1. Submit a Request

Complete the New Student Application if you’re not already registered with DAS. If you are interested specifically in an ESA or Single Room accommodation, please view the “Housing and ESA Requests” section below.

Submitting a request begins a review process. It does not automatically result in accommodations. DAS will look at your individual situation and how it impacts your access at Berea.

2. Provide Documentation

What to Submit

You do not need documentation to get started. You can submit a request first and provide documentation after.

Documentation should help explain:

• how your condition affects you
• how it impacts your access in classes, housing, or campus life
• why accommodations may be needed in this setting

Before submitting documentation, make sure your provider understands what you are requesting and how your condition affects you in a college setting.

Preferred Option: Ask your provider to complete the Provider Verification Form via DocuSign (fast, secure, and sent directly to DAS).

Other options: Signed letter or evaluation on official letterhead

How to Submit:

• Upload through AIM
• Email to dasoffice@berea.edu
• Bring to DAS (Hutchins Annex 0247)

Important: Health summaries, medication lists, or after-visit notes are not sufficient on their own.

3. Meet with DAS

After reviewing your information, a DAS Specialist will meet with you to talk through your experiences and any barriers you are encountering. You can schedule a meeting based on your needs through Bookings.

Accommodations are determined on a case-by-case basis through this interactive process.

Not all requests result in accommodations, but this meeting helps determine what support may be appropriate.

If accommodations are approved, you will receive instructions on how to notify your professors.

*Housing & ESA Requests

Housing accommodations, such as single rooms and ESAs, follow a separate process because they involve additional offices and policies.

These requests may require additional documentation and time for review.

Visit the Accommodations page for details and required forms.

Disability & Accessibility Services (DAS) provides accommodations to support equal access to classes, housing, and campus programs at Berea.

Accommodations are designed to reduce barriers and support equal access. They do not guarantee academic outcomes, provide ongoing individualized support, or change the essential requirements of a course or program.

How decisions are made

DAS reviews each request individually to understand how a condition is affecting your access in this setting.

Decisions are based on:

• your experiences and barriers
• supporting documentation (when available)
• the requirements of your courses or living environment

Not all requests result in accommodations, and approved accommodations may look different from what you have used in the past.

How college accommodations are different

Accommodations in college are different from those in high school.

• An IEP or 504 Plan does not automatically transfer to college
• Accommodations are not retroactive
• Students are responsible for requesting and using their accommodations
• The accommodations received in an IEP or 504 may not be applicable in a college environment
• Accommodations must align with course or program requirements

What to expect

If you are approved for accommodations:

• You will receive an email from DAS with instructions on how to send a formal accommodation letter to your professors, through AIM
• You are responsible for sharing your letter with your professors
• DAS can help if you have questions or run into challenges

If you are not approved for a specific request, DAS will talk with you about other options or next steps.

If you have questions about a decision or believe something may have been misunderstood, we encourage you to contact DAS to discuss your concerns.

Students also have the option to request a formal review of decisions through the College’s appeal process.

Still have questions?

If you’re unsure how this applies to your situation, you’re encouraged to start the process or contact DAS to talk through your options.

What DAS Does

DAS works with students to determine and coordinate accommodations that support access to classes, housing, and campus programs.

• Academic accommodations
• Labor accommodations
• Dining accommodations
• Housing accommodations
• Appeals and Grievance Processes

What DAS Does Not Do

DAS does not assign housing, change course requirements, or guarantee specific outcomes. We work with campus partners to support access, but other offices manage their own processes.

Not sure where to go? Start here:

• Housing assignments or room changes → Housing
• Dining concerns or meal plans → Dining Services
• Classroom concerns → Faculty or DAS