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Resources for Students

How to Request Accommodations:

To begin the process, complete the Disclosure and Request for Disability Accommodations form. This form includes documentation guidelines and a section to upload supporting documentation. Your submission will be reviewed by an Access and Success team member.

New first-year and transfer students are encouraged to connect with the Office of Access and Success during the summer prior to starting at Drake (June or July). Intake appointments may be completed in person or virtually and can be scheduled during June orientation.

During the intake process, you will discuss:

  • Your needs and experiences
  • Supporting documentation
  • Possible reasonable accommodations
  • How accommodations may be implemented once you begin classes

Once accommodations are determined, an accommodation notification will be sent to the appropriate faculty and campus partners. Students are responsible for following up to discuss implementation.

Accommodations are reviewed each semester and are not automatically renewed. Students will receive a Starfish notification with instructions to renew or update accommodations as needed.

Documentation Guidelines for Academic Accommodations

If you are requesting academic accommodations, you will need to submit documentation that supports your request. Please review the guidelines below before uploading your materials on the Disclosure and Request for Accommodations Form.

Documentation must come from a licensed medical or mental health provider who is qualified to diagnose your condition. The provider cannot be a family member.

Documentation should generally be from the past five years. If your condition changes over time (such as some medical or mental health conditions), more recent documentation may be required.

  • Official Letterhead: Documentation should be on professional letterhead and include the provider’s contact information.
  • Diagnosis Information: Your diagnosis, including when it was first made and when you were most recently evaluated.
  • Evaluation Details: A description of how the diagnosis was made (such as clinical interviews, medical exams, or testing). If testing was completed, results and a brief interpretation should be included.
  • Impact on Academics: How your condition affects you in an academic setting (for example: learning, reading, concentrating, thinking, communicating, seeing, or hearing).
  • Expected Duration: Whether your condition is ongoing or if follow-up evaluations are expected.
  • Accommodation Recommendations: Suggested academic accommodations and how they support your needs.
  • History of Accommodations (if applicable): Any previous accommodations you’ve used and how they worked for you.