Student Disability Services (SDS) works with students whose disabilities affect their ability to fully participate in PE courses or Cornell's Water Competency Graduation (Swim) Requirement. We do this by developing an accommodation plan in consultation with Physical Education staff. 

Cornell requires the PE and swim requirements be completed within your first year on campus and highly recommends that you contact us as early as possible if you anticipate the need for accommodations. This allows adequate time to develop a reasonable accommodation plan. Waiting may impact your ability to graduate on time.

Requesting Accommodations for Cornell's Swim Requirement

SDS will work with you, in consultation with the PE department, to explore modifications that would allow you to fully participate and meet the requirement.  

1. Review the different ways in which the swim requirement can be fulfilled. It can be met by either passing the swim test or completing Beginning Swim class(es).
2. Complete a Disability Self-Disclosure Form and let us know which part(s) of the swim requirement you may have concerns about.
3. We will review your submitted information in consultation with appropriate PE staff and will let you know if we need additional information from you about your request.
4. We will follow up with you about possible modifications or accommodations that can be implemented based on your disability.
   • Modifications may include: taking the Beginning Swim Class(es) with accommodations, having an individual swim assessment, individual or small group swim lessons, or a modified version of the test requirements.
   • Often, these arrangements are made during a facilitated conversation with you and appropriate PE staff. They will show you the pool and work with you while in the pool to assess where modifications may need to be made for the requirement.
   • If it is determined that your disability makes you unable to fulfill the swim requirement, either with or without modifications, the next step would be to explore approving you to enroll in a substitute course to fulfill the requirement. 

Don't wait to initiate this process. We encourage you to reach out in your first semester. This process takes time. Waiting until later may impact your ability to graduate on time. 

Requesting PE Accommodations or Considerations

Cornell offers over 250 PE courses ranging from low to high physical exertion levels that appeal to a wide variety of interests, skill levels, and physical abilities. Many students are able to identify and enroll in courses that will be conducive to their individual interests and needs. If you are concerned about finding a PE course due to your disability, you should: 

1. Review the PE requirement and the PE courses offered.
2. Complete the Disability Self-Disclosure Form and identify the disability-related concern associated with the taking PE courses.
3. We will review your submitted information and will let you know if we need additional information from you about your request.
4. We can work with you and PE staff to identify courses that may work for you. We can also explore implementing accommodations so that you can fully participate in a desired course.
   • Potential accommodations might include: rest breaks during class, modifying certain aspects of the course activities, or providing adapted course equipment. 

Don't wait to initiate this process. We encourage you to reach out in your first year. This process takes time. Waiting until later may impact your ability to graduate on time.