Accommodation Request (How to Prepare + What to Expect)

You have the right to reasonable accommodations to help you succeed academically. This guide walks you through how to prepare for and navigate the accommodation request process at your institution.

⏱️Time: 2-4 weeks (process varies by institution)

AcademicRightsAccessibility

✓What to Do Now

Identify what accommodations you need

Think about specific barriers you face and what supports would help (extra time, note-taking, accessible materials, etc.).

Gather documentation

Collect medical documentation, assessments, or other documentation that supports your need for accommodations. Requirements vary by institution.

Contact your school's Accessibility Services

Find your Accessibility Services or Disability Services office (see 'Supports at Your School' page) and make an intake appointment.

Complete intake and assessment

Meet with an accessibility advisor to discuss your needs, provide documentation, and determine appropriate accommodations.

Receive accommodation letter

You'll receive a letter outlining your approved accommodations. This is usually confidential - you share it with instructors as needed.

Share with instructors (as needed)

Provide your accommodation letter to instructors at the start of each term or when accommodations are needed. Discuss implementation.

Follow up if issues arise

If accommodations aren't being implemented or you need adjustments, contact Accessibility Services for support.

📞Who to Contact

Accessibility Services / Disability Services

📋 Contact: Find through your school's website (see 'Supports at Your School' page)

When: To initiate the accommodation request process and get support throughout

Your Healthcare Provider

📋 Contact: Doctor, psychologist, or other qualified professional

When: To obtain documentation supporting your accommodation needs

Course Instructors

📋 Contact: As listed in course syllabus

When: To discuss accommodation implementation for specific courses

Ombudsperson / Student Advocacy

📋 Contact: If your school has one

When: If accommodations are denied unfairly or not being implemented

BC Human Rights Tribunal

🌐 Website: bchrt.bc.ca

When: If you believe you've experienced discrimination based on disability (as a last resort)

🚩Red Flags

⚠️Being told you don't need accommodations when you clearly do
⚠️Accommodations being denied without valid reason
⚠️Instructors refusing to implement approved accommodations
⚠️Being asked for documentation that's unreasonable or overly intrusive
⚠️Accommodations that don't actually address your barriers
⚠️Privacy violations (accommodations being discussed inappropriately)
⚠️Retaliation for requesting accommodations

📝Templates

Click "Copy" to copy any template to your clipboard, then paste and customize it.

Initial Email to Accessibility Services

Subject: Request for Accommodation Services Hello, I am a student at [SCHOOL NAME] in the [PROGRAM] program and would like to request academic accommodations. I experience barriers to learning due to [BRIEF DESCRIPTION - you don't need to disclose details at this stage]. I believe I may need accommodations such as [EXAMPLES: extended time on exams, note-taking support, accessible materials, etc.]. I have documentation from [HEALTHCARE PROVIDER TYPE] that I can provide. I would like to schedule an intake appointment to discuss my needs and the accommodation process. Please let me know what documentation I should bring and when you have availability. Thank you, [YOUR NAME] [STUDENT ID] [CONTACT INFORMATION]

Email to Instructor About Accommodations

Subject: Accommodation Letter - [COURSE CODE] Dear Professor [NAME], I am writing to share my accommodation letter from [SCHOOL NAME] Accessibility Services for [COURSE CODE]. My approved accommodations include: - [Accommodation 1] - [Accommodation 2] - [Accommodation 3] I would like to discuss how these will be implemented in your course, particularly regarding: - [Specific concern, e.g., 'exam scheduling' or 'assignment deadlines'] I have attached my accommodation letter for your records. I'm happy to meet to discuss this further if needed. Thank you for your understanding. Best regards, [YOUR NAME] [STUDENT ID] [Attach accommodation letter]

Follow-up if Accommodations Not Implemented

Subject: Follow-up on Accommodations - [COURSE CODE] Dear Professor [NAME], I am following up regarding my accommodations for [COURSE CODE]. I shared my accommodation letter on [DATE], but I'm concerned that [SPECIFIC ACCOMMODATION] has not been implemented for [SPECIFIC SITUATION, e.g., 'the midterm exam']. Per my accommodation letter, I require [SPECIFIC ACCOMMODATION]. [Explain how it's not being provided]. I would appreciate your assistance in ensuring this accommodation is provided going forward. I'm available to discuss this further if needed. I'm also copying [Accessibility Services contact] from Accessibility Services for their awareness and support. Thank you, [YOUR NAME] [STUDENT ID] CC: [Accessibility Services Advisor]