Once a disability has been documented, the documents will be reviewed to determine the need for appropriate services and accommodations that are necessary and effective, and which do not compromise the academic standards of the college.
Accommodations are determined on a case-by-case; basis considering the limitations caused by the disability in relationship to the academic demands and responsibilities of residential life at Smith College.
Common academic accommodations made by the college include:
- extended time allowed for examinations
- computer access for examinations
- distraction-reduced testing locations
- additional time for written assignments
- classroom note takers, books on tape or in electronic format
- sign language interpreters, etc.
Housing and dietary accommodations may also be made when supported by appropriate documentation.
Accommodations will be discussed with the student and will be arranged through the Office of Disability Services with significant involvement of the student. Professors are notified of necessary academic accommodations by letters from the Office of Disability Services. Letters for professors are given to the student to deliver in an effort to initiate the type of communication and collaboration necessary to assure accommodations are provided. Students are responsible for notifying the Office of Disability Services if difficulties arise during the course of the semester.
First year students needing extra assistance in developing academic and personal skills for independence are offered the opportunity to participate in a program called ASSETS: Advancing Student Success in Educational Transitions at Smith.
Smith does not provide or pay for testing for learning disabilities, specialized LD tutors, academic coaching, case management such as ongoing support with organizational and life tasks. The Office of Disability Services will assist students to identify these resources in the community to the extent that they are available. Smith is located in a rural area and therefore certain types of clinical and other services may not be readily available.
Additional documentation may be necessary to substantiate new requests for accommodations and to determine the continuing need of accommodations.
Documentation is not reviewed to assess the need for medical or clinical intervention or remedial educational services. Clinical consultation to correct specific learning problems or for remedial assistance is not provided or paid for by the college. Limited access to a learning specialist is available to review existing documentation, evaluate the need for further testing, to inform the process of determining necessary accommodations, and to advise about the appropriateness of other campus and community based supports.
