Information for Students with Disabilities
Simmons University is committed to the full participation of all students in its programs and activities. Simmons is committed to providing support services and reasonable accommodations when requested by students who qualify for them. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) and the Americans with Disabilities Amendment Act of 2008 (the ADAA) protect otherwise qualified individuals with disabilities from discrimination on the basis of their disabilities. Both Section 504 and the ADAA protect the following persons: those who have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity, those who have a record of impairment, or anyone who is regarded as having impairment.
The process for obtaining a reasonable accommodation for a documented disability is an interactive one that begins with the student’s disclosure of her/his disability to the Disability Services Office, along with the request for a reasonable accommodation. Every Simmons student who is seeking an accommodation for a disability must provide Simmons with sufficient current medical documentation from a qualified clinician or health care provider supports the request for an accommodation and sets forth suggestions for accommodations.
Requests for accommodations and supporting documentation should be directed to the Disability Services Office, located in the Center for Student Success. The Disability Services Office is responsible for assisting Simmons students who have identified themselves as having a disability and who are seeking an accommodation as a result of their disabilities. Timeliness is an integral part of the accommodation process. Students should initiate the process for obtaining accommodations as soon as possible, preferably no later than the start of the course in which they are seeking the accommodation. Academic accommodations for a disability are not granted retroactively. The Director of Disability Service oversees the Disability Services Office staff members. Concerns or grievances with the Disability Services Office and/or its determinations regarding accommodations should be brought to the Director of Disability Services.