Requesting & Accessing Accommodations

The first step in requesting accommodations is to self-identify as a student with a disability. Incoming or current students who have not yet registered with the Office of Accessibility Resources but would like to request accommodations, please complete an Accommodation Request Form.

In order to evaluate accommodation requests, the Office of Accessibility Resources will need information about how the disability is likely to impact the student while they are completing coursework at Shippensburg University. It is the student’s responsibility to provide information that verifies that the student’s condition meets the definition of a disability as defined by applicable laws. Disability, as defined by the ADA, is a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, a person who has a history or record of such an impairment, or a person who is perceived by others as having such an impairment.

To assist with identifying effective accommodations, a student’s disability related documentation should provide information on the functional impact of the disability.

The university does not assume responsibility for providing accommodations or services to students who have not identified themselves as having a qualifying disability.

Please note that there is an option to upload documentation with a completed Accommodation Request Form. The uploaded documentation must follow the Documentation Guidelines. If a digital copy of documentation is not available, documentation can be hand delivered, faxed, or emailed (before the Intake Meeting) to the Office of Accessibility Resources at:

Location: Mowrey Hall, Room 252
Fax: (717)477-4094
Email: oar@ship.edu

After the student’s submitted request is reviewed by our professional staff, the student will receive an email (Ship email address) to schedule an Intake Meeting in our office. The Intake Meeting is a critical step toward determining eligibility.

The purpose of the intake meeting is to learn first-hand, from the student, what functional limitations the student experiences and what accommodations the student will need. This interactive process allows both the student and staff to work together to determine the most appropriate accommodations for the student. Accommodations are not put in place until this meeting has been held. Services and accommodations are provided dependent upon sufficient documentation and self-report on a case-by-case basis.

The information obtained from the student’s intake meeting and documentation submitted to the office will only be used to determine eligibility for disability related accommodations.

Email Communication:

It is each student’s responsibility to check their Shippensburg University email daily. Email is the University's primary means of communication between students, faculty, and staff. The Office of Accessibility Resources communicates with students via their University email only. Emails may be sent from the general office account (oar@ship.edu) or directly from office staff.

Semester Requests:

It is the student's responsibility to complete a Semester Request each semester they are enrolled at Shippensburg University, so as to utilize accommodations that may contribute toward the student's academic success. The Office of Accessibility Resources will not be held responsible for the student's failure to complete a Semester Request in a timely manner. Please see the Accommodate tab for step-by-step guidance on how to complete a semester request. There are also several resources available in your Accommodate portal.

Self-Advocacy/Student Communication:

It is the student’s responsibility to be a good self-advocate by initiating requests for services, providing documentation, informing the Office of Accessibility Resources of needs, and discussing questions pertaining to academics with faculty. The Office of Accessibility Resources is here to assist you as needed, but please be sure to communicate changes to accommodations or other needs as they may arise. It is the student's responsibility to contact the Office of Accessibility Resources if there is an issue with the quality of accommodations or if there are questions regarding the accommodation process.

Awareness and knowledge of how the disability impacts academic performance plus an understanding of rights and personal responsibilities in an academic setting are critical to seamless transitioning and to being a self-advocate. The Office of Accessibility Resources strives to convey a vision for success by promoting independence and life-long learning among students with disabilities.