Disability Services

Our Commitment

SDI is committed to providing an inclusive learning environment. In accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as amended, the Institute does not discriminate on the basis of disability in its programs, services, or activities. The Institute works with students to provide reasonable accommodations that support equal access to educational opportunities.

 

Who Is Eligible for Accommodations

Students may be eligible for accommodations if they:

• have a disability as defined under applicable law;
• are otherwise qualified to participate in the program, with or without reasonable accommodations; and
• request accommodations and provide supporting information, when needed.

The Institute recognizes that some disabilities or medical conditions may be temporary, intermittent, or episodic in nature. Students experiencing such conditions may also request accommodations.

 

How to Request Accommodations

Students seeking accommodations should:

• Request accommodations as early as possible so they can be implemented in a timely manner.
• Contact the Disability Services Office at disability.services@sdi.edu
• Complete the accommodation request process.
• Submit relevant documentation, where available, to support the request

Students who do not request accommodations or submit supporting documentation in a timely manner may experience delays in the review and implementation of accommodations.

 

Documentation

• Documentation helps the Institute understand how a student’s disability may impact academic participation and how best to provide support.
• Documentation should describe the disability and any related functional limitations.
• It may include information from a qualified provider or prior educational records (such as an IEP or Section 504 Plan).
• Documentation from the Department of Veterans Affairs, healthcare providers, or related agencies may be accepted as supporting information when relevant to establishing disability-related functional limitations and the need for accommodations.
• A disability rating or evidence of financial assistance may support the existence of a disability, but without information regarding how the particular disability affects the student, it may not be helpful in establishing accommodations.
• The Institute requests only information that is necessary to evaluate accommodation requests and does not require extensive or burdensome documentation.
• If documentation is not readily available, students are still encouraged to contact the Disability Services Office as early as possible. The Institute will work with students through an interactive process to determine appropriate next steps.

 

How Accommodations Are Determined

• Accommodation decisions are made through an individualized and interactive process. The interactive process may take place by telephone or other electronic means. As part of the interactive process, SDI will communicate openly, in good faith, and in a timely manner with the student.
• In making accommodation determinations, the Institute considers:
  • The student’s disability and its impact in an academic setting
  • The functional limitations experienced by the student
  • The requirements of the course or program
  • Information provided by the student, including documentation and self-report
  • Whether requested accommodations are reasonable and do not fundamentally alter essential academic or program requirements
• The Institute may consult with SDI program officials, faculty or other authorized designees, as appropriate, to ensure accommodations are reasonable and effective.

 

Important Considerations

• Accommodations are generally effective after approval and are not typically applied retroactively.
• Students are encouraged to communicate with faculty and the Disability Services Office regarding approved accommodations.
• Not all accommodations are appropriate in every course.
• Certain accommodations may not be appropriate where they would fundamentally alter essential course or program requirements or create an undue administrative or financial burden.

 

Examples of Accommodations

Depending on individual needs, when appropriate accommodations may include:

• Extended time for completion of certain types of assignments
• Flexibility with deadlines
• Access to course materials in alternative formats
• Assistive technology or other auxiliary aids and services

 

Institutional Responsibilities

SDI will:

• Review accommodation requests in a timely and individualized manner
• Engage in an interactive process with students
• Provide reasonable accommodations when appropriate
• Provide each student requesting accommodations with documentation of all approved accommodations
• Provide explanations when requested accommodations are not granted
• Maintain the confidentiality of student information

 

Student Responsibilities

Students are responsible for:

• Requesting accommodations
• Providing relevant information, when needed
• Communicating with instructors regarding approved accommodations
• Following established procedures for implementing accommodations as defined when accommodations are granted.

 

Questions, Accommodation Requests, or Additional Information

Students who have questions, wish to request accommodations, or need additional information regarding disability services or accessibility may contact:

Disability Services Office / ADA & Section 504 Coordinator
Amy Clement, PhD
Email: disability.services@sdi.edu
Phone: 1-480-525-6112

 

Appeal of Disability Accommodation Decisions Procedures

SDI is committed to a fair, individualized, and interactive accommodation process. Students who disagree with an accommodation decision, including the denial of a requested accommodation, the accommodation provided, or the implementation of an approved accommodation, may seek review of that decision through the process outlined below.

 

Informal Resolution

Students are encouraged to first discuss their concerns with the ADA/Section 504 Coordinator. In many cases, concerns can be resolved through additional discussion, clarification, or the submission of additional information.

 

Formal Appeal

If a student remains dissatisfied after attempting informal resolution, the student may submit an appeal by email to accommodations.appeal@sdi.edu within thirty (30) calendar days of the decision or action being appealed. The appeal should include:

• The decision or action being appealed;
• The reason the student disagrees with the decision; and
• Any additional information the student wishes the Institute to consider.

 

Review and Decision

The Institute will review the appeal, any supporting information, and relevant institutional records. Additional information may be requested if necessary to fully evaluate the appeal. If the ADA/Section 504 Coordinator was involved in the original decision, the appeal will be reviewed by another designated institutional official who was not involved in the original determination.

The student will receive a written decision within a reasonable timeframe, generally within fifteen (15) business days of receipt of the appeal, unless additional time is needed due to the complexity of the matter or the need to obtain additional information. The decision issued through the accommodation appeal process is final.

 

Additional Complaint and Grievance Options

The accommodation appeal process is intended to address concerns regarding accommodation determinations and implementation. Students who believe they have been subjected to disability discrimination, denied equal access, experienced retaliation, or otherwise wish to raise concerns beyond an accommodation determination may utilize the Institute’s Student Grievance Procedure outlined in the current SDI Catalog.

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