Accessibility Services

Clark State adheres to guidance from the Association of Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD) regarding documentation practices to support accommodation requests.

Through the interactive process of accommodation requests, the Office of Accessibility Services values your input and encourages you to communicate your individual needs. Your self-report plays an important role in helping us understand how your disability impacts your academic experience.

Documentation from a qualified health care provider can offer additional insight and support this understanding. All information you provide—both your self-report and any supporting documentation—will be carefully considered and reviewed confidentially when determining appropriate academic accommodations.

Please note that any accommodations suggested within documentation are viewed as recommendations and are used to guide Office of Accessibility Services staff in making individualized decisions.

Step 1: Complete an Accommodation Request Form
Students requesting accommodations for disability and/or pregnancy-related needs must complete an Accommodation Request Form.

After submitting the form, you will be prompted to upload any supporting documentation. All forms of documentation are meaningful and will be considered when determining eligibility for accommodations. These may include:

• Pregnancy-Related Documentation Form
  
  
• Accommodation Request Medical Certification Form
  
  
• Student Self-Report - your description of your disability, experienced barriers and past effective or ineffective accommodations.
  
  
• Observation and Interaction - insights gained through conversations with Office of Accessibility Services staff including discussion of previously used accommodations.
  
  
• External or Third-Party Information - clarification that connects a disability to specific barriers and accommodations. The relevance of this documentation depends on the detail provided, context and the credentials of the evaluator. Examples include medical or educational records; reports from licensed health care providers, psychologists or educations; documentation of prior accommodations (IEP, 504, etc.).  External or Third-Party Information must be on official letterhead, include a signature and be submitted in a non-editable format.

Step 2: Meet With Accessibility Services
After your request form is submitted, check your Clark State email for instructions on scheduling your Accommodation Planning Meeting.

Meetings may be scheduled in-person at the Springfield main campus, in-person at Beavercreek or virtually via Zoom.

During this confidential meeting, we will discuss your needs, review documentation and determine reasonable accommodations. If approved, the Office of Accessibility Services will create an individualized accommodation plan to support your coursework and academic success.

A FERPA form will be required if you would like anyone outside of the Office of Student Support to attend your meeting.

• Schedule an Accommodation Planning Meeting at the Springfield main campus or via Zoom
• Schedule an Accommodation Planning Meeting at Beavercreek or via Zoom

Step 3: After Your Plan is Approved
Once your accommodation plan is complete:

• You will receive official accommodation letters each semester.
• Send your semester accommodation letters to your instructors: accommodations can only be implemented once instructors receive your letter.

Our team is available if you need assistance communicating with instructors or adjusting your accommodations.

If you request an accommodation and your request is denied, you have the right to appeal that decision. Students who wish to file an appeal should carefully review the Appeal Process before submitting the official appeal form. Appeals are reviewed in accordance with institutional policy to ensure fairness and consistency.