Getting started with Student Accessibility Services
Follow the steps below to request accommodations. Please view our accommodations & policies page to view potential accommodations.
Step 1: Complete the Student Accommodation Request Form
IMPORTANT: Please note that you should not delay meeting with us due to documentation concerns. Our first priority is meeting with you! Our staff will discuss appropriate documentation during your Welcome Meeting.
Complete the Student Accommodation Request form to begin the process. New students must provide documentation in the form of our Disability Verification form completed by a licensed professional (such as a medical provider, physician, therapist, etc) that has an established relationship with the student.
If you are unable to meet with your provider in a timely manner, we will accept alternative documentation temporarily until the form can be completed. Please review our Helpful Documentation Guidelines for examples of types of documentation that is accepted. If you are requesting an emotional support animal for housing, please visit our Animal on Campus policy for additional information prior to submitting your request. Documentation can be uploaded to the Student Accommodation Request Form prior to submission, submitted via fax at 785.670.1056, or emailed directly to our office at accommodations@washburn.edu.
Please visit our Accommodations page for more information regarding specific accommodations such as housing or dining.
Step 2: Schedule a Welcome Meeting
After submitting your Student Accommodation Request Form, you will receive an email to your Washburn email address to schedule a welcome meeting with a member of our professional staff. Meetings are offered via Zoom or in person. You are welcome to bring anyone with you to the meeting for support.
If you are an incoming first year student, we recommend waiting until you attend a New Student Orientation or after to meet with our staff.
IMPORTANT: All emails from SASO will only be sent to your Washburn (first.last@washburn.edu) email account. Monitor your account for more information.
Step 3: Welcome Meeting
Welcome meetings are scheduled through the Navigate link included in the email sent to you after the completion of the Student Accommodation Request Form. If you did not submit medical documentation when you completed that form, please bring it with you to the welcome meeting so we can review it. During this meeting, we will discuss potential disability related barriers you have experienced, history of accommodations, reasonable accommodations in a higher education setting, and discuss next steps. Based on the discussion, SASO staff may request additional documentation if deemed necessary.
If you need any accommodations to attend your welcome meeting, please contact accommodations@washburn.edu at least one week prior to your meeting.
Step 4: Approval or Denial of Accommodations
Once approved for accommodations, you and your enrolled faculty will receive an email at the beginning of the semester detailing the accommodations. Faculty are required to sign the accommodation letters to acknowledge they have received the notification. You will also receive a "Student's Responsibilities" email that will detail your accommodations and provide instructions for the Accommodate Student Portal.
We ask that you renew your accommodations at the start of each semester that you require them. A reminder email will be sent out prior to each semester prompting you to complete the renewal process. You DO NOT need to submit new medical documentation for a semester renewal UNLESS you are requesting new/additional accommodations.
Denials
If the submitted medical documentation does not support the accommodation(s) requested, the accommodation may be denied. In case of a denied accommodation, you may decide to appeal the decision. Please see the SASO Appeals Process for more information.
Registered Students
The Student Accessibility Services Office (SASO) utilizes Accommodate for managing and implementing student's accommodations. If you have been approved for accommodations, please log in to your Accommodate Portal where you can do the following:
- View your accommodation letters for accuracy (video on how to view your letters)
- Renew accommodations each semester and request additional accommodations (video on how to renew accommodations)
- Note: If you are requesting additional accommodations through a Supplemental Request, SASO may require additional documentation be provided.
- Reserve a room within our testing center for exams (video on how to make testing center reservations)
- Reminder: to reschedule or cancel an exam, you will need to contact SASO at 785.670.1622 or stop by the office. You must communicate with your faculty about the change prior to alerting SASO.
All students must submit a Semester Request within the Accommodate Student Portal each semester prior to receiving services. You do NOT need to submit new medical documentation with the semester request UNLESS you are requesting additional accommodations that have not been previously approved
Testing
GET IN TOUCH WITH Student Accessibility Services
Washburn University
Plass Learning Resources Center
Room 315
Mon–Fri: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
& by appointment
Washburn Tech
Student Services North
Building A
Mon, Wed & Fri: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
& by appointment
Connect
785.670.1622
accommodations@washburn.edu
