Accommodations are individualized adjustments designed to prevent discrimination within the environment. They provide students with disabilities the equitable opportunity to engage and participate in Cornell learning and living environments. They are NOT to ensure success in a college program.   

Accommodations can vary depending on an individual’s disability and the context in which they are needed. They can include:  

1. Physical accommodations: These might involve modifications to physical spaces, such as ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms, and access to accessible parking spaces.  
2. Academic accommodations: Accommodations may involve providing alternate formats for textbooks or instructional materials (e.g., braille, audio), extended time on exams, note-taking assistance, or preferential seating.  
3. Workplace and teaching accommodations: These accommodations are designed to enable students to perform their job duties effectively. Examples include adjustable desks or chairs, specific computer equipment, or schedule adjustments. 
4. Communication accommodations: These accommodations help individuals with communication disabilities to effectively receive and convey information. This might involve Sign Language interpreters, captioning services, or written communication alternatives.  
5. Residential accommodations: Living and dining. (e.g., single room, air conditioning, individually prepared meals)  
6. Other University or program accommodations (e.g., swim requirement modification, health leave of absence, reduced course load)  

We acknowledge Cornell is a rigorous college experience. Accommodations are meant to provide you with an equal opportunity to be able to succeed and are not meant to ensure your success here. Your academic success is still up to you.  

You may have certain preferences for what accommodations may look like. When you request accommodations, we will work with you to put appropriate accommodations in place for your time here. Learn about how disability accommodations are determined and why certain preferences may not always be an appropriate accommodation.