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 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, SAS may seek information from university staff 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 UVM 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? (these 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.