In postsecondary settings, students are the best source of information regarding their accessibility needs. They are responsible for disclosing their disabilities or medical conditions to the Office of Accessibility and requesting accommodations.
All faculty members are expected to include an accessibility and accommodations statement on the course syllabus. Please include an accessibility statement in your syllabus, to not only create and promote a supportive, inclusive classroom environment, but also to inform students of the available campus resources.

An accessibility syllabus statement also demonstrates your course is in compliance with the Notre Dame of Maryland University policies in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

For example:

Accessibility & Accommodations Statement

Accessibility services and accommodations are available to students in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require accommodations in this course, you are strongly encouraged to contact the Director of Accessibility who will meet with you, review the documentation of your disability or medical condition, and discuss the services offered and any accommodations you seek for specific courses. 

It is extremely important that you begin this process at the beginning of the semester as accommodations are not retroactive; please do not wait until the first test or paper. Please note that it is the student’s responsibility to share any determined arrangements or accommodation plan with the course instructor as soon as possible within the semester to assist in your success.

The University also recognizes that students who are experiencing temporary medical conditions may also require accommodations. Students who are pregnant, nursing, or those with other temporary medical conditions should also contact the Office of Accessibility to discuss any accommodations requests. 

Best Practices

  • The accommodation process should be one of collaboration between student and instructor with support from the Office of Accessibility.
  • Students already working with the Office of Accessibility have provided the office with documentation of their disability or medical condition. Students will present professors with a DSS letter which outlines required and approved accommodations.
  • An accessibility statement and an announcement in class, promotes a supportive and inclusive classroom environment. A syllabus statement also demonstrates your course is in compliance with the Notre Dame of Maryland University policies in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The syllabus statement can be altered to meet the specific needs of your department/courses.
  • It is recommended that instructors for multiple section courses and labs come to an agreement on the syllabus statement used.