Accessibility Services Student Information
Once you have registered with Accessibility Services, met with a staff member and participated in an intake meeting, you are eligible to receive accommodations. Review the information below to learn how to request and receive your accommodation letter.
Logging Into Accommodate
Click Here to Log Into Accommodate for Students
On the homepage, click on “Student” and use your @merrimack.edu username and password to log in.
With our new software you can:
- See all of your accommodations and documentation.
- Request your accommodation letters each semester.
- Request your exams through the Testing Center.
- Request alternative textbooks if you have this accommodation.
Requesting Your Semester Accommodation Letter through Accommodate
Please follow the steps below to request your letters if your accommodation plan does not require any changes. or You simply need a copy of your letter.
- Log in to Accommodate (use your Merrimack email address and password).
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Click on “Accommodation.”
- Click on the tab “Semester Request.”
- Click on “Add new.”
- Select the semester you are requesting.
- Click on “Submit for All Accommodations.”
- After submitting your request, you will receive your accommodation letter via email within three (3) business days.
- To make updates to your accommodation letter, please arrange an appointment with one of our staff members. We’re happy to meet with you.
- If you need assistance with requesting your accommodation letter, please email accessibilityservices@merrimack.edu or talk with a staff member.
Requesting Alternative Textbooks
If you have been approved for this accommodation, please fill this form out at the start of each semester.
What to do before submitting your request:
- Make sure your class schedule is final. If you know you’re going to change a class (or possibly could), please wait to submit the form until you know your final schedule.
- Check online to see if there is a digital format that you can purchase or access – this is much faster and more efficient for you.
- Buy your books and take a picture of the receipts.
How to Request Alternative Format Textbooks through Accommodate
- Log in to Accommodate (use your Merrimack email and password).
- Click on “Accommodation.”
- Click on the tab “Alternative Format.” (Note: this will only appear if you have already requested your semester letters)
- Click on “Student Entered.”
- Click on “Submit A Request For An Alternative Format Textbook.”
- Enter the information from MyMack Course Textbooks, the Bookstore, or your syllabus.
- Click on “Submit.”
- Repeat steps 5-7 for any other textbook requests.
- You can attach a picture of your receipt to the online form, or send it to our office via email at accessibilityservices@merrimack.edu.
- You can then look back over all your requests on the next page. You will receive a response within five business days. That means that we will either have the PDF sent to you, or we will have contacted all the publishers to get your books (publishers might take a little longer than the five days to approve your book).
- If you need help with using software for your textbooks to be accessed in their appropriate alternative format, please email accessibilityservices@merrimack.edu or see your ASO Coach for help. Additionally, please note that in many instances, a read-aloud voice will take some adjustment as it’s not always human-read.
Testing Center Requests
This form is used for any assessment over 30 minutes in duration and after you have submitted your accommodation letter to your instructor. Please be sure to speak with your instructor about all assigned exams for the semester. If you are using the Testing Center, you must initiate this online form at least one (1) week before your scheduled exam.
To request your exams in the Testing Center, please do the following:
- Log in to Accommodate (use your Merrimack email and password).
- Click on “Testing Room.”
- Click on “New Booking Request.”
- Select the course you want to take in the Testing Center.
- Select the correct date range (i.e. September 10 – November 10).
- When the days appear in the right column, select the day and time when your class exam is taking place.
- Fill in the specific information regarding your exam, please only select the accommodations for which you are approved.
- If there are any conflicts, please include that information in the appropriate section, and/or email accessibilityservices@merrimack.edu to resolve the conflict.
- Submit.
The process for every exam is as follows:
- At least one (1) week before your exam, you must submit an online request through Accommodate.
- Upon submitting your requested exam booking, Accessibility Services staff will confirm your approved accommodations and submit your request to your instructor within one business day (if your request is in a week of your exam).
- Once your instructor has confirmed this information, you will receive an email via the Accommodate software with the following information: exam date and time.
- You must arrive at your exam at least five minutes before the start time. We will collect all phones and smartwatches upon arrival (please leave your belongings at home, we are not responsible for any missing items). There will be a Confidentiality and Academic Honesty Policy form for you to sign before you start your exam. Please note: In order to ensure academic honesty, the Testing Center is monitored by two security cameras.
- It is not in your best interest to take any assessment shorter than 30 minutes, as you can miss important class time and information that typically ensues after/before a quiz/assessment of that length. Options to discuss with your instructor include: taking the quiz right before class, right after class, during your professor’s office hours, in a room adjacent to the classroom). Please let us know if you have any questions.
- All exams/testing must be started and completed within the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Your exam/test cannot overlap with any current classes. There is space on the request to specify if you need an alternate time to take the exam/test, if necessary.
Studying Abroad Considerations
As you are considering this incredible opportunity, you should consider your academic and non-academic accommodation needs. Some programs and some countries follow different laws than you might expect. Please email us or set up a meeting with your ASO Academic Success Coach to talk through your plans and needs.
Typically, we will simply print or email a copy of your most recent accommodation letter for you to provide to your program and they will work directly with you to set up your accommodations.
Getting Involved with Accessibility Services
We are always looking for students who would like to share their story and their experience of having a disability with others. There are many potential opportunities for you to share your voice. . Please email us at accessibilityservices@merrimack.edu if you want to share your experience with others in large group settings, small group settings, via video or in writing (anonymously or not anonymously). We would love to work with you.
