Requesting an Accommodation at Meredith

As an incoming student, you may be starting to tackle a checklist of tasks to complete before coming to Meredith in the fall. For some, that may include requesting an accommodation through Disability Services (DS). In today’s blog, we go over some questions you may have about this process. 

When should I request accommodations through Disability Services?

Once you officially commit to Meredith and receive your MyMeredith account and student email, you can submit documentation to DS using the Student Wellness Portal.

What documentation will be needed to verify my disability?

Acceptable documentation will need to be consistent with the Meredith College Documentation Guidelines. Please share this information with your medical, psychiatric, or educational professional who is licensed or certified in the area for which the diagnosis is made.

Can I use my high school IEP or 504 Plan in college or as documentation for college?

Generally, an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan alone is not sufficient documentation because they can lack the detail needed at the college level. If you submit an IEP or 504 Plan and no other supporting documentation, be aware that additional documentation may be required.

Will my disability documentation be treated as confidential?

DS considers all information submitted to or developed by the College related to the diagnosis, documentation, or accommodation of a disability to be confidential. The DS staff have access to disability records and may provide information to authorized college officials in the event of an emergency. DS can provide limited information to faculty members or other members of the community who have an educational need to know, but only with your express written consent.

What type of accommodations do students with disabilities receive in college?

Every accommodation request is considered uniquely, on a case-by-case basis; not all students qualify for the same accommodations. Common accommodations include extended time for testing, a small-group testing environment, note-taking support, screen-reading technology, and accessible housing.

While this blog post may not cover all your questions, we hope you have found it helpful to begin the process of requesting accommodations at Meredith. Please feel free to contact Disability Services for further information.