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Accessibility Services

SIT Graduate Institute is committed to creating a learning environment that supports students in achieving their academic potential. Differences in ability are valued as an integral component of a diverse student body and global campus community. The mission of SIT Accessibility Services is to facilitate an accessible educational experience for students with disabilities and to serve as a resource to all members of the academic community in advancing this goal.

The policies and procedures of Accessibility Services help ensure that SIT Graduate Institute is in compliance with federal regulations requiring colleges and universities to provide equal access to education for students with disabilities. Students with eligible disabilities including learning, physical, mental health, short-term, or other types of disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act, are encouraged to contact Accessibility Services as early as possible for information and support. The programs at SIT Graduate Institute will take you on an exciting and challenging odyssey, and Accessibility Services is here to provide guidance and assistance.

How to request accommodations
To request accommodations, admitted students can complete the online accommodation request form in the application portal. Students can also contact Accessibility Services for an initial consultation at [email protected] or 802.258.3523.

Students should request accommodations as early as possible, with a recommended deadline date of June 15. While accommodation requests will be considered at any point during an SIT program, please note that a reasonable amount of time is required to review non-academic accommodation requests.

What happens next?
The determination of reasonable accommodations is handled on a case-by-case basis and includes an interactive process between the student and Accessibility Services. Depending on the nature of the request and the program of study, students should be aware that in-country conditions and resources vary significantly by site, and specific program locations may have limited accessibility. Every effort is made to work collaboratively to facilitate accommodations however, SIT cannot guarantee that all requests will be approved. Students who are eligible for disability accommodations will receive a written letter outlining their approved accommodation plan.

Documentation Guidelines
The amount and type of documentation required will depend on the individual situation and specific accommodation requests. Documentation submitted to Accessibility Services should be current and provided by a qualified professional. The documentation must be written on that professional’s letterhead, be personally signed by the evaluator, and include the following:

• Functional impact of the stated disability on one or more major life activities
• Specific diagnosis of the disability
• A comprehensive history of the disability and the use of accommodations, if applicable
• Specific evidence of the disability, including any diagnostic tests or other evaluations performed and results, clinical observations, and/or other relevant evidence of the disability
• Recommendations from the evaluator for accommodations, including academic adjustments or auxiliary aids

Please include a copy of the student’s accommodation letter from his/her undergraduate disability office, if available.

Confidentiality
A student’s documentation records are confidential and are maintained by Accessibility Services. However, appropriate information may be shared with designated SIT/World Learning staff, in accordance with federal and SIT/World Learning confidentiality policies, for the purpose of processing accommodation requests and facilitating approved disability accommodations. As a student with SIT Graduate Institute, you are ultimately responsible for your own learning, motivation, and success. Think of your relationship with SIT Accessibility Services as a partnership, one that provides support but also encourages your own self-advocacy. We recommend that you consult with Accessibility Services as early as possible to discuss your disability, accommodations, and other assistance you may need.