Appeals, Concerns, and Discrimination

Appeals of Accommodation Determinations

Accessibility Services is committed to an interactive process that evaluates each student’s requests on a case-by-case basis to determine appropriate, reasonable accommodations that provide equal access to opportunities provided to students at Ohio University. While Accessibility Services cannot guarantee an outcome that meets each student’s personal preferences, students can be assured that Accessibility Services will thoroughly review all relevant information and may consult with necessary experts to determine appropriate accommodations.  

Access Coordinators may request additional documentation if a student’s accommodation request is not supported. Students should work with their providers to gather the requested information quickly. If an accommodation request is not supported after providing all requested documentation, students may file an appeal using the Accommodation Appeal Form within ten working days of receiving the determination. 

The form should be completed thoroughly by the student. When submitted, the form will be reviewed by an appeal review committee, which consists of the Assistant Dean for Accessibility/ADA Coordinator and both regional and the Athens campus Access Coordinators. Your assigned coordinator can submit information regarding your request, such as documentation and email correspondence, but cannot vote on appeal approval/denial. The committee may also consult with subject-area experts, such as advisors, qualified medical professionals, and Ohio University faculty/staff as needed. Students can expect to receive the final determination as a written response to their Ohio University email within ten working days of submitting the appeal and any requested information. Students who submit documentation that describes new disability symptoms or diagnoses during the appeal process will be referred to their Access Coordinator.

If a student believes they have been denied equal access either in the form of eligibility, appropriate and reasonable accommodations, and/or auxiliary aids as defined in the University’s nondiscrimination policies, the student may contact University Equity and Civil Rights Compliance (ECRC). ECRC does not grant or administer student accommodations but may investigate and make a determination of whether Ohio University Policy 03.003 has been violated. 

Procedure for Concerns Regarding Faculty Response to Accommodations

If you have concerns about the way an instructor has responded to your request for accommodation or the manner in which the accommodation is being implemented, it is important that you speak with your assigned Accessibility Coordinator immediately to facilitate a resolution. Your Accessibility Coordinator can work with you, the instructor, and other relevant administrators (i.e. Course Coordinator, Department Chair, Dean) as necessary to help facilitate a resolution. 

If you are dissatisfied with the outcome as resolved by your Accessibility Coordinator, you may follow the same steps of appeal as outlined above (by contacting the Director for Accessibility, and then the ADA/504 Coordinator) for further review and resolution.

Procedure for Reporting Discrimination Concerns

University Equity and Civil Rights Compliance (ECRC) ensures that the University maintains an employment and educational environment that is free from discrimination and harassment. Ohio University Policy (03-003) states “in compliance with federal law, no qualified individual with a disability shall be discriminated against or excluded from: consideration for employment; participation in or the benefits of the services, programs or activities of Ohio University.” 

Individuals who believe the University may not be meeting these responsibilities or who believe they have been discriminated against based on their disability may contact: 
Equity and Civil Rights Compliance
Lindley Hall Room 006
740-593-9140

or may file a complaint online.