Frequently Asked Questions

Reasonable accommodations and academic assistance are provided to students with disabilities who have registered with the Student Access Office (formerly Disability Support Services). Accommodations are individually determined according to documented need.

Adelphi students seeking reasonable accommodations must contact the Student Access Office and complete the Petition for Accommodations and the Consent for Release of Information forms.

You should discuss reasonable accommodations with the Student Access Office as soon as possible following your decision to enroll at Adelphi.

Documentation must be recent and valid from a qualified medical or other licensed professional. Refer to the Guidelines of Documentation or call the Student Access Office at 516.877.3806 for more information.

Examples of reasonable accommodations include:

• extended-time testing
• distraction-reduced test environment
• screen reader for exams
• notetakers
• required textbooks in alternative format
• enlarged-print format
• sign language interpreters for students who are deaf or hard of hearing
• classroom relocation
• accessible classroom seating
• accessible parking permits
• reasonable flexibility to attendance

In addition, assistive technology for students with disabilities is available in the Assistive Technology Lab located in University Center Room 310, and in Swirbul Library.

While the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 requires that priority consideration be given to the specific methods requested by the students, it does not imply that a particular accommodation must be granted if it is deemed not reasonable and other suitable techniques are available. Where such recommendations are congruent with the programs, services, and benefits offered by Adelphi University, they will be given deference. When recommendations go beyond services and benefits that can be provided by the University, they may be used to suggest potential referrals to area service providers beyond Adelphi.

No. The Student Access Office (formerly Disability Support Services) provides cost-free assistance to Adelphi students with documented disabilities.

Documentation must be recent and valid from a qualified medical or other licensed professional. Specific guidelines for disability documentation are available at the Student Access Office (formerly Disability Support Services).

The Director reviews the completed request and the pertinent documentation. If the request is granted, the student will be issued an Accommodation Card identifying the specific accommodation(s) that the University will provide. The student will present the Accommodation Card when requesting accommodation.

Yes, faculty members are aware of the University’s commitment to providing an accessible learning environment to students with disabilities. Professors and the Student Access Office work together to coordinate reasonable accommodations and academic assistance to students with disabilities.

The majority of the campus buildings and facilities are wheelchair accessible. Classroom relocation is available when a class is scheduled to meet in a campus location that is inaccessible to a student with a disability.

The student must make the first contact with the Student Access Office (formerly Disability Support Services). Students should contact the Student Access Office as soon as they have been accepted to the University and prior to registering for classes.

Student Access Office (formerly Disability Support Services) is located on the first floor of Post Hall. The office is open Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m.-7:00 p.m., Friday from 8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Students will self-identify their disability status and their affiliation with the Student Access Office (SAO).

We recommend that you include the following statement in your course syllabus: “Students with disabilities are encouraged to speak to the professor about accommodations they may need to produce an accessible learning environment.”

Accommodations are reasonable adjustments or modifications to programs, facilities, or curricula that ensure equal access. Some examples of reasonable accommodations are extended time testing, assistive technology, classroom relocation, and note takers.

Once the Student Access Office Services has approved a student for accommodations, he or she will be issued an Accommodations Card. This card verifies a student’s association with SAO.

The student may be part of the Learning Resource Program or may need a referral to SAO. Once a student discloses a disability or requests accommodations, it is the faculty member’s obligation to refer that student to SAO.

Student disability information is protected by the Family Education Rights Protection Act (FERPA) and must be held in the strictest confidence. Any public disclosure of a student’s disability is a violation of this law.

Accommodations are determined through a critical assessment of disability documentation in accordance with the ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. However, questions or concerns about accommodations may be addressed with the Coordinator.

The student should ask you to complete the Release of Examination form at least three to five days prior to the exam. The professor must include date, time, and special instructions for the exam.

SAO will contact the professor at their Adelphi office to schedule a time for delivery of the exam. Arrangements for exam delivery should be no later than the morning of the exam.

The exam may be given at the testing center in the Student Access Office, meeting rooms in the University Center or classrooms on campus.

SAO will coordinate arrangements for accommodations for these students on an individual basis.