Disability Policies
Summary
Student Disability Services (SDS) provides academic and/or environmental accommodations and services for qualified students with disabilities. This unit on campus works to support that disability services be accessible to our graduate community. Specifically, SDS,
- Establishes and disseminates criteria for disability services
- Meets with students to discuss access needs
- Receives and stores confidential disability documentation to support a student’s eligibility for disability services and accommodations
- Collaborates with faculty and staff regarding essential course and/or program requirements and appropriate reasonable accommodations
- Is a leader of diversity efforts on campus that promote disability equity and inclusion
SDS is a Cornell Health program within Student and Campus Life. Information shared with SDS is confidential. Student health care records with Cornell Health are NOT shared with SDS staff, and vice versa.
SDS is committed to providing a welcoming and affirming environment for all students. SDS recognizes that historical power and privilege have marginalized and oppressed individuals from various identities and backgrounds, contributing to health difficulties and limiting access to health care and support service.
Depending on the type of disability, accommodations might involve one or more of the following:
- Transportation
- Learning strategies
- Assistive technology
- Inclement weather procedures
- Event accessibility
- Service animals on campus
- Medical leave
- Facilities
If you are unsure where to start, visit the Disability Information for Students webpage or contact the Graduate School Office of Graduate Student Life.
Resources
The following resources can help you navigate life at Cornell with disabilities:
- Student Disability Services – Help requesting reasonable accommodations.
- Disability Information – Clearinghouse on disability-related information at Cornell.
- Cornell Health – Help with medical or psychological issues.
- Health Leave of Absence (Graduate School) – Policy and procedures for taking a health leave of absence.
- Parental Accommodation (Maternity and Paternity Options) – Policy and procedures for accommodations related to childbirth, newborn care, adoptions, foster care, and acute child health care.
- Pets on Campus – Policy for animals on university-controlled property, including service animals.
- Inclement Weather Procedures for Students with Disabilities – Protocol and accommodations for handling inclement weather, including using CU Lift and help with snow removal.
Related
- Health Leave of Absence FAQ
- Parental Accommodation
- Learning Strategies Center
- Cornell Disabilities Information
- Cornell Health
Contact
Graduate School Contact:
Janna Lamey
Senior Assistant Dean for Graduate Student Life
janna.lamey@cornell.edu
Janna can help you navigate the Cornell offices responsible for disability-related policies and accommodations.
Cornell Contact:
Register with Student Disability Services.