Chapter 3 - Determining Reasonable Accommodations

A reasonable accommodation is a modification or adjustment to a course, program, service, or activity. This enables a qualified student with a disability to have an equal opportunity to access and use benefits, privileges and services that are available to similarly-situated students without disabilities. In order to determine reasonable accommodations, the university has a responsibility to obtain information from appropriate university personnel regarding essential standards/learning outcomes for courses, programs, services and activities.

Reasonable Accommodations

Reasonable accommodations are determined by examining:

  • Disability status and the need for accommodations to have equitable access
  • Functional impacts associated with disability that effect participation in the campus/educational environment.
  • The possible accommodations that might reduce and/or remove disability related barriers.
  • Whether or not essential elements of the course, program, service, activity or facility are compromised by the accommodations.

Accommodation Request Analysis

In reviewing accommodation requests, the following analysis is used:

  • Does the student have a documented disability?
  • Does the disability substantially limit one or more major life activities that impacts them in the OSU environment (academics, housing, services, and activities).
  • Are the accommodations necessary for equitable access and equal opportunity for participation in the University’s services, programs, and activities?
  • Does the student meet the University's departments/programs academic and technical standards?
  • Is the request reasonable? (The following requirements must ALL be satisfied for the request to be considered reasonable):
    • The accommodation does not:
      • fundamentally alter the nature of the program or activity.
      • alter or remove essential requirements.
      • lower academic standards or learning outcomes.
      • present an undue financial or administrative burden on the university.
      • pose a threat to the health or safety of others or the public.

Page updated: 1/2026