The assigned Case Manager in the Office of Adaptive Services determines what accommodations an individual will receive based on the documentation provided and conversations with the individual.  Other accommodations are negotiable based on the individual’s past experiences and benefits from such an accommodation.

When a student formally requests a specific service by completing the designated form, it then becomes the student's responsibility to follow the policies and procedures specified on that form.  Additionally, it is the individual’s responsibility to notify the Director if there are any problems with the services, such as mechanical problems, being serviced in the classroom, etc.  It is the Case Manager's responsibility to make sure that the accommodation is fixed or available at the appropriate times.

It is not the responsibility of the Case Manager or the Office of Adaptive Services to make sure that the individual is using the accommodations.  The accommodations that are offered are not the “magic trick” to success.  They are available in order to supplement the individual’s strengths and aid in combating the individual’s weaknesses.  The Office of Adaptive Services is not responsible for academic failure when the individual does not take advantage of the services that are offered.

Reasonable Accommodation

Reasonable accommodation is an accommodation that does not pose a burden or threat, either financially or physically, to the institution or the parties involved.  In addition, it is an accommodation that will not alter the fundamental nature and/or requirements of the program or institution.  The Office of Adaptive Services and FGCU will not provide an accommodation or service that will produce an undue hardship on the institutional policy, its faculty, staff, or students.  The Case Manager in the Office of Adaptive Services will determine what accommodations and services will be deemed as “unreasonable”. 

Course Substitution

Course substitutions for foreign language and mathematics disabilities are available as a reasonable accommodation.  Students who are registered with the Office of Adaptive Services and who have a documented disability in mathematics are eligible to petition the course substitution committee.  Students who are granted a substitution may choose from a list of courses to fulfill the required general education mathematics requirements.

Service Animal Policy

Students requesting the use of a service animal as an accommodation for a disability must register with the Office of Adaptive Services and provide the appropriate documentation for the disability, as is outlined in the documentation requirements.  In addition, the following information regarding the service animal is required:

1. A letter from a qualified professional  (i.e. licensed psychologist, medical doctor, qualified diagnostician) listing:
   1. the functional limitations of the disability
   2. a clear explanation of how the animal lessens the effects of the disability
   3. possible alternative accommodations, if applicable
2. Documentation of that animal’s training,( i.e. certification card, letter from training professional)

All information presented will be used in the review of the request, including consultation with the necessary departments (i.e. Housing and Residence Life).  The student will be notified in writing of the decision. 

Therapy and Companion Animals

State and Federal laws do not specifically allow individuals to be accompanied by therapy and companion animals in places of public accommodation that have “no pet” policies, such as FGCU.  Therefore, approval for these requests falls within the authority of the University regarding accommodations related to a disability.  Students requesting the use of a therapy or companion animal must follow the documentation requirements of the Office of Adaptive Services.

Housing requirements

Students approved for the use of a service animal and who live in Housing, will need to provide Housing with additional information.  Please review Housing’s service animal policy for more complete information.

Download the Office of Housing and Residence Life Service Animal Policy [.doc - 27kb]