Student Handbook

Students with Disabilities

Simmons College is committed to the full participation of all students in its programs and activities. Although Simmons has no specific academic program for students with disabilities who are otherwise qualified for admission, Simmons is committed to providing support services and reasonable accommodations when requested by students who qualify for them.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (the ADA) protect otherwise qualified individuals with disabilities from discrimination on the basis of their disabilities. Both Section 504 and the ADA protect the following persons: those who have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity, those who have a record of impairment, or anyone who is regarded as having an impairment.

The process for obtaining a reasonable accommodation for a documented disability is an interactive one that begins with the student's disclosure of her/his disability along with the request for a reasonable accommodation. Every Simmons student who is seeking an accommodation for a disability must provide Simmons with sufficient current medical documentation from a qualified clinician or health care provider that supports the request for an accommodation and sets forth suggestions for accommodations. Information regarding the specific documentation requirements is available on line at http://my.simmons.edu/services/disability/index.shtml.

Documentation should be directed to the Disability Services office, located in the Center for Academic Achievement. Students should then call to schedule an appointment with Disability Services staff to officially register with the office. Simmons students who have identified themselves as having a disability and who are seeking an accommodation as a result of their disabilities must register with the Disability Services office before accommodations will be approved. The ADA Compliance Officer/Disability Services Director is responsible for ensuring that the College is in compliance with federal legislation and serves as an advocate for students with disabilities. Timeliness is an integral part of the accommodation process. Students should initiate the process for obtaining accommodations no later than the start of the course in which they are seeking the accommodation or as soon as possible. Academic accommodations for a disability are not granted retroactively.

ADA compliance officer/disability Services Director
Center for Academic Achievement

One Palace Road, Suite P-304
617-521-2474