Accessibility Services

For academic accommodations, once accommodations are determined, an “Accommodation Letter” is sent to the student's instructors. Students must request a new letter each semester by completing a semester renewal form. Students also must notify Accessibility Services of any changes to their schedule or accommodation needs.  It is the student’s responsibility to follow policies and procedures related to the implementation of accommodations.

Students with disabilities have specific responsibilities to:

• Submit the pre-intake form initially and upload adequate supporting documentation,
• Initiate requests for reasonable accommodations in a timely manner,
• Follow procedures to help facilitate reasonable accommodations,
• Request an Accommodation Letter each semester the student is enrolled,
• Contact Accessibility Services if there are questions or difficulty is experienced with using the identified reasonable accommodations,
• Meet with instructors to discuss their accommodations within each course

Students requesting accommodations should complete the following:

1. SUBMIT A PRE-INTAKE FORM for any housing and academic accommodations being requested. 

2. PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION: Students will need to upload documentation that substantiates the need for accommodations. Documentation must include a diagnosis, functional limitations, and recommendations from a qualified medical provider.

3. SCHEDULE AN INTAKE MEETING: Students can book an initial meeting or a OAS staff member will reach out. The meeting will discuss educational history, accommodation needs, and other resources available.

4. DETERMINATION: Reasonable accommodations will be determined based on documentation and intake.  An Accommodation Letter (for academic accommodations) will be sent to the student and instructors.  Please note that students must renew their Accommodation Letter each semester.

Documentation of a student’s disability is required to determine reasonable accommodations. Documentation must show a direct link between the disability and the requested accommodation.

Appropriate types of documentation include:   

• An evaluation including diagnostic and testing information from the student’s school district,
• A Neuro-psychoeducational Evaluation or Psychoeducational Evaluation Report from a licensed Psychiatrist, Neuropsychologist or neurologist
• A letter provided by a licensed and credentialed provider, unrelated to the student, on the practitioner's letterhead that states the 1) diagnosis 2) functional limitations, and 3) recommendations for support.

Please see the following appendices/guidelines to accommodations:

Appendix A: Academic

Appendix B: Housing

Appendix C: Emotional Support Animal

The Residential Experience

DelVal values a robust residential living environment for students and recognizes that on-campus living is a significant and holistic part of the student experience. DelVal has a responsibility to balance accommodation needs with our educational objectives, including promoting social interaction, communication skills and a sense of community. Sharing a room with a roommate is an integral part of achieving these Residential Life student learning objectives.

Housing accommodations are in place to support functional limitations of a disability that the student could not otherwise address through preparation, practice, counseling, proactive adjustment to expectations and routines, or application of other strategies that any student must implement to be successful in college. Housing has a limited number of single rooms available. For this reason, DelVal reserves single rooms for students with documented and substantial needs and for whom a standard housing assignment with a roommate is not viable.

Single Room Accommodations: Disability Access versus Preference

A single room is a disability accommodation only when clinical history and professional documentation clearly demonstrate a history of substantial limitations and provide a rationale that supports the student’s need for a separate living/sleeping space to be able to access and utilize housing. For example, a student who needs to utilize specialized medical equipment may need extra space. This is an access need -- without extra space to utilize medical equipment, the student would not be able to participate equitably in the residential program.

A housing accommodation is provided when the accommodation Is designed to effectively remove the identified academic/campus barrier to equitable access and full participation in services and activities

Examples of disabilities that may qualify for a housing accommodation:

• Physical impairments requiring a wheelchair and/or adaptive equipment
• Medical conditions that require extensive medical equipment and supplies
• Visual impairments
• Severe medical or psychological conditions

Please note that DelVal does not grant accommodations solely based on the recommendations of care providers. The determination is made based on all information relevant to the documented functional limitations caused by the disability in relation to the residential program. ADHD, generalized anxiety, and depression are conditions whose functional limitations are commonly presented as reasons a student believes they need a single room. However, the functional limitations associated with these conditions rarely present as true barriers to access.

Below are examples of when an accommodation would not be approved.

• As a space to decompress, study, or to be alone to retreat.  The campus provides students spaces to decompress, unwind or process their emotions other than the room where they sleep. Students can enjoy walks to the lake or grounds, find a quiet space in the library or academic buildings to read or think, or use white noise machines, earplugs or earphones.
• To ensure student success and satisfaction -- accommodations in higher education are to provide access, and do not guarantee success
• To increase comfort or alleviate discomfort in the housing arrangement (such as by having a roommate- free experience to avoid common interpersonal roommate interactions and conflicts that may arise)
• To take the place of the student developing the skills, abilities, and practices necessary to grow interpersonally and efficiently live on campus as part of a residential living experience at DelVal
• When the request is meant for the housing space to serve as part of the student’s treatment plan
• Due to previous roommate experiences that were negative

Residence Life staff are available for guidance on residential living and to discuss any concerns related to communal living.

All Housing Accommodation requests are reviewed by our Housing Accommodation Committee.

Important Deadlines for Housing and ESA requests:

All appropriate forms and paperwork need to be submitted by the deadline below:

For the upcoming Fall Semester

-First Year students: June 1st

-Returning students: March 1st

For Spring Semester: November 1st

Approved post-deadline housing accommodations will be provided on a space available basis. 

All Housing accommodation requests including Air Conditioning and Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) may not be processed 4 weeks prior to the semester beginning.  All new requests will be processed for the following semester.

The big difference between high school and college is that students must self-disclose their disability and advocate for themselves upon entrance and throughout their college experience.  The Office of Accessibility Services provides support, referrals, and resources to help students build life-long self-advocacy skills.

Differences between High School and College for Students with Disabilities

Forms:

Audio Recording Agreement

Test Accommodation Appointment Request

Emotional Support Animal Agreement Form

Animal Health Compliance Form 

Academic Accommodation Semester Renewal Form

Applicable Policies:

Test Accommodation Guidelines

Office of Accessibility Services Policies and Guidelines for Students

Library accessibility and resources

Resources: Tips and Technology

The Office of Accessibility Services works closely with faculty to help implement accommodations in the classroom.  The Office of Accessibility Services has created a new Faculty Guide with resources for support.  Please contact Kelly Deasy, Director of the Office of Accessibility Services for additional information or questions about course access or classroom accommodations.

Faculty Guide – Office of Accessibility Services

Delaware Valley University is committed to providing reasonable and appropriate accommodations for qualified students with disabilities. The University complies with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) and the Fair Housing Act (FHA). Delaware Valley University permits Emotional Support Animals in campus residential housing as a reasonable accommodation once the student has met the guidelines under which approval of an Emotional Support Animal is determined, and the procedure for requesting housing accommodations has been completed and approved.

EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL, AND OTHER DEFINITIONS

• An “Emotional Support Animal” aids or provides emotional support that help mitigate symptoms or effects of a person’s disability. A student requesting an Emotional Support Animal as an accommodation must demonstrate that the Emotional Support Animal is a reasonable accommodation for an emotional or mental health disability (defined as an impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities). Demonstrating this need requires documentation from a treating provider (not related to the student) certifying that the Emotional Support Animal is part of a prescribed treatment plan for the disabling condition and alleviates symptoms or effects of a disability. Emotional Support Animals may be considered for living in the student’s assigned living space; however, they are not permitted in other areas of the University (e.g., Library, academic buildings, classrooms, labs, studios, recital halls, dining facilities, kitchen areas, public bathrooms, etc.).
• A “Service Animal” is generally a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. Service animals are permitted in classrooms and spaces on campus when appropriate. Where it is not readily apparent that an animal is a service animal as defined by the ADA, the College may ask whether the animal is required because of a disability, and what work or task the animal has been trained to perform. Animals whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals.
• A “Pet” is an animal kept for ordinary use and companionship. A pet is not considered an Emotional Support Animal or a Service Animal and is not covered by this policy. On-campus residents are not permitted to keep pets in college housing.
• An “Approved Animal” is a Service or Emotional Support Animal that has been granted as a reasonable accommodation under this policy.
• An “Owner” is the student who has requested an accommodation under this policy and has received approval to bring the “approved animal” on campus.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS APPLIED TO ESAs

With changes to HUD guidance (2020), the University is permitted to set reasonable and appropriate policies regarding the acceptance and management of animals on campus. Generally, ESAs are limited to commonly domesticated animals and typically one animal per housing unit is permitted. The University will engage in the interactive process with students to determine what is reasonable given University policies related to facilities and the student’s documented need.

PROCEDURES FOR REQUESTING AN EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL

Emotional Support Animals may not be brought into campus housing without approval of university officials. The procedures for requesting an Emotional Support Animal in college housing are as follows:

Owners should submit a request for an Emotional Support Animal as early as possible before the start of the term for which the request is being submitted. DelVal will review and consider requests at any time, however, if the request for an Emotional Support Animal accommodation is made fewer than 60 days before the individual intends to move into housing, DelVal cannot guarantee that the accommodation need will be met.

• A student requesting permission to keep an Emotional Support Animal in housing must make a formal request to the Office of Accessibility Services. To do so, the student must 1) submit the Intake Form online, 2) Schedule an Intake Meeting, and 3) submit documentation for review. Requests for Emotional Support Animals as an accommodation are not guaranteed.
• Please note that DelVal requires that the student must have an established ownership with the animal. The student must show that the animal provides therapeutic support during a minimum of a three-month relationship and submit a completed Animal Health and Compliance.
• If a student is found to have an unregistered animal, they may be disqualified from the process.

Documentation must:

• Be in the form of a letter or report from a therapist, psychologist or psychiatrist who is qualified to make the diagnosis and is currently treating you for more than six months for the disability for which you are requesting an Emotional Support Animal.
• The documentation must be on official letterhead and should be signed and dated within the last year. We will not accept services that offer “ESA letters” at a set price and not part of/connected to an on-going therapeutic relationship of a least three months. Supporting documentation must be provided by a current licensed professional that is an integral part of student’s treatment.
• Include a specific diagnosis, a statement of your current condition, the date and a summary of your most recent evaluation, and the expected duration of your condition.
• State the current impact of (or functional limitations) imposed by the condition on your living situation.
• Evidence that the provider is currently treating the student for the condition for which the accommodation is requested.
• Show a clear explanation of the nexus between the assistance/support the animal provides and the documented disabilities as it relates to residential living.
• Clearly state a recommendation for an Emotional Support Animal as part of your treatment plan.
• Include possible alternatives if the requested accommodation is not available.

2. Submit current Animal Health and Compliance form to OAS. Records must demonstrate that the animal is in good health and has current vaccinations against diseases common to that breed of animal as recommended by the American Veterinary Medical Association. Receipts for recent visits typically do not address the current health of an animal.

3. For full consideration to be given, students must submit all documentation and intake information by July 1 for Fall semester and November 1 for Spring semester.

FACTORS OF CONSIDERATION FOR ESA REQUESTS – POTENTIAL RESTRICTIONS

The University may consider the following factors, among others, as evidence in determining whether the presence of the animal is reasonable or in the making of housing assignments for individuals with Emotional Support Animals:

a. The animal's presence otherwise violates individuals' right to peace and quiet enjoyment or whether it will force another individual from housing

b. The size of the animal as relative to the owner’s assigned housing space

c. The animal is not housebroken or is unable to live with others in a reasonable manner

d. The animal records are not up to date

e. The animal poses or has posed in the past a direct threat to the individual or others such as aggressive behavior towards or injuring the individual or others; or

f. The animal causes or has caused excessive damage to housing beyond reasonable wear and tear.

Upon approval of an Emotional Support Animal, the student’s roommate(s) or suitemate(s) will be notified to solicit their acknowledgement of the approval and notify them that the approved animal will be residing in shared assigned living space. Please note that the University is unable to provide appropriate accommodations for more than one Emotional Support Animal/ESA per person.

SERVICE ANIMALS

Individuals who are enrolled in courses and who have a service animal are encouraged to register their service animal with the University. While registration is not mandatory, registration of the service animal may aid in accessing University premises and would allow emergency personnel to be aware of individuals who are accompanied by a service animal in the event of an emergency and other housing and classroom considerations that need to be made. To register a service animal please complete the Service Animal Registration form.

Areas off limits to Service Assistance Animals:

A Service Animal is permitted to accompany the student anywhere the student goes on campus, but the University may prohibit the use of Service Animals in certain locations because of health or safety restrictions (e.g. where the animals may be in danger, or where their use may compromise the integrity of research).

Restricted areas may include, but are not limited to, the following: custodial closets, facility equipment rooms, areas where protective clothing and hairnets are necessary, rooms with heavy machinery, barns, labs, and animal production facilities. When students with Service Animals must access a restricted area for a course requirement, reasonable accommodations will be provided to ensure the student equal access to the academic program or activity.

CONFLICTING HEALTH CONDITIONS

Students with a medical condition affected by animals (e.g., respiratory diseases, asthma, severe allergies) are asked to contact the Office of Accessibility Services if they have a health or safety related concern about exposure to an Approved Animal. Students presenting such concerns will be asked to provide medical documentation identifying the condition so the University can determine whether the medical condition requires accommodation when living in proximity to Service or Emotional Support Animals.

OWNER’S RESPONSIBILITY IN RESIDENTIAL HOUSING

1. The Owner is responsible for assuring that the Approved/Emotional Support Animal does not unduly interfere with the routine activities of the residence or cause difficulties for students who reside there.

2. The Owner is financially responsible for the actions of the Approved Animal including bodily injury or property damage. The owner’s responsibility covers but is not limited to replacement of furniture, carpet, windows, wall covering, and the like. The owner is expected to cover these costs at the time of repair and/or move-out.

3. The Owner is responsible for any expenses incurred for cleaning above and beyond a standard cleaning or for repairs to college premises that are assessed after the student and animal vacate the residence. The University shall have the right to bill the student account of the owner for unmet obligations.

4. The Owner must notify Office of Accessibility Services in writing if the Approved Animal is no longer needed as an Approved Animal or is no longer in residence.

5. If fleas, ticks or other pests are detected through routine housing inspections, the residence will be treated using approved fumigation methods by a college-approved pest control service. If it is determined that the pests are attributed to the owner’s animal, the owner will be billed for the expense of any pest treatment above and beyond standard pest management in the residence halls.

6. Service Animals may travel freely with their owner throughout university housing (and nearly all other areas of the University). Emotional Support Animals must be contained within the privately assigned residential area (room, apartment) always, except when transported outside the private residential area in an animal carrier or controlled by leash or harness.

7. Approved Animals may not be left overnight in residential housing to be cared for by another student. Animals must be taken with the student if the Owner leaves campus for a prolonged period or boarded locally if the student is off campus.

8. Housing can relocate owner and Approved Animal as necessary.

9. Any violation of the above rules may result in immediate removal of the animal from the University and may be reviewed through Conduct.

10. Should the Approved Animal be removed from the premises for any reason, the owner is expected to fulfill his/her housing obligations for the remainder of the housing contract.

11. The Owner undertakes to comply with animal health and wellbeing requirements outlined below.

GUIDELINES FOR MAINTAINING AN EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL

The following guidelines apply to all Approved Animals and their owners, unless the nature of the documented disability of the owner presents a variance from the guidelines and has been modified and adjusted to meet those needs.

Care and Supervision:

Care and supervision of the animal are the responsibility of the Owner. The Owner is required to always maintain control of the animal. The Owner is also responsible for ensuring the cleanup of the animal’s waste. Indoor animal waste, such as cat litter, must be placed in a sturdy plastic bag and securely tied up before being disposed. Litter boxes should be placed on mats so that waste is not tracked onto carpeted surfaces.

Animal Health and Well-being:

1. Vaccination: In accordance with local ordinances and regulations the animal must be immunized against diseases common to that type of animal. Dogs must have current vaccination against rabies and wear a rabies vaccination tag. Shots determined by the Vet required for a healthy animal are required.

2. Health: Animals, other than cats and dogs, to be housed in campus housing must have an annual clean bill of health from a licensed veterinarian. Students must complete an Animal Health Compliance Form.

3. Leash: If appropriate, the animal must be on a leash. The Owner must always have control of the animal.

4. Other Conditions: Accessibility Services may place other reasonable conditions or restrictions on the animals depending on the nature and characteristics of the animal.

REQUIREMENTS FOR MEMBERS OF THE DELVAL COMMUNITY

Members of the DelVal community are NOT to do the following:

1. Touch a Service or Emotional Support Animal unless invited to do so.

2. Feed a Service or Emotional Support Animal.

3. Deliberately startle a Service or Emotional Support Animal.

4. Separate or attempt to separate an owner from their Service or Emotional Support Animal.

5. Inquire about details about the owner’s disabilities. The nature of a student’s disability is a private matter protected by law. Owners should provide guidance to others about appropriate/inappropriate interactions.

REMOVAL OF APPROVED ANIMAL

The University may exclude/remove an Emotional Support Animal when 1) the animal poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others, 2) the animal’s presence results in a fundamental alteration of the University’s program, 3) the owner does not comply with Owner’s Responsibilities in campus housing, or 4) the animal or its presence creates an unmanageable disturbance, interferes with the DelVal community, results in substantial physical damage to the property of others, or interferes with the reasonable enjoyment of the housing by others.

The University may exclude/remove a Service Animal if 1) the animal is out of the control and the animal’s owner does not take effective action to control it, 2) the animal is not housebroken, 3) the animal poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others that cannot be eliminated by a modification of policies, practices, or procedures, or by the provision of auxiliary aids or services, or the owner does not comply with Owner’s Responsibilities in campus housing.

In summary, the Emotional Support Animal may be removed from DelVal if:

1. The animal poses a direct threat to the health and safety of others or causes substantial property damage to the property of others.

2. The animal’s presence results in a fundamental alteration of a DelVal program

3. The owner does not comply with the owner’s responsibilities set forth above; and/or

4. The Animal or its presence creates an unmanageable disturbance or interference with the DelVal community.

Should the Emotional Support Animal be removed from the premises, the owner will have 48 hours or on a case by case basis (if situation is emergent) from the time the removal notice is issued to remove the Emotional Support Animal from campus.

DAMAGE

Owners of Approved Animals are solely responsible for any damage to persons or college property caused by their animals.

Areas off limits to Service Assistance Animals:

A Service Animal is permitted to accompany the student anywhere the student goes on campus, but the University may prohibit the use of Service Animals in certain locations because of health or safety restrictions (e.g. where the animals may be in danger, or where their use may compromise the integrity of research).

Restricted areas may include, but are not limited to, the following: custodial closets, facility equipment rooms, areas where protective clothing and hairnets are necessary, rooms with heavy machinery, barns, labs, and animal production facilities. When students with Service Animals must access a restricted area for a course requirement, reasonable accommodations will be provided to assure the student equal access to the academic program or activity.

NON-RETALIATION PROVISION

DelVal will not retaliate against any person because that individual has requested or received a reasonable accommodation in university housing, including a request for an Assistance Animal.

The IEP is often not sufficient documentation by itself, and OAS may request the evaluation on which the IEP was determined.  If the IEP includes current diagnostic information, diagnosis, and disability history, the IEP may be sufficient.  Please note that not all accommodation from high school apply in college.  The interactive process will determine reasonable accommodations within the academic environment at DelVal. 

Once students are registered with Accessibility Services their accommodations remain for the duration of time at DelVal.  Students only need to renew their accommodations each semester. In some instances, students request changes to their accommodations and provide additional documentation.

For housing accommodations, students may need to be renewed from year to year, depending on the nature of the accommodation and the student’s disability status.  The Office of Accessibility Services communicates directly with students whose accommodation requires renewal.    

Reasonable housing accommodations are subject to availability.

ESA accommodation requests are renewed each academic year. The following forms must be completed for the renewal request: 

• Housing Accommodation Renewal Form
• ESA Information and Agreement Form
• Animal Health Compliance Form (for dogs, cats, ferrets, and rats) 

Once all information is received, the interactive and individualized review process will begin. 

Typically, current or recent documentation means no longer than 3 years for specified learning disabilities or ADHD. For fluctuating psychiatric or medical conditions (such as, migraine headaches or generalized anxiety disorder), it is preferred that documentation be within the past year from the date of the submitted request. For permanent disabilities, (such as, hard of hearing or deaf), documentation from most recent appointment with health care provider is adequate (this may include appointments beyond the timeframes listed above).   

All information submitted to or developed by the University related to the requests, diagnosis, documentation, or accommodation of a disability is considered private and will not become part of any other student record at Delaware Valley University. Disability information may be released to instructors or other appropriate University staff on a educational need-to-know basis.

All documents supporting a disability on file with the Office of Accessibility Services will be retained and destroyed in accordance with applicable law.

The disability accommodation request process is individualized and interactive. After a completed request form and adequate supporting documentation are received, students will receive outreach to schedule a meeting to discuss their request in more detail. After all information is reviewed, reasonable accommodations are determined.  

The process can take 2-3 weeks. 

Services are available to those students who have testing accommodations on file for the current semester. The Office of Accessibility Services communicates the necessary information and corresponding sign-up forms directly with these students each semester. 

Please contact Accessibility Services at accessibilityservices@delval.edu. For more detailed information, please review the Grievance Procedures.