Register for Accommodations
Please note this page is divided into two sections, information for those who have not previously registered is at the top and information for those who have previously registered is below.
All Students Who Have Not Previously Registered
To register with our office, please begin the process by completing the Disability Identification Form in Workday. Here are the instructions:
Submit Disability Identification Request
After submitting your form, please email ods@smith.edu for an appointment
Here is an infographic which briefly explains our accommodations process in a visual format:
The Accommodations Process.pdf
Incoming students who are new to Smith can find additional information here.
If you have been newly accepted and plan to enroll at Smith, please make every effort to contact our office and register using the general registration information linked above well before you arrive on campus. Without sufficient advance notification and proper documentation, we may not be able to meet your requests or there may be delays.
Deadlines
Housing accommodation requests must be submitted with appropriate documentation of a diagnosed disability no later than June 1. Please direct your care provider to our documentation guidelines.
While there is no deadline to submit a request for academic accommodations, in order to have your accommodation letter prepared prior to the first day of classes, please submit your request in advance of August 1st and plan to meet with a member of our staff over the summer.
Please contact us by the end of June if you need supports such as sign language interpreters, alternative print materials, etc., so that the appropriate services are in place when you arrive in the fall.
Questions
Contact us directly to discuss what accommodations and services will be provided, and if you have any questions about the process.
Our Office Process & Student Responsibilities
Accommodations are determined on a case-by-case basis considering an individual's challenges and the academic demands and responsibilities of residential life at Smith College. Accommodations are approved through the Office of Disability Services with significant ongoing involvement of the student. Our process begins with registration and a conversation where we learn more about you and discuss the areas where you may need accommodations or support. We discuss possible solutions that may involve specific services, individualized accommodations, referrals for medical care or treatment, as well as strategies for enhancing academic success, job performance, utilizing resources, or improving social participation.
Once housing accommodations are approved, ODS communicates this information to Residence Life, and Residence Life will place a student based on what is available. Once academic accommodations are approved, ODS shares the official letter with the student. The student delivers the letter to professors and has a conversation with each faculty member in order to initiate communication and collaboration.
Students must work closely with the office when ongoing support services such as sign language interpreters, alternative format materials, or transportation are being provided. Students are responsible for notifying the Office of Disability Services if difficulties arise during the course of the semester. Failure to maintain communication or to adhere to reasonable expectations for responsible use of accommodations and services may result in a temporary suspension of services, pending a discussion with the director of ODS to resolve the issue.
Contact ODS directly to talk about the accommodations you may need. Common accommodations can be found on our Accommodations and Services page.
For more information on Smith's disability policy, including exclusions and grievances, see Disability Policy.
Students Who Have Previously Registered
Please be in touch with our office if you need to make any changes to your existing accommodations. We will review your documentation and/or set up another meeting with you to discuss changes. If you do not need to make any changes to your accommodations, you may continue utilizing the same Letter of Accommodation.
Please note that you are welcome to submit new accommodation requests any time, including mid-semester. The timing of the implementation of any newly approved accommodations will depend on the systems in place in other departments on campus, and the availability of the accommodation. For example, Residence Life has a Housing Accommodation Form process during Spring semester, and the deadlines for that will be communicated by Residence Life. Please carefully watch your email for up-to-date information. The ESA process is unique, and more information can be found on our Accommodations & Services page under the heading "Service and Support Animals."
When housing requests are received after June 1st, and academic requests are received after August 1st, there may be a significant delay in the college's ability to fulfill the request. Please schedule a time to talk with our office if you would like to discuss alternative strategies for meeting your access needs while waiting for implementation.