Please be assured that the Office of Disability and Accommodations (ODA) is here to help students with disabilities in every step of the process, and the staff is available for a meeting if students need more guidance.

Moravian University, Moravian Theological Seminary, and Lancaster Theological Seminary adhere to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008 in ensuring accessibility of its programs and services. We welcome all students with disabilities to Moravian University, Moravian Theological Seminary, and Lancaster Theological Seminary. The ODA staff provides reasonable accommodations and accessibility for students with disabilities enrolled in the University and Seminary. The office also serves as a resource for other departments regarding disability support. We value a collaborative, interactive process as we work with students to establish services.

The following steps outline the Disclosure Process.  Please note that students are required to use their Moravian University, Moravian Theological Seminary, or Lancaster Theological Seminary email when completing a request.

1. In order to submit an Accommodation Request, click on the "Request an Accommodation" button below or use this link.   

2. Submit comprehensive documentation.  Visit the documentation guidelines section below for more detailed information.  If you do not have the documentation at this time, you can submit the documentation later.   

3. Once the Office of Disability and Accommodations receives the completed intake form and documentation, your file will be reviewed.  Please allow two weeks for the Office of Disability and Accommodations to review the student's materials.  

4. After the staff reviews documentation, they will contact the student using the student's Moravian email address and request that the student schedule an appointment.  Initial appointments will be virtual using Zoom.

5. During the meeting, the Office of Disability and Accommodations staff member will discuss the following with the student:

• The impact of the disability.
• Reasonable accommodations that the student may find helpful based upon disability-related functional limitations.
• The services the student used in the past.
• Beneficial support services.
• The Office of Disability and Accommodations staff and the student will discuss how to communicate and work with their professors and other appropriate departments to implement their accommodations. 
• The Office of Disability and Accommodations staff member will explain how to request approved services.
• The staff will send letters of accommodation to professors or other appropriate departments.

Please note:  Accommodations are only approved through the Office of Disability and Accommodations approval process and are not retroactive.

The following guidelines assure that documentation is complete and accurate.  

1. Relevancy
   Documentation must be current and dated within three years of requesting accommodations as this is an individual process.  If documentation is beyond a three-year window, there may be circumstances in which it is appropriate and relevant.  Documentation beyond the three-year window often does not include updated medical information and refers to a student's elementary and middle school experience.  Documentation from the student's elementary and middle school experience does not provide enough information relevant to the high school educational experience.  It also does not identify the functional limitations and accommodations needed.    
    
2. Qualified Professionals
   Qualified professionals who have direct experience with the disability must complete the evaluation.  The evaluation must contain the following information:
    
   1. Date(s) of evaluation, visit, or service.
   2. The evaluation should be typed on the healthcare provider letterhead and contain the name, title, credentials, and state and license number of the professional, be dated and signed with an actual and legible signature. 
   3. The Office of Disability and Accommodations will not accept handwritten documentation and notes written on a prescription pad. 
   4. Health care providers completing and providing medical documentation cannot be a family member or relative of the student. 
       
3. Diagnostic Statement
   The evaluation should include a clear diagnostic statement identifying the disability, a description of the diagnostic methodology, and the tools used.  It also should describe the diagnosis process, the progression, and the prognosis of the diagnosis.
    
4. Elements of a Comprehensive Evaluation
   The elements of a comprehensive evaluation typically include the following:
    
   1. Evidence of existing impairment.
   2. Background information 
   3. Relevant testing using multiple measures and an interpretation of results.
   4. Specific diagnosis.
   5. Provide information that rules out an alternative diagnosis or explanation
   6. Integrated summary including recommendations.
       
5. Functional Limitations
   The evaluator should discuss how the disabling condition impacts the individual, the level of impairment to regular life activity regarding the severity, frequency, and pervasiveness of the condition, and a rationale for how these are logically related to the condition requested accommodations.  
    
6. Expected Progression or Stability
   The evaluator should describe the expected progression or stability of the disability (i.e., any expected changes in the functional impact of the disability over time, context, and response to an environmental trigger). In addition, information on interventions may be helpful.
    
7. Current or Past Accommodations, Services, and medications
   The evaluator should note any current or prior accommodations, support services, auxiliary aids, medications, etc., and their effects on the functional impact of the disability.  While these are not binding on the current institution, they may provide insight for everyday planning purposes.  This information is essential for transfer students. 
    
8. Recommendations for Current Accommodations and Strategies
   1. The recommendations should be specific recommendations and link to a rationale for the accommodations.
   2. Include a description of the impact of diagnosed disability on specific significant life activity.
       
   3. Specific test results or clinical observations should support the recommendations.

9. Appropriate documentation includes the following 
   - Cognitive/Intellectual disabilities- a recent evaluation or reevaluation report stating the testing completed, who administered the testing, and specific recommended accommodations.  
   - Medical conditions- a physician may complete the Medical Condition Documentation form
   - Psychological conditions- a physician may complete the Psychological Condition Documentation form
   - Asthma/Allergies/Food Allergies- a physician may complete the Asthma, Environmental Allergy, and Food Allergy Disabilities Documentation form 
   - Concussion/Traumatic Brain Injuries- a physician may complete the Documentation of a Concussion/ Traumatic Brain Injury form

   Documents can be sent securely by fax to 610-625-7877.

Important to Note:

• An Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 Plan is not sufficient documentation of a disability as it only provides educational documentation and does not provide the necessary medical information needed.  
• Prior history of any unique accommodation may not warrant its continued provision. 

There are a few considerations to note after accommodations are approved:

1.  For academic accommodations, students will need to communicate as needed with their professors to discuss accommodations.  For example, students who have academic flexibility may not miss class for extended periods of time without contacting the professor to discuss a timetable for completing work.  Students who receive extended time and/or a distraction-free testing area need to communicate with their professors at least a week prior to the exam and establish arrangements for completing the test.  The Office of Disability and Accommodation Services does not have a "testing center" or staff to proctor exams in most cases, and therefore, the professor will need to establish arrangements for the test to be completed.

2.  Accommodations that are permitted to be used each semester must be submitted prior to each semester.  Students will complete a Semester Request by logging into Accessible Learning (AIM) and noting which accommodations are needed for each class.

3.  If an additional accommodation is needed after a student has already had accommodations approved, the student will complete a separate accommodation request, which is also located on the Accessible Learning (AIM) website.

4.  Students are encouraged to check in with the staff of the Office of Disability and Accommodations throughout their semesters in order to be proactive with their needs.

Moravian University, Moravian Theological Seminary, and Lancaster Theological Seminary recognize that individuals with temporarily disabling conditions resulting from injuries, surgery, or short-term medical conditions may need access to services and resources similar to individuals with permanent disabilities.

What qualifies as a “Temporary Impairment?”

Typically, temporary injuries or illnesses that impact the student's ability to attend class, complete coursework, participate in programs, or participate in programs or activities on campus constitute a "temporary disability."

Examples of temporary impairments may include but are not limited to the following:

• Broken limbs
• Concussion
• Hand injuries
• Medical/mental health treatments.
• Short-term impairments following surgery

A temporary impairment, which does not qualify as an ADA disability, may still be a “serious health condition” requiring reasonable accommodations. A temporary impairment caused by an injury may also be a covered disability under the ADA Amendments Act if it is sufficiently severe enough to limit a significant life activity substantially.

Depending on when the injury or illness occurs, it can significantly impact the accommodation options available to the student.  

Some additional Offices that May be Helpful:

Below are some offices that may need additional communication:

• Athletics:  Coaches and Athletic Trainers
• Campus Safety
• Counseling Center
• Dining
• Health Center
• Residence Life and Housing
• Registrar

Timely and open communication with faculty and other campus offices, as needed, about the nature and duration of the condition and requested assistance can often result in satisfactory solutions to the short-term issues caused by the injury or illness. 

Where to Start:

• The student should notify their professors immediately and inform them of the condition and its effect on meeting attendance or other class requirements (such as exams and deadlines). Communication is essential.  If you send an urgent message by email, be sure to follow up.
• Depending on the nature of your temporary illness or injuries, one of these offices may be able to inform your professors of your situation and request academic considerations:
   
  • Athletic Trainers and Coaches:  If you are a student-athlete and sustained an injury while participating in Moravian athletic events, you should contact the Athletic Trainers for follow-up.
  • Health Center:  If you have an illness or injury that is not sports-related, you should contact the Health Center.  
  • Student Life:  If your illness or injury requires a visit to the hospital, refer to the Resources for Moravian University Students Admitted to the Hospital document as it provides pertinent information to help you.  
• Speak with your Advisor to discuss whether to take a reduced course load, an incomplete, or a leave of absence.
• Ask your network of friends and classmates to help you with things such as requesting copies of class notes, personal assistance, transportation to classes/appointments, and getting meals.
• Contact the dining staff for assistance if you need help using the dining hall or getting meals. Residential staff can often help with getting take-out meals.

When to Contact the Office of Disability and Accommodations

It is important to register with Office of Disability and Accommodations as soon as possible. It may be necessary to create a short-term plan with your professors until accommodations are approved.  

The Office of Disability and Accommodations will engage in an interactive process with each student and review requests for accommodations on an individualized, case-by-case basis. Depending on the nature and functional limitations of a student’s documented temporary illness or injury, they may be eligible for accommodations. 

Consider registering with the Office of Disability and Accommodations if you have a condition that will last more than a few days and:

• Your instructors need guidance from the Office of Disability and Accommodations on academic accommodations.
• You have classes or programs in classrooms or buildings that are not accessible.
• Your condition prevents you from participating in your classes or programs.

Before the Office of Disability and Accommodations can provide accommodations, the student will need to complete an Intake Form and provide supporting documentation from their health care provider to be reviewed by the Office of Disability and Accommodations.  Once reviewed, the Office of Disability and Accommodations will discuss possible accommodations with the student.

The Office of Disability and Accommodations does not provide a personal assistant to assist with typing homework assignments, doing laundry, using the bathroom, taking showers, etc. 

How do I maneuver campus with a temporary impairment?

When the Moravian University and Moravian Theological Seminary campus is open, the Moravian Shuttle provides a continuous loop between the Main Street Campus (North) and the Priscilla Payne Hurd Campus (South). It operates on weekdays (between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.), weekday evenings (on the hour and half hour from the HUB and quarter after and quarter of the hour from the HILL starting 7 p.m. and ending 12:15 a.m. at the HILL), and weekends (on the hour and half hour from the HUB and quarter after and quarter of the hour from the HILL starting 7 p.m. and ending 12:15 a.m. at the HILL). In addition, extended bus service will be available on Friday (Saturday AM)/Saturday (Sunday AM) evenings and will continue until the last bus leaves the HUB at 2 a.m. 

To request a wheelchair-accessible campus shuttle, contact the HUB desk by calling (610) 861-1491. 

Students utilizing mobility aids such as electric scooters, wheelchairs, canes, or crutches should consult with the Office of Disability and Accommodations to determine the most accessible route to travel to and from class and other college programs and activities. Unfortunately, wheelchairs, scooters, and other mobility devices are personal devices, and neither the Office of Disability and Accommodations nor Moravian University/Moravian Theological Seminary/Lancaster Theological Seminary provide these items. Students may also refer to the campus map for the best route and entrances to access particular locations on campus. 

Students requiring the use of accessible parking spaces must have a state-issued parking placard. Students interested in obtaining a disabled parking permit must apply for a temporary placard through their home state department of motor vehicles.  Vehicles displaying valid state-issued handicapped placards or window placards identifying the driver or passenger as handicapped will be authorized to park in designated handicapped spaces.  For those residents of Pennsylvania, click here for information about the temporary parking placard.

How do I access my classroom if the building is not accessible?

If the student's classes meet in a non-accessible building, contact Office of Disability and Accommodations and request to move to an accessible location.  We must receive a completed Intake Form and documentation from your medical provider to facilitate this request.  

How can I access my residence hall with a temporary physical impairment?

Students who have mobility concerns may request an accessible residence hall, room, or a room with accessible bathroom facilities. The Office of Disability and Accommodations will work with the student and Housing to implement a reasonable accommodation. For more information about housing accommodation requests, contact housing@moravian.edu.

Since accommodations may take up to two weeks or more to process, contact the Office of Disability and Accommodations as early as possible to determine the most appropriate course of action given the nature of the situation. If the student has an upcoming surgery, it is best to contact the Office of Disability and Accommodations before the procedure.

We encourage all students with temporary illnesses or injuries to contact the Office of Disability and Accommodations for any needed accommodations. 

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Pennsylvania Resident Temporary Parking Placard

https://www.moravian.edu/disabilityandaccommodations/pennsylvania-resident-temporary-parking-placard

Pennsylvania Resident Temporary Parking Placard

Qualified individuals may obtain a temporary parking placard for a period of up to six months. These individuals are required to either complete and mail an application to PennDOT and wait for the placard to be mailed to them, or if their medical provider is an approved issuing agent, complete the application and receive the temporary placard directly from the medical provider.  Once the student has the temporary placard, they may park in any authorized handicapped spot on campus.  The student must also register with Campus Police, so they know you are a Moravian University student.  For more information, please visit the following sites:

• "Persons with Disabilities Parking Placards and Registration Plates" on the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation's website.
• Assignment of PennDOT Request for Temporary Persons with Disability Parking Placards - MV180 (PDF)
• Participating Facilities

Appropriate documentation includes the following (please visit the Disability Documentation Guidelines page for more information):

          - Cognitive/Intellectual disabilities- a recent evaluation or reevaluation report stating the testing completed, who administered the testing, and specific recommended accommodations.  

          - Medical conditions- a physician may complete the Medical Condition Documentation form

          - Psychological conditions- a physician may complete the Psychological Condition Documentation form

          - Asthma/Allergies/Food Allergies- a physician may complete the Asthma, Environmental Allergy, and Food Allergy Disabilities Documentation form

          - Concussion/Traumatic Brain Injuries- a physician may complete the Documentation of a Concussion/ Traumatic Brain Injury form

• Heading: After the Process

There are a few considerations to note after accommodations are approved:

1.  For academic accommodations, students will need to communicate as needed with their professors to discuss accommodations.  For example, students who have academic flexibility may not miss class for extended periods of time without contacting the professor to discuss a timetable for completing work.  Students who receive extended time and/or a distraction-free testing area need to communicate with their professors at least a week prior to the exam and establish arrangements for completing the test.  The Office of Disability and Accommodation Services does not have a "testing center" or staff to proctor exams in most cases, and therefore, the professor will need to establish arrangements for the test to be completed.

2.  Accommodations that are permitted to be used each semester must be submitted prior to each semester.  Students will complete a Semester Request by logging into Accommodate and choosing "Semester Request" under the "Accommodation" link at the left.

3.  If an additional accommodation is needed after a student has already had accommodations approved, the student will complete a Supplemental Request, which is also located under the "Accommodation" link at the left of the Accommodate website.

4.  Students are encouraged to check in with the staff of the Office of Disability and Accommodations throughout their semesters in order to be proactive with their needs

Students agree to the following rights and responsibilities when they request accommodations:

• I give permission to the Office of Disability and Accommodations (ODA) to notify my professor(s) listed on my schedule of my reasonable disability accommodations. I understand that if I need to change my schedule anytime after the registration period, it is my responsibility to notify the ODA for my accommodations to be sent out to professors in the updated classes.
• I also understand that my advisor(s) may also receive notification of my accommodations.
• I agree that I am responsible for the following communications in regard to my accommodations:
  Communicate with my instructor if I am planning to use my approved accommodations in the classroom, lab, clinical setting, field trips, field experiences, etc prior to the start of the term or as soon as possible after my accommodation letters are sent.
• Although my instructor will be notified of my approved accommodations upon my permission, I understand that it is still important to communicate with my instructor(s) regarding the use of my accommodations.
• Communicate with my instructor at least one week prior to the quiz or exam if I am planning on using testing accommodations. This is the only way I will know where to take my exam as well as the beginning and ending time of my exam.
• I understand that accommodations are not active until I have communicated with my instructor.
• I understand that although my accommodations are approved, they may not always be reasonable for every course/program/assignment/exam, and I am able to discuss the reasonableness with my instructor and/or ODA.
• I understand that if I have an academic flexibility accommodation, that I should attempt to attend all classes and submit all assignments on time to the best of my ability.  I understand that this accommodation is to be used on a rare occasion and will only be accepted if it is reasonable for the course/program/assignment.
• If I experience any difficulty or have questions with regards to using my accommodations, I will contact the ODA to discuss my concerns by calling 610-861-1401 or sending an email to oda@moravian.edu.