Center for Access and Assistive Technology

Reasonable Accommodation

The American with Disabilities Act requires an institution of higher education to provide reasonable accommodations to a qualified individual with a documented disability, provided that accommodation does not create an undue hardship. An undue hardship refers to any accommodation that would be unduly costly, expensive, substantially disruptive, or that would fundamentally alter the nature of the program.

Reasonable accommodation is provision of an auxiliary aid, or modification to the course or program that will allow access to the educational program, material, activity, or degree. Some examples of reasonable accommodations include:

  • Making existing facilities readily accessible to, and usable by, persons with disabilities
  • Flexible time lines for program completion
  • Acquisition or modification of equipment or devices
  • Appropriate adjustments or modification of examinations or policies
  • Provision of qualified readers, note takers, and/or sign language interpreters
  • Provision of alternate print formats

NOTE: Personal care attendants are not considered a reasonable accommodation.

The Center for Access and Assistive Technology works on a case-by-case basis in the funding and provisions for reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

How to Request Accommodations

Students
 To best facilitate services, students should inform the Center for Access and Assistive Technology at least three weeks before the start of the semester of his/her need for accommodation. Students requiring special adaptive computer software or equipment are encouraged to contact the center at least six weeks before the semester begins.

Employees
Employees with disabilities who need to request reasonable accommodations should contact DeAnne Martocci at d.martocci@hvcc.edu or (518) 629-8104.

Visitors
Visitors to campus with a disability requiring reasonable accommodations, should contact the Center for Access and Assistive Technology.

Resolving Conflicts

Individuals looking to resolve any conflicts related to reasonable accommodations, should review the Resolving Conflicts section of the ADA/Section 504 Compliance Statement.