An individual with a disability is defined by the ADA as any person who: "has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities (including walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, working, caring for oneself, or performing manual tasks), has a record of such an impairment or is regarded as having such an impairment."

To become eligible, a person must have a documented disability and inform the University that he/she is requesting accommodation based on that disability.

A student must:

• Complete the New Student Registration form in the AIM portal.
• Provide information that validates a disability exists (this may include professional documentation that identifies the disability and indicates substantial limits in daily activities as they relate to the academic environment)
• Consult with an Access Specialist in the Office of Access and Disability Services to determine appropriate accommodations.

Contact: Access@StThom.edu

Under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), a person with a disability may keep an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) in the individual’s dwelling when there is an established need for the therapeutic nature of the animal that is connected to the individual’s disability.

An ESA provides emotional support to persons in their living environment who have a disability-related need for such support. It's indicated as necessary for an individual with a disability by an appropriate and relevant healthcare professional.

Access & Disability Services staff, in conjunction with the Committee for Academic Accommodations, determine accommodations using information from the student interview process including:

• History of the disability
• Documentation completed by qualified professionals provided by the student

A reasonable accommodation is an adjustment to a course, program, service, activity or facility that enables a qualified individual with a disability to have an equal opportunity to access educational benefits and privileges as are available to an individual without a disability.

Some common academic accommodations include:

• Extended time on tests
• Allowance to test in a quiet environment
• Audio recording of lectures

Reasonable accommodations are determined on an individual basis after considering the specific disability and documentation of functional limitations in accordance with:

• Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA)
• ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAA)
• Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
• Accommodations are designed to provide equal access and educational opportunity.

The Office of Access & Disability Services is located on the lower level of the Doherty Library, Room B03.

Office Hours:

• Office Hours by Appointment - Schedule an Appointment
• Monday - Thursday: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
• Friday:  8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.