terms must email their course schedule for the next term to Access Services no later than one month prior to the start of the next term’s classes.

Please note:  Information regarding a student registered with Access Services is securely maintained as required or permitted by law. Any information regarding a student’s disability is only shared within the University when there is an educational need to know with other University personnel. If accommodations are approved for a student, the only information released to faculty are the specific accommodations in which a student is to receive, unless providing additional information is necessary to prevent discrimination or to assist in the provision of necessary and appropriate supports for the student.

Purpose: To provide reasonable accommodations for students with documented disability in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Fair Housing Act (FHA).

1. Students must initiate contact with Access Services and complete a BHSU Request Form for Housing.  The form should be submitted to [email protected]. 
    
2. Students must submit current and relevant documentation from a qualified provider that confirms the disability, explains how the disability impacts housing, and justifies the specific accommodation requested.  For more information on the documentation, please refer to our Documentation Guidelines.
   • If needed, students can provide their health care provider with the BHSU Housing Clinician Form.
      
3. Once the request form and documentation have been submitted to Access Services, the information will be reviewed.
    
4. After the review of information, the student will be contacted to set up an intake meeting to engage in the interactive process to determine what, if any, reasonable accommodations are necessary due to the student’s disability.  The meeting can take place in-person or remotely.
    
5. If appropriate accommodations are determined, Access Services will collaborate with Residence Life and notify the student via email of the outcome and next steps.
    
6. Approved accommodations will be implemented by Residence Life in collaboration with the student.  While the university will make every effort to accommodate the request, housing preferences are not guaranteed and are only provided when necessary due to a documented disability-related need. 
    
7. While requests can be submitted at any time, those made after the priority deadline will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and are subject to availability.
    
8. If it is determined that accommodations are not appropriate, the student may submit a written appeal within thirty (30) class days of receiving the decision.  The appeal process is outlined in the Accommodation Dispute Resolution Policy. 

Approved housing accommodations are valid for the current academic year only.  Students must resubmit the request form and updated documentation annually if accommodations are still needed.

Documentation Guidelines

[email protected]

Phone: (901) 572-2570

Office: HSB, 101

ADA Coordinator: Laurie Brooks