You most likely have acquired a good amount of documentation over the years with regard to your condition/disability. Collect and submit your supporting documentation to the Dean of Students Office as soon as possible.

Documentation can include medical records, diagnostic documentation (e.g., neurological or psychological evaluations), or educational assessments. NOTE: While IEP and 504 Plans from high school are sometimes helpful, they alone do not meet Suffolk’s documentation guidelines. For more on documentation guidelines, click here.

If you suspect a learning disability but have yet to be tested, begin with Step 2.

Set up a meeting with Elizabeth Irwin, Coordinator of Disability Services, on the 12th Floor of the Tremont. If your disability/condition doesn’t allow you to meet in the Dean of Students Office, alternative arrangements can be made by calling 617.573.8239, 617.557.4875 (TDD) or emailing eirwin@suffolk.edu.

Make sure you bring all appropriate documentation related to your condition/disability if you haven’t already done so. If you are unsure what documentation to bring, or have yet to be tested, call and discuss with Elizabeth Irwin prior to the meeting.

During the meeting, you will learn about the process for receiving disability support services and discuss what in-class accommodations you feel you will need for the current semester. Determination of accommodations will be based on documentation, the functional limitation caused by the disability or condition, and the judgment of the Dean of Students Office.

The following list contains examples of accommodations that have been approved in the past: extended time on exams, use of a computer for exams, reduced distraction test environment, tape recording lectures, assistance from a peer note taker, use of a reader/scribe for exams, use of a signer/interpreter, use of CART services, preferential seating arrangements. Other accommodations can be requested/are provided as appropriate.

Based upon the outcome of the meeting, the Dean of Students Office produces letters of accommodation for your professors.

Pick up letters from Dean of Students Office and hand deliver to your professors. The process of hand delivering accommodation letters to your professors will allow you to initiate dialogue regarding your situation and particular needs.

Establishing early and consistent dialogue with your professors will allow you to individualize your needs in different courses and will provide for timely arrangements of in-class accommodations.

It is strongly recommended that you provide your professors with letters of accommodation within the first two weeks of the semester.

As the semester progresses, it is your responsibility to monitor the progress in your classes and provide feedback when appropriate.

If you require additional assistance in ensuring the satisfactory delivery of your accommodations, contact the Coordinator of Disability Services immediately.

If you require academic assistance or additional support services, contact the Coordinator of Disability Services and you will be referred to the appropriate campus resource.