A reasonable accommodation is a modification or adjustment to a course, program, service, or activity that 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. The university has a responsibility to provide accommodation(s) only to the known disability related impacts of an otherwise qualified student with a documented disability. To determine reasonable accommodations, DAS may seek information appropriate university personnel regarding essential standards for courses, programs, services and activities.

Reasonable Accommodations

Reasonable accommodations are determined by examining:

  • The barriers resulting from the interaction between the impact of the documented disability and the campus environment.
  • The possible accommodations that might reduce and/or remove the barriers.
  • Whether or not the student has access to the course, program, service or activity without an accommodation.
  • 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?
    • that substantially limits one or more major life activities that impacts them in the OSU environment (academics, housing services and activities.?
  • Is the student "otherwise qualified?"
    • Meets 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.
    • The accommodation does not alter or remove essential requirements.
    • The accommodation does not lower academic standards.
    • The accommodation does not present an undue financial or administrative burden on the university.
    • The accommodation does not pose a threat to the safety of others or the public.

 

PLEASE NOTE: Before reasonable accommodations can be determined, students need to complete the application process with DAS. Please see Chapter 2 on how to apply with DAS. 

 

Page Updated 08/2022