Accessibility Services

Lawrence University is committed to providing opportunities for all students to succeed academically. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA, 1990/2008) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (1973), Lawrence has a policy of nondiscrimination on the basis of disability and offers academic accommodations to students with disabilities who need them to benefit from the educational programs of the university.

Because courses vary in their required activities (discussion, lab, performance, etc.), Lawrence works with eligible students to determine reasonable accommodations for each course or other academic requirement. Arrangements are made through the Center for Academic Success. For information about the process, see the pages on Accommodations Overview, Establishing Eligibility, and Requesting Accommodations. Meet with the Accessibility Services and Academic Skills Specialist to discuss your particular needs.

Chronic Health Conditions

If you have a chronic health condition (epilepsy, diabetes, asthma, migraines, traumatic brain injury, etc.) that could disrupt your participation or coursework, you should discuss this with your instructor at the start of term to make plans for what to do should symptoms arise. If the condition is severe enough to affect one or more major life activities, it could qualify as a disability. View the information on this website and contact the specialist for more information.

Disability Testing

Lawrence can help recommend providers and resources for testing for learning disabilities and ADHD or psychological evaluations and can seek possible grant funding for qualified students where family insurance does not cover the testing. Contact the Accessibility Services and Academic Skills Specialist for details.

Three-Step Process

Establishing eligibility for academic accommodations with Accessibility Services is a three-step process:

  1. Self-identify to Accessibility Services by completing an Eligibility Request Form.
  2. Gather your disability documentation.
  3. Schedule an intake appointment with the Accessibility Services Specialist by responding to a meeting request email from accessibility@lawrence.edu, which you will receive after submitting the Eligibility Request Form.

Once you have established eligibility, you will work with the Accessibility Services and Academic Skills Specialist to arrange accommodations for your courses. See Requesting Accommodations.

*IMPORTANT: It may take two weeks or more to review documentation and complete the interactive process with Accessibility Services. First year and new students are strongly encouraged to register with Accessibility Services as early as possible prior to attending Lawrence University. Current students receiving academic accommodations are encouraged to log into Accommodate to submit their Term Request for accommodations as early in each academic term as possible.