Accessibility Services
MBU is committed to providing equal access for all students. Through our Office of Accessibility Services, we offer personalized support and accommodations to ensure students with documented disabilities can fully participate in academic and campus life.
Located in The Commons
The Commons at Grafton Library is MBU’s hub for all your academic needs.
Accommodations Offered
At Mary Baldwin University, we are committed to ensuring equal access to all academic programs, services, and activities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
We recognize that students with disabilities may require reasonable accommodations to fully participate in the college experience.* That’s why we offer the following:
Academic
Students with disabilities may request extended test times, lecture recordings, assistive technology, and more to help them succeed in the classroom.
Housing
We offer residential spaces that are ADA accessible and approved for the accommodating of emotional support or service animals.
Dining
Meal plan adjustments can be granted for students with special dietary, or medical needs.
Programmatic
MBU ensures that all students can have physical and digital access to campus events, labs, fieldworks, and facilities.
Communication Access
MBU offers services such as sign
language interpreters or captioning for
students with hearing impairments.
Digital
MBU’s website and online student platforms follow Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
*While Mary Baldwin University strives to accommodate students to the fullest extent possible, reasonable academic adjustments or accommodations must not fundamentally alter the academic programs or place an undue financial burden on the University.
Documentation Requirements
Students requesting accommodations must provide current documentation of their disability that is dated within three years of their admission to MBU. Documentation must contain an evaluation conducted by a qualified medical or licensed professional that includes:
Diagnostic Statement
A specific, definite diagnostic statement (per DSM-V/ICD-11) including symptoms and the dates of the most recent evaluation and original diagnosis.
Physician’s Credentials
Credentials of the diagnosing professional if not clearly indicated on forms. Please note that the diagnosing professional cannot be a family member.
Diagnostic Criteria
A description of the diagnostic tests, methods, or criteria used by the diagnosing medical professional.
Impact Assessment
An explanation of the current functional disability’s impact, including specific test results and the examiner’s interpretation.
Required Accommodations
Specific recommendations for accommodations necessary to provide equal access to academic programs, services, or activities.
Future Outlook
Information on the expected progression or stability of the disability’s impact over the next five years.
Accommodation Procedures
Requesting Accommodations
Current students must submit their medical documentation to the Director of Accessibility through the proper form based upon their accommodation needs:
After submission, the Director of Accessibility will schedule an interactive interview with the student to review documentation, understand the students needs, and determine accommodation eligibility.
Receiving Accommodations
Students who qualify for academic accommodations will receive an official Accommodation Letter within 3 days of approval. This letter is sent directly to their instructors and remains valid through the end of final exams for that term.
Updated medical documentation isn’t required each semester for academic accommodations, but students must resubmit their accommodation request each term to ensure that the Accommodation Letter is sent to their current instructors. Students are encouraged — but not required — to discuss with each instructor how accommodations will be implemented in their course.
*Housing accommodation requests require updated medical documentation each academic year to ensure alignment with current needs and eligibility.
FAQ
MBU does not offer disability testing, but the Accessibility Services Office can provide information on local testing services.
Students, staff, and faculty may use this grievance form if they have any concerns related to an alleged event regarding the denial of equal opportunity, acts of discrimination, or harassment due to their disability.
Students can access a map of the Staunton campus to learn more about accessibility around Mary Baldwin.
For additional information regarding accessible campus facilities, transportation services, or emergency procedures, please contact Pari Paluszak, Director of Accessibility Services.
For more information about your rights and responsibilities, contact:
Customer Service Team
Office of Civil Rights
U.S. Department of Education
Washington, DC 20202-110
ocr@ed.gov
www.ed.gov/ocr
800-421-3481; TDD877-521-2171
Your Accessibility Director
The Director of Accessibility works with students with disabilities under the supervision of the Director of Academic Resources and Provost.
These individuals are responsible for ensuring that Mary Baldwin University takes all necessary steps to meet both educational and legal mandates for access.
Dr. Pari Paluszak
Assistant Professor, School of Education
540-887-7185
plpaluszak@marybaldwin.edu
Office of Accessibility
The Commons at Grafton Library
Lower Level One
201 E. Frederick St.
Staunton, VA 24401