Student Disability Services
Student Disability Services
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In accordance with the university's mission and vision, the goal of the Student Disability Services Office is to provide equal access to all GCU programs, systems and facilities for students with disabilities. The ADA defines a person with a disability as a person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activity.
Who is eligible:
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Grand Canyon University strives to ensure equal access for individuals with a disability to its programs, events, systems and facilities. GCU fully complies with the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 ADA), as amended, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which prohibit discrimination against qualified persons with disabilities, and has adopted an internal grievance procedure providing for prompt and equitable resolution of complaints. Any participants, beneficiaries, applicants, or employees, including students, staff, faculty and visitors who believes they have been subjected to discrimination on the basis of disability (or is unsatisfied with accommodations provided by Student Disability Services) may file a grievance utilizing the procedures outlined in the Title IX and Non-Discrimination Policy.
The full grievance procedure is outlined in the Title IX and Non-Discrimination Policy, as posted the University Policy Handbook. In addition, the University requires that all faculty and staff of Grand Canyon University understand this policy and provide the appropriate guidance for individuals who believe they may have been discriminated against based on a disability issue. The 504 Coordinator is responsible for overseeing efforts to comply with these disability laws, including responding to grievances and conducting investigations of any allegation of noncompliance or discrimination based on disability.
Students with ASD often face challenges in accessing educational support due to limited awareness and lack of services. Many families and students are unaware of the full range of resources, and some students may avoid seeking help to avoid stigma. In the pursuit of accommodating all students, GCU offers individualized support through the Student Disability Services for ASD students.
Here are some of the resources offered by GCU to support our neurodivergent students:
One-on-one coaching
Academic support (e.g., reserved time with math and writing tutors)
Social opportunities in smaller, less overwhelming settings
Peer support (e.g., student workers accompanying students to clubs)
Time management and community-building events
GCU provides reasonable accommodations or modifications in adherence with local, state and federal law. To receive accommodations through GCU, you must self-elect to disclose your disability to Student Disability Services and follow the steps to receive accommodations. Accommodations are not retroactive. Approved accommodation requests submitted after courses have begun will be effective as of the date your completed request was received by Student Disability Services.
To complete an Accommodation Request, students can access the form online at sds.gcu.edu
Students will need their student ID number in order to complete the form. If the student has an issue accessing the form for any reason please refer them to the Disability Office for assistance.
Student Disability Services begins processing your request when all documents are received. Submit all documents at least two weeks (10 working days) prior to the start of your courses to allow adequate processing time. Student Disability Services begins processing your request when all documents are received. Submit all documents at least two weeks (10 working days) prior to the start of your courses to allow adequate processing time.
To continue receiving accommodations, you are required to complete a new Accommodation Request Form each year after your original approval date. Supporting documentation for permanent disabilities remains on file with Student Disability Services. If you are approved for temporary services, you will be asked to provide additional documentation to continue receiving accommodations.
Please notify Student Disability Services of any schedule changes that may occur during your program to ensure your accommodations are in place. If you withdraw or are suspended, contact Student Disability Services upon your return to reestablish accommodations.
If accommodations are not properly requested, GCU cannot provide reasonable accommodations.
Grand Canyon University utilizes accessible versions of texts for most classes in the form of eBooks. Student Disability Services can obtain eBooks for courses not currently part of GCU's eBook initiative. Our eBook program is primarily available to low-vision, blind and dyslexic students. Students without such impairments may request eBooks if they can provide appropriate reasoning in their accommodations request.
For students who are enrolled in online coursework who exclusively use eBooks, and for other students who have requested and been approved for eBooks, Student Disability Services has several options it can provide for students to access their eBooks, including but not limited to Kurzweil 3000, Adobe or BibliU PDF delivery.
If you have questions concerning the process for obtaining eBooks or would like more information about the features of our eBooks, contact Student Disability Services at 602-639-6342.
Any resident student wanting an accommodation animal to live in Grand Canyon University Housing must complete the Steps to Accommodations process. Their request needs to include an explanation of the disability-related need for the animal, the types of tasks, if any, the animal is trained to perform, as well as a description of the animal, including type and the animal’s name. Students who obtain approval to have an accommodation animal in university housing will be required to sign and abide by the Resident Responsibilities. If you have questions concerning the process for service or assistive animals, contact Student Disability Services at 602-639-6342 or review the full policy in the University Policy Handbook.
To request special housing accommodations due to a major medical issue, first complete GCU’s housing application. Then, follow the process outlined above in the Steps to Accommodation section.
You are limited to one preferential roommate as part of accommodations and should include that student's information on your Accommodation Request Form. Housing accommodation requests are determined on a first-come, first-served basis and are subject to availability.
Student Disability Services will notify you of your approved housing accommodations and work with housing for placement. Verification of placement will come from housing via email.
If requests for housing accommodations are not approved, you will receive an official denial notice via email. You may reply to this notice to appeal the decision. The appeal shall be reviewed and further decisions will be based on input from Student Affairs and housing availability.