How to Request Disability Accommodations from Disability Support Services (DSS)

Modified on Wed, Feb 18 at 4:59 PM

TABLE OF CONTENTS

How to Request Disability Accommodations (DSS)

Do you have a disability and need academic accommodations? This article walks you through the full accommodation request process. Please note: Accommodations are not retroactive. They take effect only after you present your accommodation letter to each instructor. Additionally, they must be renewed each semester.


Step 1: Submit Documentation

Obtain supporting documentation from a qualified treating healthcare provider. Then, submit your documentation to DSS directly via email at dss@lesley.edu.


Step 2: Receive Confirmation from DSS

DSS will review your submitted documentation and determine if it is complete and sufficient. If so, you will receive a confirmation that your request is being processed.


Step 3: Meet with a DSS Representative

You will participate in a meeting with a DSS staff member to:

  • Review your submitted documentation
  • Discuss your history of past accommodations (if any)
  • Identify your current academic needs


Step 4: Receive Your Accommodation Letters

After your accommodations are approved, DSS will:

  • Create your official accommodation letters
  • Sign and distribute the letters to you


Step 5: Deliver Letters to Your Instructors

Once you receive your accommodation letters, you should:

  1. Sign your accommodation letters
  2. Provide a copy to each of your instructors
  3. Meet with each instructor to discuss reasonable and appropriate implementation of your accommodations
  4. Return fully signed copies to DSS

Reminder: Accommodations are not retroactive. They take effect only after you present your accommodation letter to each instructor.


Step 6: Renew Each Semester

Accommodation letters do not renew automatically. You must request new letters each semester.

  • You do not need to resubmit supporting documentation unless your disability has changed.
  • Contact DSS at the start of each semester to initiate renewal.


Quick Reference Summary

StepActionWho
1Submit documentation from healthcare providerStudent
2Receive confirmation from DSSDSS
3Meet with DSS representativeStudent + DSS
4Receive signed accommodation lettersDSS
5Sign letters, deliver to instructors, return signed copies to DSSStudent
6Renew letters each semesterStudent


Contact Information

Questions? Contact Disability Support Services at dss@lesley.edu.

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