Accessibility Services

Office of Accessibility Services Overview 

The Office of Accessibility Services (OAS) at Hood College assists and supports eligible students with disabilities. Student services may include individualized accommodation plans, access to student success coaches, and campus workshops and programs. The primary goal of OAS is to remove barriers to access, eliminate the stigma around disability, and to promote student self-advocacy and independence. We collaborate with faculty/instructors, staff, outside agencies, and the greater community to promote inclusive practices and disability awareness on campus.  

Contact Information

Our office is located inside the Student Success Suite of the Beneficial-Hodson Library & Learning Commons. 

Email: accessibilityservices@hood.edu | Phone: (301) 696-3569 | Secure Fax: (301) 696-3952 

Mailing Address: Office of Accessibility Services, 401 Rosemont Ave., Frederick, MD, 21701 

Registration and Renewal Process 

There is one process to request or renew any accommodations (e.g. academic, dining, housing, temporary). That process is:   

1. Submit a request form. 
2. Participate in an intake interview and share documentation. 
3. Get notified of whether accommodations are approved. 
4. Share accommodation information with professors (if you have academic accommodations). 
5. Renew accommodations every year using the same request form. 

Students can submit an accommodation request at any time, but accommodations are not retroactive.  

Documentation Guidelines

Refer to our Documentation Guidelines for more information. 

To request and receive reasonable accommodations at Hood College, students must provide appropriate and current documentation that verifies the presence of a disability covered under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended in 2008. As disabilities vary, the required documentation will vary as well, therefore we have listed specific documentation recommendations for differing disabilities. 

Important Notes About Documentation 

• The age of acceptable documentation depends on whether the condition is static or changing.

   

• A student that had a Section 504 plan or an IEP in high school may submit those as secondary documentation, but those alone will not qualify a student for accommodations. 

   

• Formal assessments must be scaled for adults (generally that means that evaluation date should be within the past three years or after the age of 16-years old). 

   

• We accept disability documentation from healthcare providers in or near the state of Maryland and/or the student’s home state who have an established relationship with the student and are not relatives or close friends of the student.

   

• Students requesting accommodations who have not entered college directly after high school or within the past several years will be reviewed by the Director of Accessibility on a case-by case basis. Documentation that is more than 3 years old may be accepted if: a) the documentation indicates the condition is static; b) if documentation is scaled for adults. 

   

• If students need assistance in gathering documentation, or gathering documentation presents a hardship, they are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the Director of Accessibility.

Important Forms for Medical Providers

• Disability Verification Form – Fillable PDF

Frequently Asked Questions 

I have never had accommodations before. What are they?  

When a student has a documented disability (defined as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities), they may need an accommodation to fully participate in the college experience. Accommodations are tools and procedures that help reduce or eliminate barriers related to a disability. At Hood, these generally fall into three categories:  

• academic accommodations (e.g. quiet test environment, support with notetaking, breaks in class) 
• dining accommodations (e.g. dining plans that accommodate food allergies or medical needs) 
• housing accommodations (e.g. access to a room designed to accommodate mobility aids) 

If you suspect you might need accommodations, or are experiencing barriers, please fill out the registration form or schedule an appointment to meet with OAS. We will help get you connected with what you need. 

I’m not sure if I need accommodations. What should I do?  

The transition from high school to college can be challenging. There are many students who did not need accommodations in high school but find out they need them in college. If you are struggling with studying, notetaking, keeping up with assignments, finishing tests in time, or something else, we encourage you to fill out a request form, even if you don’t have a documented disability. You may or may not need a formal accommodation plan, but either way we can connect you to the right resources. 

I had accommodations in high school. How does disability support change when I transition to college?  

The biggest change students typically experience is around disclosing a disability. In high school, your teachers found you and made sure that you received accommodations and were making progress according to your individualized education program (IEP) or 504 plan. In college, it is your responsibility to let the school know whether you have a disability and need an accommodation. You can do this by registering with OAS.  

My parent/caregiver is usually the person who handles documentation and meetings with the school. Will that be the same in college?  

No. All the information you share with OAS is confidential and can only be discussed with your medical provider and relevant college staff/faculty members who need specific information to provide you accommodations. Your parents/caregivers no longer have access to your records, grades, accommodation plans, etc. unless you give written permission. You are your own best advocate, and we are here to help you make the transition.    

What kind of documentation do I need? I have an IEP/504 Plan. Is that enough?  

To be eligible for services, students need to provide appropriate and current documentation of a disability. Students are encouraged to share a disability verification form with their provider and upload it with their initial request, or have the provider send it to us directly. While your IEP/504 Plan may have been helpful to identify services in high school, they often do not provide enough information to determine appropriate accommodations in college. You can submit them as well, but you may still be asked to complete a disability verification form. All documentation is kept confidential in our office.  

How can I get involved in disability advocacy on campus?  

That’s a great question! There are several ways to get involved from informal clubs to formal public speaking events. When you complete the request form, you can let us know you’re interested!