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Student Accessibility & Accommodations

253.879.3399
253.879.3786
saa@pugetsound.edu

At Puget Sound, we believe everyone has the right to a top-tier education and are committed to removing barriers for students with both visible and invisible disabilities. In addition to providing reasonable accommodations, we’re also working to implement universal design practices in education, architecture, and design to improve accessibility on our campus.

How to Request an Accommodation

Reasonable accommodations are adjustments or minor changes that remove barriers. They do not involve lowering academic standards, or alterations to a program. The Office of Student Accessibility and Accommodation will work with you to determine if you qualify for an accommodation. To receive an accommodation, you will need to:

  • Provide documentation from a qualified, licensed professional that includes a diagnosis, how the diagnosis was established, the functional impairments, and a rationale for requested accommodations.
  • Complete the online Request Disability Accommodations form prior to the beginning of each semester.

How Accommodation Requests Are Reviewed

Accommodations are identified in a collaborative, interactive, and individualized process during an intake meeting. They are determined on a case-by-case basis relative to the student’s identified barriers to the learning environment. Identification and approval of accommodations must be supported by the educational barriers specific to the student’s disability. Accommodations will be considered when they do not fundamentally alter the nature of a program, course, or service; do not constitute services of a personal nature (such as a personal care attendant); and do not pose a direct threat to the health and safety of you or others.

Examples of some of the accommodations that may be provided include, but are not limited to:

  • Personal needs breaks to manage mental health or medical symptoms, take medications, etc.
  • Permission to leave class early or arrive late for students who have ambulatory-related disabilities, students who have low vision or are legally blind, and students who use mobility equipment such as walkers, canes, and wheelchairs.
  • Extended time for exams.
  • Accommodations that assist with calming, concentration, and symptom management, including noise-cancelling headphones, tactile fidgets and balls, and other tools or strategies.
  • Permission to eat or drink in class for students who need to manage their blood sugar for medical conditions, students with bothersome medication side effects such as dry mouth, or students with other medical conditions.
  • Audio amplification or other assistive technology.
  • Textbooks and class materials in an accessible format, such as large print, electronic formats, and closed captions for videos.
Equal Access to Higher Education
Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the American with Disabilities Act, universities must provide all otherwise qualified students equal access to programs and activities by having nondiscriminatory standards in all academic areas and by providing reasonable accommodations on a case-by-case basis.