FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS for prospective students

We understand that the quality of the services provided to students with disabilities at Lesley University is an important factor as you decide about college. We have prepared the following Frequently Asked Questions for Prospective Students to help you better understand the services that are available at Lesley University.

If you have further questions about our services, please contact our office at (617) 349-8194 (voice), (617) 349-8544 (tty), or access@lesley.edu.

1. Will I receive the same accommodations at the college level that I received in high school?
2. How do I know if I have a disability?
3. How do I know if I am a qualified student with a disability?
4. Will the whole university know that I have a disability if I disclose my needs?
5. What is a reasonable accommodation?
6. What are essential tasks?
7. How are reasonable accommodations determined?
8. Who am I obligated to disclose my disability to?

Will I receive the same accommodations at the college level that I received in high school?

Students and parents often assume that the services received in high school are continued at the college level or that support services will be put into place automatically. However, different federal laws and policies dictate which services and accommodations will be received. It is also the student's responsibility to request accommodations.

How do I know if I have a disability?

Many people have impairments of one kind or another. To be eligible for services at Lesley University you must have a documented disability as defined by federal and state law. These laws state that qualified people with disabilities are protected from discrimination. A person with a disability is defined as someone who:

• has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities (major life activities include but are not limited to: caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, working),
• has a record of such an impairment,
• is regarded as having such an impairment.

Individuals with disabilities may include persons who have: mobility, sensory or speech impairments, mental illness, learning disabilities or attention deficits. Disabilities may be neurological, psychological, or physical.

How do I know if I am a qualified student with a disability?

In the educational arena, a qualified student is a student who meets the academic and technical standards required for admission or participation in any of our programs or activities. This includes behavioral and attendance requirements.

Will the whole university know that I have a disability if I disclose my needs?

No, any information that you provide about your disability is held in strict confidence by disability services and is not disclosed to anyone without your consent.

What is a reasonable accommodation?

A reasonable accommodation is any modification or adjustment of Lesley University policies or practices which enables a student with a disability to have a full and equal opportunity to participate and benefit.

What are essential tasks?

Essential tasks are those requirements which are central to the purpose of the class or program. These requirements cannot be waived or modified; to do so would alter the integrity of the course.

How are reasonable accommodations determined?

Disability Services works closely with each student to review the documentation. If necessary, outside specialists, faculty, and University personnel will be consulted. Factors used in making these determinations include:

• the academic and technical standards required for admission or participation in the class or program,
• the purpose and nature of the program, course or activity,
• the functional limitations of the student,
• nature and cost of the accommodation,
• any consequences of providing the accommodation on the operational and educational function of the program, class or activity.

Who am I obligated to disclose my disability to?

Students are under no obligation whatsoever to disclose his or her disability to anyone. However, any student requesting reasonable accommodations must his/her disability and provide appropriate documentation to Disability Services.