Implementing Accommodations

Implementing YOUR Academic Accommodations

Implementing your academic accommodations is a very important 2-Step Process that must be completed each semester. The DSO recommends that you complete this process early in the semester, as soon as possible, to ensure that your accommodations are in place when you need them.

Accessing Accommodate / Disability Services Information

Kutztown University has implemented a new accommodation management platform called Accommodate. Your Accommodate portal will house important information about your accommodations. Please follow the step-by-step instructions below to access and navigate your Accommodate portal.

Log-in to Accommodate using this link, select “Student” if prompted, and enter your KU email and password. You may be asked to verify via SSO

  • To view your accommodation letters, select “Accommodation” > “Accessibility Letters”
    • Once the letter is open, you have the option to print or generate a PDF of the accommodation letter. To return to the full list, select “Return to List (Accommodation Letter)”
  • To submit a request for additional accommodations, select “Accommodation” > “Additional Request” > “Add New”
  • To renew your accommodations, select “Accommodation” > “Renewal Request” > “Add New”
  • To request an appointment with a DSO staff member, select “Appointment Request” > “Request New Appointment”
  • To upload a new document, including updated documentation, select “My Documents” > “Add New”
  • To view resources uploaded by the DSO, select “Resources” > “Resource Library”

Distribute Your Accommodation Letters

Distribute your accommodation letters to your professors by completing the DSO Accommodation Letter Request Form in MyKU. The form is available in MyKU starting one week prior to the beginning of each semester and summer/winter session. Follow the instructions below to access the form in MyKU:

  1. Log into Accommodate
  2. On the left-hand menu, click on "Accommodation" --> "Semester Request" 
  3. Select "Add New" 
  4. Select the upcoming semester from the "Semester" dropdown list
  5. Decide which accommodations you will be requesting 
    1. Choosing "Submit for All Accommodations" will send a list of all approved accommodations to each of your professors. 
    2. Clicking "Review the Renewal" will allow you to choose which of your approved accommodations get sent to your professors. This list currently includes any housing or dining accommodations that you are approved for, so you can remove them from what is sent if you would like to. 

Note: If you notice any of your courses do not have a professor assigned or listed, you will need to return to this request form once a professor has been assigned to it.

Your accommodation letters will be sent to your professors via email within 24 hours of submitting the form. You will receive an email in your KU email account to confirm that your accommodation letters have been sent to your professors.

Discuss Your Needs with Your Professors

After you receive the confirmation email that your letters were sent to your professors, you need to arrange a time to talk with your professors about how your accommodations will be implemented in each of their courses (see example email below). 

Please be aware that you might not be able to utilize your accommodations until you complete this step and discuss your accommodation needs with your professor.

Discussions about your accommodations can take place in-person, through Zoom or another online platform, or via phone or email. There is no need to disclose the nature of your disability to your professor, but be prepared to discuss the following:

  • What are your accommodations?
  • What are your learning needs? How can your professor help you?
  • What are your strengths and areas of weakness?
  • What learning strategies helped you most in the past?

SAMPLE Email Requesting a Meeting with Your Professor:

To: Professor Goldenbear
From: email215@live.kutztown.edu
Subject: Accommodation for HIS 101

Dear Dr. Goldenbear,
I am enrolled in your 10 AM American History course this fall and recently had my accommodation letter sent to you. I would like to meet with you to discuss my accommodations but, unfortunately, I have class during your regular office hours. Are you available at another time? I am free after 2:00 PM every day.
Thank you,
Joey Avalanche