Accessibility Services & Accommodations

At SUNY Ulster we welcome a diverse student body and are committed to promoting access and inclusion for all members of our campus community. As such, our campus community is understanding and responsive to the needs of students with disabilities. Students who plan to request accommodations should visit or call Accessibility Services. 

To start the process of setting up accommodations, Accessibility Services needs to review the student’s documentation, such as an old IEP, 504 Plan, Evaluation, or the Disability Verification Form to be filled out by a licensed Healthcare Professional. 

Once Accessibility Services receives documentation, they will review the information and set up a meeting to discuss what accommodations are recommended based on the information submitted and the student’s experience. 

In order to implement approved accommodations, each semester the student must sign an Accommodations Release Form. This gives Accessibility Services permission to generate the student’s accommodation letters, which the student will then share with each of their professors.

Accessibility Services will help with the implementation of accommodations as needed. 

Kate Lukasavage
Coordinator of Accessibility Services
Vanderlyn 128C

Eric Fortune-Reader
Director of Accessibility Services
Vanderlyn 128F

Accessibility@ sunyulster.edu
(845) 687-5121 

 

  • All buildings and classrooms on the Stone Ridge campus are wheelchair accessible. 

  • An elevator is available in the library and library staff will retrieve materials from the mezzanine for students unable to access that area. 

  • Six elevators, located throughout the campus offer students access to all other levels of the campus. 

  • Restrooms designed to accommodate individuals with disabilities are located in each building throughout the campus. 

  • The parking lots offer parking spaces reserved for vehicles with accessibility symbols. 

  • Campus parking stickers for students with disabilities are issued by campus Security located in the Hasbrouck Building Main Lobby.

Students needing classroom and testing accommodations are encouraged to request these services before the start of the academic semester so that the necessary arrangements can be made in a timely manner.  In order to set up accommodations please submit documentation of disability to Accessibility@sunyulster.edu.  

Testing Center (HAS 101)

The Testing center proctors exams for students with approved testing accommodations. Taking an exam in the Testing Center ensures that students have access to all their approved testing accommodations.  Students who wish to take an exam in the Testing Center, must make an appointment and notify their professor. Appointments must be made at least two full business days in advance.  Appointments can be made by emailing testingcenter@sunyulster.edu and CCing the professor. The appointment email must include the date and time of the exam appointment, and the name of the course.  All information must be included in the email for the appointment to be made.

Assistive Technology

Every student computer on campus is equipped with Word and Read&Write, which is software for spelling help, text-to-speech, dictation, word look-up, and font changes. Accessibility Services can lend devices to students who have approved accommodations for that device (ex: voice recorder or Reading Pen).  Students must sign the items out at Accessibility Services in VAN 128C & 128F.  The college also subscribes to several providers of books in alternate formats.  

Classroom Changes for Mobility Disabilities

Students with mobility-related disabilities can request changes if the location or furniture is inappropriate for their needs. Most classrooms have adjustable-height standup desks.  

FAQs:

 

A:  No, accommodation letters are available all semester long, and professors must accept them anytime. However, accommodations are not retroactive, so if a student gives a professor an accommodation letter late in the semester, the professor doesn’t need to allow the student to redo things from before the accommodations letter was submitted. The student will still be entitled to all their accommodations moving forward after they have given the letter to their professor.

 A: Possibly. It depends on availability, how many other students are scheduled, and what their needs are. As soon as a student realizes they have an exam they should email for the appointment because the Testing Center may be able to accommodate them despite the late notice. Any time an appointment is made with at least two full business days of notice the Testing Center guarantee that the student’s testing accommodations are provided. When a student schedules late, then the Testing Center may be unable to secure adequate space and staffing in time to meet the student’s needs.  

 

A: Yes. Students always have the right to refuse any approved accommodation. Students can choose when and if they want to use their accommodations. 

A: Yes, notify Accessibility Services right away. Changes can be made to student accommodations as long as there is documentation supporting the need. Sometimes a file review is enough to make the requested change. Other times a healthcare provider note, new verification form, or new evaluation may be needed. The first step is notifying Accessibility Services. 

A: Yes, notify Accessibility Services right away. Students are entitled to their approved accommodations and no single professor or staff member can deny any student those accommodations.  If Accessibility Services does not know about the issue we cannot work to resolve it.

A: Students will need to provide disability documentation and should request these services early, so the College can make the necessary arrangements. All Disability documentation should be submitted to Accessibility Services.  Acceptable disability documentation is either:

  • A psycho-educational evaluation, neuro-psych evaluation, or psychological evaluation

  • An IEP or 504 plan or other supporting evaluations 

  • The Disability Verification Form completed by an appropriate professional