Prospective (Non-Registered) Students

Classroom Accommodations

Students who would like to explore classroom accommodations from the Office of Accessibility may use the New Student Online Application to begin the registration process.

The Registration Process is as follows:

  1. Complete the New OA Accommodations Request Form
  2. Upload any documentation that verifies your disability/condition. You may view our documentation requirements here. If you do not have any documentation or paperwork, you may download a Disability Verification Form (PDF - 313KB) to be completed by your treating specialist (Note: Do not use this form for requests for Emotional Support Animals, Housing, nor Meal Plan Accommodations. You must contact OA for forms specific to these requests). This documentation will need to be uploaded when you complete your application. If you run into any problems with the file upload page, please contact OA.
  3. Once OA has the application AND documentation you will receive confirmation by OA to your Winthrop e-mail which will instruct you to contact OA to schedule your intake appointment.

Emotional Support Animals

Students who would like to explore receiving an ESA as an accommodation will need to follow the current ESA guidelines and procedures established by OA and Residence Life.

Housing Accommodations

If a student needs to explore housing accommodations due to a medical or psychological diagnosis/ disability, OA will work with Residence Life to explore options available to ensure access to this aspect of university life. The Disability Verification Form for Housing can be requested from OA and provided to the student upon request, for completion by their treating specialist(s).

NOTE: The Office of Accessibility will work with Residence Life to explore and recommend available housing options for students with a documented disability need. As residing on campus for a students initial two (2) years is campus policy, exemption from housing or release from a housing contract may be explored with OA and Residence Life when there is documented need, and no other options (reasonable or otherwise and not based on preference) are available for the resident student. 

Meal Plan Accommodations

If a student needs to explore dining options due to a medical diagnosis/ disability, OA will work with Dining Services to explore options available through campus dining services to ensure access to this aspect of university life. The Disability Verification Form for Restricted Diet/ Food Allergy Form can be requested from OA and provided to the student upon request. Take the Residence Dining Tour to see the variety in dining options available.

NOTE: The Office of Accessibility does NOT approve meal plan exemptions, meal plan waivers, or meal plan reductions as those need to be requested through the Department of Residence Life only after:

  1. it is noted by a treating specialists (on the DVF for Restricted Diet/ Food Allergy Form) that a dietary need is necessary due to disability/ medical condition and
  2. available food options are explored and discussed between the student and campus Dining Services Manager, Chef, and Dietician and
  3. after conversation and a review of all available options, it is determined by the campus Dining Services Manager, Chef and Dietician that there are only limited available options.