Requesting Accommodations and Providing Documentation
All students must meet the academic standards set for admission into Niagara University in Ontario. Once admitted to Niagara, students are responsible for disclosing and documenting disability to Accessibility Services in order to receive accommodations/services. Students are responsible for costs associated with obtaining documentation.
Students with disabilities must register with Niagara University’s Accessibility Services Office, provide documentation of disability, and request needed accommodations. Accessibility Services has the responsibility of determining what reasonable accommodation is and providing the accommodation in a timely manner. Ultimately, a student with a disability requires accommodation only when faced with a task that requires skill that his/her disability precludes.
An accommodation, adjustment, and/or auxiliary aid will not be approved if it is inappropriate or would constitute undue hardship including any that: a) pose a direct threat to the health and safety of others; b) constitute a substantial change or alteration to an essential element of a course or program; c) fundamentally alter the nature of the service provided; and/or d) poses undue financial hardship or administrative burden on the University.
Documentation of disability must include a description of the current functional limitations the individual is likely to have at college due to his/her disability in order to assist Accessibility Services in determining eligibility for disability accommodation at Niagara University. Current and comprehensive disability documentation from a qualified provider (unrelated to the student) who is treating, or has assessed, the specific disability for which accommodations are being requested is required to assist with the determination and provision of appropriate accommodations and auxiliary aids. Providers can either complete the Disability Verification form for this purpose or summarize the requested information in writing on professional letterhead. Students with learning disabilities or ADHD can also provide a copy of their most recent learning assessment for documentation. Documentation MUST include explicit connections between the individual’s functional limitation(s) and ANY recommended accommodations. Documentation should be submitted via email or fax.
Eligibility for reasonable and appropriate accommodations will be determined on a case-by- case/course-by-course basis by the Accessibility Services office.
To access services, students must initiate a request in writing for specific accommodations (alternative format, text enlargement, test accommodations, interpreters, etc.). Students must also take full responsibility for ongoing assistance.