Accessibility Services
Southwestern makes every effort to provide reasonable accommodations for students with attentional, medical, psychological, learning, or temporary disabilities through the Student Services Office. Examples of accommodations include recorded lectures, notetaking assistance, adjustable chairs, extra time on exams, reduced distraction rooms, use of voice recognition software during exams, etc.
Those requiring accommodations for a disability should complete the form using the following link to initiate the application process to request accommodations. Students should apply for accommodations as early as possible to provide sufficient time for the review process to be completed.
Indicating a disability on the admissions application does not serve to provide notice to Southwestern of a student's need for accommodations during law school. Students who do not seek accommodations need not make their disabilities known.
It is the policy and practice of Southwestern to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and state and local requirements regarding students and applicants with disabilities.
Accommodations Process
- Step 1: Identify the Need
Student responsibility: Recognize a disability, medical condition, mental health concern, or temporary injury that may impact academic participation.
Considerations:
- Accommodations are not automatic—students must request them.
- Some conditions may qualify for temporary or “provisional” accommodations.
- Step 2: Gather Documentation
Student responsibility: Obtain current documentation from a qualified professional (e.g., physician, psychologist, therapist).
Documentation should include:
- Diagnosis and functional limitations.
- Recommended accommodations (though the school makes the final decision).
Considerations:
- Institutions may have specific documentation guidelines (recency, provider credentials, etc.).
- International students may need to translate documentation.
- Step 3: Submit Accommodation Request
How: Complete the school’s accommodation intake form and submit supporting documentation.
Where: Typically to Accessibility Services, or our 504 Coordinator.
Considerations:
- Deadlines may exist (e.g., for final exams).
- Early requests are encouraged, but requests can be made anytime.
- Confidentiality applies; only relevant staff/faculty are informed.
- Step 4: Intake & Interactive Process
Accessibility Coordinator responsibility: Meet with the student to discuss needs, review documentation, and explain rights and responsibilities.
Interactive process includes:
- Identifying barriers in the academic environment.
- Exploring reasonable accommodations.
- Clarifying what the institution can and cannot provide.
Considerations:
- Accommodations must be effective but not alter essential program requirements.
- Some accommodations (e.g., reduced course load, remote attendance) may involve multiple offices.
- Step 5: Determination of Accommodations
Decision: Accessibility Coordinator conducts an internal review to either approve or deny accommodations.
Student receives: An official letter or notice listing approved accommodations.
Considerations:
- Approval is individualized; not all requested accommodations may be granted.
- Provisional accommodations may be granted pending final documentation.
- Step 6: Implementation
Accessibility Services Coordinator responsibility: Implement accommodations without delay.
Considerations:
- Students should give advance notice (e.g., ideally 8 weeks before exams).
- Some accommodations (like assistive technology) require setup time.
- Step 7: Monitoring & Follow-Up
Student responsibility: Notify the Accessibility@swlaw.edu if there are issues accessing accommodations or if circumstances change.
Considerations:
- Adjustments may be made mid-semester.
- Students may need updated documentation if they are requesting new accommodations beyond those previously received.
- Step 8: Appeals & Grievances
If denied: Students have the right to appeal the decision through the Disability Accommodations Policy’s grievance process.
Considerations:
- Appeals go to the Associate Dean for Student Services.
- Students also retain rights under the ADA and Section 504.
- Key Considerations Across the Process
Confidentiality: Information is shared only on a need-to-know basis.
Professionalism: Students must communicate promptly with staff and faculty.
Equity vs. Advantage: Accommodations are designed to provide equal access, not unfair advantage.
Timing: Early requests ensure smoother implementation, especially for exams or MPRE/Bar-related accommodations.
Proactive Planning: Students planning to sit for the MPRE/bar exam should keep detailed accommodation records.