How to Connect
SSD staff are happy to connect with disabled students (undergraduate, graduate, and professional) to discuss educational barriers and potential accommodations. Students who are connecting with us for the first time should complete the following steps:
Submit an application
Students can use their Virginia Tech login to access and complete the online request form for Academic Accommodations and/or Housing Accommodations. Students interested in both must complete both applications.
Provide documentation
Documentation may consist of a personal statement, health provider documentation, or both. These can be uploaded the AIM student portal. Please do not delay scheduling an appointment out of a concern related to paperwork. Our staff will work with you to determine if any specific health provider documentation is needed. We recommend reviewing our documentation guidelines and using our provider verification form to expedite the process.
Explore accommodations
After submitting your application, students connecting with us for the first time will be contacted via email about how to set up a welcome meeting. During this meeting, an access team advisor will discuss the barriers you are experiencing, potential reasonable accommodations to address those barriers, and next steps. Our goal is to keep the meeting relaxed and comfortable. Students are also encouraged to explore accommodations through our virtual SSD Student Orientation.
Request your Course Accessibility Letter
Students will receive a copy of their Course Accessibility Letter after they complete the welcome meeting. For each semester after, students will need to access the AIM student portal to select the accommodations they want to use. Our staff will then send out Faculty Notification Letters via email. Professors will only be notified of accommodations requested for that particular course.
Reconnect as needed
We know that questions, challenges, and concerns may arise. Your SSD access team advisor can answer follow-up questions. Please do not wait too long to address a concern; we would rather know earlier than later. Log into the SSD AIM Portal to review your assigned advisor's name and contact information. You can also email ssd@vt.edu or call 540-231-3788.