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 encourages all students to complete the PE and swim requirements within their first year on campus and highly recommends that you contact us as early as possible if you anticipate the need for accommodations in order to afford adequate time to develop a reasonable accommodation plan.

Requesting Accommodations for Cornell's Swim Requirement

1. Complete a Disability Self-Disclosure Form.
2. We will review your submitted information and will let you know if we need additional information from you about your request.
3. We will discuss your access to complete water competency graduation requirement, including possible modifications or accommodations that can be implemented based on your disability. Potential accommodations include: an individual swim assessment, individual or small group swim lessons, a modified version of the requirement, or credit given for taking a related PE course. 

Requesting PE Accommodations or Considerations

Cornell offers over 100 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. Complete the Disability Self-Disclosure Form and identifying the disability-related concern associated with the taking PE courses. 
2. We will review your submitted information and will let you know if we need additional information from you about your request.
3. We will work with you and PE staff to identify courses that appear conducive to your disability access needs. 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.