Getting Started

Important: You do not need to know exactly what accommodations you are requesting to begin the process.

Students

• Log into Accommodate and complete the intake form. You will be asked to share:
  • What barriers you are experiencing
  • What support you may need
  • Basic contact information
• Schedule an appointment with an advisor on Accommodate. 
  • While drop-in support may be available for quick questions, scheduling an appointment is the best way to ensure dedicated time for individualized support and to help us prepare for your questions or concerns.
  • When scheduling an appointment, it is helpful to include a brief description of what you would like to discuss so that we can connect you with the appropriate staff member and resources.

Families, Faculty, Staff, Others

• Email Disability Access Services at das@whitman.edu to schedule an appointment.
• Faculty may also schedule an appointment using Google Calendar.

Upload any documentation you have, such as:

• Medical or mental health provider letters
• Psychological or educational evaluations
• Previous accommodations (IEP or 504 Plan)

Documentation helps us understand how your disability impacts access. If you are unsure what to submit, send what you have.

Documentation Guidelines

After your intake is reviewed, you will meet with a DAS staff member.

This conversation helps us:

• Understand your experience
• Identify barriers to access
• Discuss possible accommodations
• Answer your questions

This is part of the interactive process.

If approved, you will receive instructions on how to:

• Send a Letter of Accommodation to your professors.
• Request accommodations each semester.
• Schedule testing or other campus support services.
• Update your needs if they change.

Student are responsible for communicating with DAS if accommodations need adjustment or clarification.

No. You can contact DAS at any time. We can help guide you through what is needed.

No. College accommodations are determined through an individualized process based on how your disability impacts access in the college environment.

Timing varies depending on when all materials are submitted and when your meeting is completed. Students are encouraged to start early to avoid delays.

DAS will work with you during the interactive process to identify appropriate supports, which may include:

• Extended time on exams and quizzes
• Accessible classroom formats and materials
• Note-taking or recording support
• Housing or campus accessibility needs
• Assistive technology guidance
• Alternative testing arrangements
• Academic accessibility consultations

Yes. Accommodations can be reviewed and adjusted as needed.

Once approved, you will select accommodations in Accommodate and send letters directly to your instructors each semester by submitting a semester request.

After receiving an Letter of Accommodation (LOA), students should:

• Share their accommodation letter with their instructors.
• Discuss implementation as needed (especially for exams, labs or participation-based courses).
• Communicate early if issues arise.

Faculty are not required to provide accommodations without an official LOA from DAS.

Email Disability Access Services at das@whitman.edu or visit during drop-in hours. We will help determine next steps.

We are happy to communicate with families when appropriate, but students are the primary point of contact due to FERPA and college policy.

You can still reach out. DAS can talk with you about barriers and possible supports.

To ensure accommodations are effective, students are expected to:

• Engage with DAS in a timely manner.
• Communicate needs clearly and proactively.
• Follow established procedures for requesting accommodations.
• Maintain respectful and professional communication with faculty and staff.
• Notify DAS if accommodations are not working as intended.

Disability-related information is protected under FERPA and federal law.

Students can expect that:

• Their disability information is kept confidential.
• Faculty will only be informed of approved accommodations, not diagnoses.
• Medical or diagnostic details are not shared without permission.

Students are not required to disclose their diagnosis to instructors.