NMSU Disability Access Services (DAS)

Purpose

Provisional accommodations allow students to receive short-term support while completing the process of obtaining the required documentation for formal disability accommodations. This practice ensures that students with obvious disabilities or those who have disclosed a disability and are awaiting documentation from a qualified provider can maintain access to their academic environment in a timely manner.

The goal of provisional accommodations is to reduce barriers to participation and learning while maintaining compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Definition

Provisional accommodations are temporary, short-term accommodations approved by Disability Access Services (DAS) prior to the receipt of formal medical or psychological documentation. These accommodations are designed to provide immediate access and are based on:

• Observable or clearly evident disabilities, or
• A student’s self-disclosure of a disability accompanied by a reasonable explanation of a delay in obtaining documentation.

Provisional accommodations do not replace the requirement for official documentation but serve as a bridge until that information is received and reviewed by DAS.

Eligibility for Provisional Accommodations

Students may qualify for provisional accommodations when:

1. They have an obvious or visible disability (e.g., use of mobility aids, prosthetics, visual impairment, etc.); or
2. They have disclosed a disability to DAS and are in the process of obtaining documentation from a licensed medical, mental health, or educational professional; and
3. They actively engage with DAS staff in the interactive process to identify reasonable temporary supports.

 Process for Requesting Provisional Accommodations

1. Contact DAS:
   Students should contact the Disability Access Services office as soon as possible after enrolling or experiencing a condition that may require accommodations.
2. Initial Meeting:
   A DAS Access Specialist will meet with the student to discuss the nature of the disability, barriers faced, and possible accommodations.
3. Provisional Approval:
   Based on the discussion and any available information (such as hospital discharge papers, letters from a counselor, or visible impairments), DAS may issue a provisional accommodation letter to the student and instructors.
4. Documentation Timeline:
   Students are expected to provide full documentation from a qualified professional within 30 days of receiving provisional approval, unless otherwise arranged. Students can provide written documentation of a formal diagnosis from a licensed medical provider or mental health professional, or submit a completed DAS Academic Verification form
5. Final Review:
   Once documentation is received, DAS will review and determine ongoing eligibility for accommodations. Adjustments may be made based on the documentation.

Duration of Provisional Accommodations

• Provisional accommodations are typically approved for up to one semester or until the appropriate documentation is received, whichever occurs first.
• Extensions may be granted if there is a demonstrated good-faith effort to obtain documentation and continued need for support.
• Students who fail to provide documentation within the agreed-upon timeframe may have provisional accommodations suspended until appropriate materials are received. 

Examples of Provisional Accommodations

Depending on individual circumstances, examples may include:

• Extended test time or reduced-distraction testing environment
• Temporary use of assistive technology or alternative media
• Note-taking or lecture recording support
• Seating or classroom accessibility modifications
• Flexibility with attendance or deadlines

Each accommodation is tailored to the individual student through an interactive discussion.

Student Responsibilities

Students receiving provisional accommodations must:

• Maintain communication with DAS regarding progress on obtaining documentation.
• Notify DAS immediately if delays occur or additional time is needed.
• Provide updated documentation once received from the qualified provider.
• Follow all DAS policies and procedures related to approved accommodations.

Faculty Responsibilities

Faculty are expected to:

• Implement approved provisional accommodations as outlined in the DAS accommodation letter.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding the student’s disability and accommodation status.
• Contact DAS with any concerns or questions about the implementation or academic impact of provisional accommodations.

Confidentiality

All information provided to DAS, including provisional requests, is managed confidentially in accordance with federal and state privacy laws. Information is shared only as necessary to coordinate approved accommodations.