Register for Accommodations

To register with our office, please begin the process by completing the Disability Identification Form in Workday. Here are the instructions:

Submit Disability Identification Request

After submitting your form, please email ods@smith.edu for an appointment

If you have been newly accepted and plan to enroll at Smith, please make every effort to contact our office well before you arrive on campus. Without sufficient advance notification and proper documentation, we may not be able to meet your requests or there may be delays. Upon receipt of the Disability Identification Request via Workday, a member of our staff will be in touch to set up a meeting and request documentation if this has not already been submitted.

The Accommodations Process.pdf

The Accommodations Process.pdf

K-12 to College Transition.pdf

K-12 to College Transition.pdf

Important Deadlines:

Housing accommodation requests must be submitted with appropriate documentation of a diagnosed disability no later than June 1. Please direct your care provider to our documentation guidelines:

Documentation Standards

While there is no deadline to submit a request for academic accommodations, so as to have your accommodation letter in hand prior to the first day of classes, please plan to meet with a member of our staff over the summer. 

• Contact us directly to discuss what accommodations and services will be provided. Be aware that housing accommodation requests received past the June 1 deadline may not be able to be met. Please call us by the end of June if you need supports such as sign language interpreters, alternative print materials, etc., so that the appropriate services are in place when you arrive in the fall. Early registration may be arranged if necessary to facilitate this process.

Returning Students

Please be in touch with our office if you need to make any changes to your existing accommodations. If you do not need to make any changes to your accommodations, you do not need to complete any forms with our office.

Accommodations are arranged through the Office of Disability Services after discussion with ODS and with significant ongoing involvement of the student. Professors are notified of necessary academic accommodations in a letter from ODS, delivered by the student in order to initiate communication and collaboration.

Students are responsible for notifying the Office of Disability Services if difficulties arise during the course of the semester. Students must also work closely with the office when ongoing support services such as sign language interpreters, alternative format materials or transportation are being provided. Failure to maintain communication or to adhere to reasonable expectations for responsible use of accommodations and services may result in a temporary suspension of services, pending a discussion with the director of ODS to resolve the issue.

Accommodations are determined on a case-by-case basis considering an individual's challenges and the academic demands and responsibilities of residential life at Smith College. Contact ODS to talk about the accommodations you may need. Common 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
• audio books or books in electronic format
• sign language interpreters/C-Print realtime captioning
• housing accommodations
• dietary accommodations
• in exceptional circumstances, a plan for a reduced course load

Our process begins with a conversation where we learn more about you and discuss the areas where you may need accommodations or support. We discuss possible solutions that may involve specific services, individualized accommodations, referrals for medical care or treatment, as well as strategies for enhancing academic success, job performance, utilizing resources or improving social participation.

For more information on Smith's disability policy, including exclusions and grievances, see Disability Policy.

To register with our office and request service and accommodations, follow these steps:

1. Log into Workday, and complete the Disability Identification Form in Workday. Here are the instructions:

Submit Disability Identification Request

2. Upon receipt of the Disability Identification Request via Workday, a member of our staff will be in touch to set up a meeting and request documentation if this has not already been submitted. Nonacademic accommodations (including housing) must be discussed in person.

3. Submit Documentation

We will review your documentation to determine the need for appropriate services and accommodations that are necessary and effective, and that do not compromise the academic standards of the college.

Important Deadlines:

Housing accommodation requests must be submitted with appropriate documentation of a diagnosed disability no later than June 1. Please direct your care provider to our documentation guidelines:

Documentation Standards

While there is no deadline to submit a request for academic accommodations, so as to have your accommodation letter in hand prior to the first day of classes, please plan to meet with a member of our staff over the summer. 

• Contact us directly to discuss what accommodations and services will be provided. Be aware that housing accommodation requests received past the June 1 deadline may not be able to be met. Please call us by the end of June if you need supports such as sign language interpreters, alternative print materials, etc., so that the appropriate services are in place when you arrive in the fall. Early registration may be arranged if necessary to facilitate this process.

Accommodations are arranged through the Office of Disability Services (ODS) after discussion with ODS and with significant ongoing involvement of the student. Professors are notified of necessary academic accommodations in a letter from ODS, delivered by the student in order to initiate communication and collaboration.

Students are responsible for notifying the ODS if difficulties arise during the course of the semester. Students must also work closely with the office when ongoing support services such as sign language interpreters, alternative format materials or transportation are being provided. Failure to maintain communication or to adhere to reasonable expectations for responsible use of accommodations and services may result in a temporary suspension of services, pending a discussion with the director of ODS to resolve the issue.