Accommodations
Disability Services approves and facilitates academic, housing, dining and on-campus employment-related accommodations for students with many types of disabilities, including but not limited to: ADHD/ADD, autism spectrum disorder, chronic medical conditions, learning disabilities, physical disabilities, mental health disabilities, sensory impairments and traumatic brain injuries.
To start the accommodation process, students need to get in touch with Disability Services by either email, or filling out the Disability Services Application form on my.mtholyoke. If you’re unsure if accommodations would support you, or want to know what accommodations may be available to you , please contact Disability Services and we can assist you.
There are three steps when applying to Disability Services.
Step 1: Complete the Disability Services Application
- Login to with your MHC credentials.
- Go to the self-service menu, then:
- “Students” -> “Requests & Applications”
Step 2: Provide documentation
In order to provide you with accommodations, we need appropriate documentation of your disability from a licensed provider/clinician. Documentation may be faxed, emailed, or mailed. Please see Documentation Requirements and Standards for more information.
Step 3: Schedule an intake appointment
After we have received both your application and documentation, Disability Services will contact you via your official Ӱ̳ email address to schedule an intake appointment. Appointments are available in person, by phone, or by video conference.
We recommend blocking off an hour for your intake appointment. An intake appointment is part of our interactive process to determine reasonable accommodations. During an intake appointment, the student will have a conversation with an Accommodation Coordinator about your documentation and experiences as an individual with a disability. This is to collaboratively determine the best accommodations for you at MHC. This is not a hearing, interview, quiz, or any other kind of meeting where you have to convince someone of your needs.
Some accommodations may be approved during the intake appointment, while other accommodation determinations may require additional time and/or follow-ups. Before you leave, the Accommodation Coordinator will explain how to use your accommodations that were decided on during your meeting. The College will provide accommodation implementation and services after a student has completed all three steps and Disability Services has determined that the student is eligible for accommodations in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act, as Amended. You have the right to appeal all accommodation decisions made by Disability Services. Please visit our Appeals & Grievances page for more information.
If you believe you've submitted your application and documentation but have not received an email from us or if you have any questions about the application process, please contact us!
Updating accommodations
Students may request additional accommodations at any time by contacting Disability Services and scheduling a 30-minute accommodation appointment. Please remember that accommodations are not retroactive.
Using approved accommodations
Students are approved for accommodations after meeting with Disability Services staff. Once you are approved for an accommodation, you should follow the steps to implement your accommodations.
Adjusting accommodations
- To request new or revised accommodations, schedule an appointment with Disability Services.
- Depending on the nature of the request, additional supporting documentation may be necessary.
- You may request new or revised accommodations at any point during your college career, up to and including your last semester.
Please remember that accommodations are not retroactive, so you should make an appointment with Disability Services as soon as possible if you would like to adjust your accommodations.
Accommodation issues
- If you have any questions about your accommodations, please stop by or contact Disability Services.
- If you experience difficulties in accessing your approved accommodation or with the implementation of the accommodation, you should contact Disability Services as soon as possible so that we can provide assistance.
- You have the right to appeal all accommodation decisions made by Disability Services. Please visit our Appeals & Grievances page for more information.
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Contact us
Disability Services
Disability Services is the only designated office at the College for students to voluntarily disclose a disability, submit appropriate documentation for verification and request accommodations.
- disability-services@mtholyoke.edu
- 413-538-2634
- 413-538-2827
- 3rd floor, Mary Lyon Hall (The ground floor entrance is wheelchair accessible.)