It is the student's responsibility to self-identify as a student with a disability. The student receives information during the admission process regarding the availability of services at Penn State. The student may also be referred by staff, faculty, parents, or others at any time throughout the student's educational experience.

How to Apply for Services Through Student Disability Resources

  1. It is the student’s responsibility to provide formal documentation to Student Disability Resources (SDR). This documentation must be completed by a licensed clinical professional. Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and 504 Plans are not appropriate documentation.
  2. Once documentation is provided by the student, it is reviewed and evaluated by the disability services coordinator. The coordinator determines if:
    1. The documentation meets Penn State's guidelines for appropriate documentation.
    2. The student's condition meets the criteria for having a disability under the ADA. The ADA defines a disability as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity.
  3. An email with additional information will be sent to the student's Penn State email address after the documentation review. If the request meets Penn State’s guidelines, the ADA, and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, an intake meeting can be scheduled between the disability services coordinator and the student. It is the student's responsibility to schedule this meeting with SDR. During the intake interview, the student's condition and functional limitations are discussed, services are explained, and the student's rights and responsibilities are reviewed.
  4. If the disability services coordinator determines the student's disorder to meet the definition of a disability, then a determination will be made regarding reasonable accommodations.
  5. The determination for reasonable accommodations is an interactive process between the student, the disability services coordinator, the provider of the documentation, and if necessary, in collaboration with the student's instructor. Once reasonable accommodations are determined, the student's counselor drafts an accommodation letter specific to each course in which the student is enrolled. Recommended accommodations may vary for each course based on the specific design and requirements of the course.
  6. Students are required and responsible for providing accommodations letters to faculty when requesting needed services and accommodations.