Process for requesting a review of an SAS decision regarding an accommodation:
Student Accessibility Services (SAS) receives and responds to students’ requests for accommodations by engaging in an interactive process with each student on an individualized, case-by-case basis. Through the interactive process, SAS engages with a student to understand the impact of their condition(s) on them and determine reasonable and appropriate accommodations or auxiliary aids and services to mitigate the impact in the academic, residential, employment or campus setting.
If a student’s accommodation request is denied, the student has the option to request a review of the decision. This review allows the student to present any additional details or context that may not have been initially considered.
Request for Review
If a student disagrees with the decision(s) made by the SAS Accommodations Committee, they may request a review by sending a written request via email to the SAS Director, Kimberly McKeown. In this request, the student can include any new information or further explanation about the requested accommodation that was not previously shared with SAS.
The Director may meet with the student as part of the review process. All information submitted by the student, including self-report, documentation, and other written material, will be considered. Some requests may require the Director to engage with appropriate administrators at the university for feasibility of potential accommodations. If so, the Director will only share information related to disability barriers to understand requirements or fundamental alterations. After reviewing the information, the Director will inform the student of the outcome in writing via email.
Request for Appeal
If a student’s accommodation request has been denied through the review process by the SAS Director, they may file an appeal with the Office of Institutional Equity and Accessibility (OIEA). To do so, the student must complete the Student Appeal of Disability Accommodation Request Form.
In the appeal, the student should:
- Summarize their condition and how it affects them.
- Describe the accommodation they are requesting.
- Include any new or additional documentation or information that supports their request.
The student must also give SAS permission to share relevant materials, such as their self-report, documentation, and other related information, with OIEA for the appeal review. OIEA will keep all student information confidential.
Jamaal Thomas, Deputy ADA Coordinator, OIEA, or a designee, may meet with the student during the appeal process. After evaluating the student’s appeal and supporting materials, the Deputy ADA Coordinator will notify both the student and SAS of the final decision via email. There is no further appeal after OIEA’s decision.
Discrimination Complaint Procedure
The Office of Institutional Equity and Accessibility (OIEA) plays a leadership role in the university’s efforts to provide equitable treatment and accessibility within Yale’s programs and activities. This includes administering Yale’s Policy Against Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct.
OIEA encourages any student, faculty member, staff member, or applicant for employment or programs at Yale who has concerns about discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct or related retaliation to report their concern to the office. The Deputy ADA Coordinator or their designee, when handling an appeal of a SAS denied accommodation, will not review discrimination related concerns brought to OIEA that are connected to the appeal.