How to Register

The Access Center recognizes disability as an integral part of diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive and equitable educational environment for students with disabilities. Interested students are encouraged to follow the steps to register for services below.

For high school students with disabilities, we know the transition to college is important. We encourage students, parents/guardians, and high school transition coordinators to learn about the resources available in college for students with disabilities. The Access Center is happy to answer any questions you may have about the transition process.

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Note: If you are interested in registering with our office but are not an enrolled MSU Denver student, please contact our office for assistance:

• Phone: 303-615-0200
• Email: [email protected]

To receive accommodations and services, students must first complete our registration process. We strive to make this a simple and quick process.

1. Follow the steps in our Student Guide for Registering with the Access Center.
2. Remember to upload your Disability Documentation in the Accommodations Hub.  Documentation is not required for your accommodation eligibility appointment, though it helps in expediting the registration process. Students who do not have a documented disability are encouraged to schedule an informational meeting with our office to learn more about assessment resources on campus and in the community.
3. The accommodation eligibility appointment usually lasts between 60 to 90 minutes, during which the student and the Accessibility Coordinator engage in an interactive process to assess and determine the need for accommodations.

All appointments are private and all disclosed disability information and documentation is handled in a confidential manner.

NOTE: It is recommended that students establish an ongoing relationship with their accessibility coordinator to ensure needs are appropriately met. Students who utilize the resources available to them also tend to be more successful in their academic environment.

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Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, individuals with disabilities are guaranteed certain protections and rights of equal access to programs and services. The rational for seeking disability documentation is to determine the nature of the student’s disability and the need for requested accommodations. Ensuring that “accommodations” provide effective access requires a deliberative and collaborative process that is responsive to the unique experience of each individual, as advised by the ADA. Besides reviewing documentation, an Access Center Accessibility Coordinator will engage in a structured exchange with the student to explore previous educational experiences, past use of accommodations, and what has been effective and ineffective in providing access.

Criteria for the source, scope and content of documentation differs by disability type. Documentation may include assessments, reports, and/or letters from qualified evaluators, professionals, or institutions. Common sources of documentation are health care providers, psychologists, psychiatrists, therapists, and/or information from a previous school (e.g., Individualized Education Plan (IEP)/ 504 Plan/ Summary of Performance (SOP).

Suggested Documentation Elements:

1. Typed on letterhead, dated, and signed by a qualified professional.
2. Diagnosed disability or disabilities.
3. Described impact or symptoms of the disability.
4. If applicable, discuss the severity and/or expected progression.
5. If applicable, list of medication and any side effects that impact functioning.
6. If applicable, current and/or past accommodations.
7. Any recommended accommodations.

To assist with getting the necessary information from a provider, students may utilize the Access Center’s Disability Documentation Form [PDF]. Students can send this form to their provider to complete. Once complete, the provider will send it back to the student, who can then upload it via the Accommodations Hub.

Documentation is not required to meet with an Accessibility Coordinator, though it is helpful in expediting the accommodation eligibility process. Students who do not have documentation are encouraged to schedule an informational appointment with an Accessibility Coordinator to learn more about access to assessments on campus and in the community.

Community Assessment Resources

If you are seeking options available in the community to be assessed for a Learning Disability (LD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), or Autism Spectrum, our Community Assessment Resource List [DOCX] contains a list of providers and information to aid you in your search. Please note: This is a resource list only. The Access Center does not provide specific recommendations for any of the agencies or professionals listed.

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Students seeking accommodations because of medically related complications due to pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, or recovery should follow the steps in our Student Guide for Registering with the Access Center.  Please review the Guidelines Concerning Pregnant Students [PDF] for more details.

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What are Temporary Accommodations?

Temporary academic accommodations are available for students experiencing short-term impairment that impacts their ability to fully participate in academic activities. These impairments may include, but are not limited to:

• Concussions
• Broken limbs
• Recovery from surgery or injury

The goal of these accommodations is to minimize the impact of a temporary impairment and ensure continued access to learning during recovery. Accommodations are determined on a case-by-case basis, based on medical documentation and the functional limitations of the impairment.

Examples of Temporary Academic Accommodations

• Extended time on exams or assignments
• Access to accessible classroom furniture
• Use of assistive technology or alternate formats

Although the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) does not obligate an institution to provide services to individuals with temporary conditions, MSU Denver recognizes the challenges a temporary condition can create.

How to Request Temporary Accommodations

Students should follow the steps in our Student Guide for Registering with the Access Center.

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