Student Accessibility Services

Welcome! The Office of Accessibility Services office assists students with a qualified disability in meeting their academic and personal goals. Within the bounds of our resources, Gwynedd Mercy University will provide reasonable accommodations to meet the challenges and needs of students with a qualified disability.   

If you are a student with a qualified disability, choose from the links below to learn more about available services and the application and documentation process. All students seeking services must first complete the application process.

Below, you will find more information for the following topics:

  • Applying for Student Accessibility Services
  • Application Procedures
  • Documentation Requirements
  • Housing Accommodation Requests
  • Emotional Support Animal (ESA)
  • Contact Us
  • Additional Resources

Additional information is available in the Student Accessibility Services Manual (PDF).

You can make a request for accommodations pertaining to learning, psychological, and/or physical disabilities at the time of your acceptance to Gwynedd Mercy University or any time thereafter. The request must be made by you, the student, in person, by email, or via submission of the Student Accessibility Services Accommodation Application (PDF). Please note that other forms of contact such as phone calls or disclosures to other University staff or faculty are not recognized as requests for accommodations.

If you self-identify as having a disability and request accommodations, you are responsible for submitting appropriate documentation and following the procedures listed below. Please allow sufficient time for the administrative processing of the application. GMercyU cannot make any accommodations without completing this process. 

Accommodation requests are assessed on a case-by-case basis, and the accommodations are based on each student's individual and unique needs. Please be aware the review, approval, and orientation process can take up to six weeks. It will benefit you to submit your application and documentation at least six to eight weeks before the start of your first course. If all documentation is not submitted, additional time may be needed.

Please follow the steps below to apply for accommodations. 

  1. Please email AccessibilityServices@gmercyu.edu to discuss your request. 
  2. If this is your first time requesting accommodations from The Office of Accessibility Services, please complete the Student Accessibility Services Accommodation Application (PDF).
    1. The Health Care Professional Form section must be completed by an appropriate, certified professional and not a family member. 
    2. Gwynedd Mercy University reserves the right to request additional documentation. 
  3. All completed documentation should be submitted to accessibilityservices@gmercyu.edu.   
  4. The Director of Accessibility Services will contact you once documentation has been received and reviewed to request a meeting. At the intake meeting, you will have an opportunity to discuss your experiences and how your disability impacts your education. You can also discuss some accommodations you find helpful. This meeting is a collaborative and individualized process.
    1. Please be aware the review, approval, and orientation process can take up to six weeks. It will benefit you to submit your application and documentation at least six to eight weeks before the start of your first course. If all documentation is not submitted, additional time may be needed. 
    2. Accommodations are not retroactive and cannot be applied to previous tests or assignments. 
  5. The Director of Accessibility Services will contact you to request a meeting once your documentation has been received and reviewed.
  6.  If a student qualifies for specific accommodation(s), a letter outlining the approved accommodation will be developed and given to the student either in person or electronically.
    1. The Director of Accessibility Services will forward letters to students for all of their classes and instruct students to give each of their professors a letter.
    2. Students must provide their letters to their professors to activate their accommodations. Not all accommodations may be approved for all courses; some accommodations are unique to a specific course or prohibited in a certain course.
  7. Students should meet privately with their professors to explain their needs and accommodations for each individual course.
  8.  If the Director of Accessibility Services determines the student does not qualify for an accommodation, a letter outlining the decision and reason for the decision will be developed and forwarded to the student.
  9. If the student disagrees will the decision regarding eligibility or the reasonable accommodation offered, then the student can discuss their concerns with the Director of Accessibility Services. 

If they would like to file a formal complaint, a student may choose this option if attempts at prior resolution have been unsuccessful. A signed, written summary of events must be submitted to the Dean of Student Success within 30 days of the initiation of the grievance process (see the University Catalog for the process).

All documentation in support of a disability should be reflective of the current, functional impact of the condition or impairment. Current testing and evaluations should have been completed within the past three to five years. Additionally, updated documentation may be requested, in some circumstances, where documentation is outdated or when ongoing treatment is being provided. Interviews with the student and other involved persons are viewed as an important part of the process and can provide valuable information to augment the documentation.

Documentation for Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Physical, Neurological or Psychological Disabilities:

  • Healthcare Professional Form in the Disability Application OR an original letter from the evaluating professional that includes the following areas: a clearly stated, specific diagnosis; a description of the symptoms; a description of the current functional limitations of the condition; an explanation of the impact of the condition on the academic and/or housing environment; and recommendations of appropriate accommodations.
  • A written evaluation by a psychiatrist, neurologist, licensed psychologist, or other qualified professional.
  • 504 Plan and the completed Healthcare Practitioner form. 504 Plans submitted without supporting documentation will be accepted as supplemental information only and not the primary supporting document.

Documentation for Learning Disability:

  • Comprehensive Psycho-educational Evaluation Report or Re-evaluation Report by a school district, neurologist, licensed psychologist, or other qualified professional; the report should include results of psycho-educational testing.
  • An IEP, Summary of Performance will be accepted as supplemental information only and not the primary supporting document. The AHEAD Best Practices: Disability Documentation in Higher Education was used in developing these guidelines.

All requests for Housing accommodations for returning students must be submitted directly to Accessibility Services. If the accommodation is approved, Housing accommodation letters must be submitted to the Director of Residence Life no later than March 28, 2026.

Requests for Housing accommodations for new/incoming students are due to the Director of Accessibility Services no later than May 1, 2025. Approved Housing accommodations letters must be submitted to the Director of Residence Life no later than May 15, 2026.

This procedure is NOT a housing application, but a request for accessibility-related housing accommodations only. You must also comply with Residence Life housing applications, guidelines, forms, and deadlines to apply for campus housing

If you are seeking housing accommodations, please make your request via the Student Accessibility Services Accommodation Application (PDF). Determinations are based on the documentation and information received. An application that is incomplete or received after the deadline may result in a housing assignment that does not meet your needs.

Factors given consideration for special housing requests:

  1. Is the impact of the condition life-threatening if the request is not met?
  2. Is the request an integral component of a treatment plan prescribed by a medical professional for the condition in question?
  3. Is space available to meet the student’s need?
  4. Can space be adapted without creating a safety hazard?
  5. Are there other effective means that would achieve similar benefits as the requested accommodation?
  6. How does meeting the documented need impact housing commitments for other students?
  7. Is the cost of meeting the need prohibitive?
  8. Was the request made by the deadline?

Please note: Private room accommodations are rare. We make every attempt to find reasonable accommodations for those conditions that are covered under the ADA.

Once a determination is made regarding a housing accommodation, written notification will be sent to you. You should review the notification and sign it and return it to the Director of Accessibility Services. If you are approved for housing accommodations, you must meet with the Director of Accessibility Services annually to renew your request.

If you are planning to live on campus and have the need for an Emotional Support Animal (ESA), you can make a request through the Office of Accessibility Services. Before making your request, please thoroughly read GMercyU's ESA Policy. Upon reading the policy, please sign the last page. You will also need to fill out both the ESA Registration form and the ESA Animal Information form. Please send all completed documentation to accessibilityservices@gmercyu.edu.

Each semester, students testing with accommodations are required to submit their Letter of Accommodation to their professors and the Testing Coordinator. Students should email TestingAccommodations@gmercyu.edu to send their letter to the Testing Coordinator and to schedule tests at the Testing Center. Each test should be scheduled with the Testing Center at least a week in advance.

  • Testing Center Hours
    • 8:30am-4:30pm Monday-Friday
    • Additional hours in evenings and on weekends are available by request.

  • Testing Center Guidelines
    Learn about the process for scheduling a test with the Testing Center
     
  • Testing Center Rules
    Learn about the rules students must follow when testing with the Testing Center

Contact Us

The Office of Accessibility Services is located in the 2nd floor of Keiss Library, Room 201.

Hours: Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Zack Hulings, Director of Accessibility Services
215-646-7300, ext. 21033
AccessibilityServices@gmercyu.edu 

Michelle Ludlow, Assistant Director of Accessibility Services
215-646-7300, ext. 21463
TestingAccommodations@gmercyu.edu 

Gwynedd Mercy University does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, national origin, religion, sex or disability in the administration of its educational, admission, scholarship or loan policies.

Student Accessibility Resources

Here are helpful links, guided directions, and documentation on disabilities, learning differences, accessibility, and assistive technology.

GleanGlean is a notetaking and study tool that can help you become more independent with note taking and more efficient with studying. Learn more from the Glean Handout or reach out to our office.

icon_readwrite-logo.pngRead&Write is an assistive technology toolbar with multiple capabilities such as screen reading and speech dictation. Learn more from the Read&Write Handout or reach out to our office.


Reader Pens
  • Reader Pens are available to check out from the Library. They are physical, pen-like devices that can scan text in a book or piece of paper and read the text aloud. Learn more or reach out to the Library or our office.

Free and Built-In Assistive Technology
  • Most devices, apps, and programs have built-in assistive technology features today. They usually can be found in a section called “Accessibility” within the settings. There are also countless free assistive technology apps and programs. Check out our extensive list of Free and Built-In Assistive Technology for more information.

Other Technology Resources

The Office of Accessibility Services has been highlighting different disabilities during 2023 through monthly awareness handouts.

ADHD
  • ADHD Myths and Misunderstandings
    Learn some of the most common “myths” about ADHD, and what the actual truth is.
  • LD Online
    LD Online is the leading website on Specific Learning Disabilities and Learning Differences. You will find guidance on ADHD, dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, reading difficulties, speech and related disorders.
  • Succeeding in College with ADHD
    A short article with tips for current or prospective college students who have ADHD.
  • Please see Additional Info on ADHD for more information and resources.
Autism
Chronic Illness
Down Syndrome
Hearing
Intellectual Disability
  • Paying for College
    See what financial resources, such as scholarships and financial aid, are available for students with intellectual disability
  • Rethinking College
    A 25-mute film from Think College that sheds light on the movement to include students with intellectual disability in higher education.
  • Think College
    Think College strives for inclusiveness in higher education for students with intellectual disabilities
  • Please see Additional Info on Intellectual Disability for more information and resources.
Mental Health
Mobility
Specific Learning Disabilities / Learning Differences
  • LD Online
    LD Online is the leading website on learning disabilities and learning differences. You will find guidance on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, dysnomia, reading difficulties, speech and related disorders.
  • Resource Guide for Students with Learning Disabilities
    Check out what resources are generally available at colleges for students with learning disabilities.
  • Understood
    Understood focuses on empowering people who learn and think differently and those who support them, offering customized, accessible resources and a compassionate community. 
  • Please see Additional Info on Learning Differences or the above section on Assistive Technology for more information and resources.
Vision
  • American Foundation for the Blind (AFB)
    The AFB aims to create a world of no limits for people who are blind or visually impaired. 
  • National Federation of the Blind (NFB)
    Through their network of blind members, the NFB coordinates many programs, services, and resources to defend the rights of blind Americans, provide information and support to blind children and adults, and build a community that creates a future full of opportunities.
  • Vision Handout
    Check out The Office of Accessibility Services' January & February 2023 Handout on Vision! 
  • Please see Additional Info on Vision or the above section on Assistive Technology for more information and resources.

Financial Aid and Tuition
Learn more about the Financial Aid process at Gwynedd Mercy University.

Scholarships & Awards
The National Center for Learning Disabilities webpage with available scholarships and awards.

Please see Additional Info on Financial Resources to learn more.

Career Development Center
Learn about Gwynedd Mercy University’s Career Development Center and the resources it has to offer.

College & Career Guide for Students with Disabilities
An all-inclusive article with tips for navigating college, scholarships, and careers for students with disabilities.

Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
JAN offers free, expert, and confidential guidance on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues.

Please see Additional Info on Jobs & Employment to learn more.

Mindfulness and meditation can have a positive impact on both our mental and physical health. Learn more about the benefits of mindfulness, meditation, and breathing from these links.

Here are some apps to help you learn and practice meditation in your daily life. These links go to websites with information about the app, but to download the app, go to the App Store or Google Play Store on your phone or tablet and search for it.

Notetaking is an important part of being successful in college, however, there isn’t one right way to do it. Here are some tips and strategies for effective notetaking, as well as a few recommended notetaking tools and programs.

Reach out to the Student Success Center and request to meet with an Academic Coach to further grow your notetaking abilities.

Please see Additional Info on Notetaking for more information and resources.

Association on Higher-Education And Disability (AHEAD)
AHEAD is the leading professional membership association for individuals committed to equity for persons with disabilities in higher education.

A Handbook for Parents and Students with Disabilities
A handbook created by The University of Montana, Missoula to help students transition from high school to college.

An Open Letter to Parents of Students with Disabilities about to Enter College

Please see Additional Info on Other Resources to learn more.