12 Aug SUNY Old Westbury 504 Accessibility Services
UTILIZING SUNY OLD WESTBURY 504 ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES FOR ADHD

Accessibility services are essential for ensuring that all students have the opportunity to succeed academically. These services provide support and accommodations for students with ADHD and other learning differences, helping them navigate their academic journey effectively. SUNY Old Westbury offers a range of services, including the provision of reasonable accommodations, referrals to relevant external agencies, and sign language interpretation services.
Understanding 504 Accessibility Services at SUNY Old Westbury
SUNY Old Westbury provides various services to support students with disabilities, including ADHD and other learning differences. These services include:
- Academic accommodations include extended exam time, note-taking assistance, and preferential seating.
- Access to assistive technology and software.
- One-on-one meetings with accessibility advisors to develop personalized accommodation plans.
- Workshops and resources on self-advocacy and time management.
These services benefit all students by creating an inclusive learning environment that addresses individual needs.
Steps to Get Accommodations for Students Without an ADHD Diagnosis
Step 1: Recognize Your Needs
Understanding your academic challenges is the first step toward seeking accommodations. Common challenges may include concentration, time management, note-taking, and test-taking. Conduct a self-assessment to identify areas where you might need support.
Step 2: Research and Gather Information
Begin by exploring the resources and accommodations available at SUNY Old Westbury. Visit the accessibility services webpage to familiarize yourself with the types of accommodations offered. Examples of accommodations include extended test time, quiet test environments, and access to assistive technology.
This video discusses how to support college students with disabilities, likely including strategies, resources, and best practices for academic success.
Step 3: Meet with an Advisor
Meeting with an advisor at SUNY Old Westbury’s accessibility services office is critical in securing your support.
How to Schedule a Meeting:
- Visit the Accessibility Services Office: Drop by the office in person to schedule an appointment. The location and hours of operation can be found on the SUNY Old Westbury Accessibility Services page.
- Call or Email: You can also call or email the office to request an appointment. Contact details are on the same page.
- Online Scheduling: Some schools offer online scheduling through the student portal or the accessibility services webpage. Check if SUNY Old Westbury has this option.

What to Expect in the Meeting:
- Discussion of Academic Challenges: Be prepared to discuss the challenges in your coursework and exams.
- Assessment of Needs: The advisor will help assess your needs based on your description and any preliminary documentation you provide.
- Overview of Available Accommodations: The advisor will explain the types of accommodations available and how they can help mitigate your challenges.
- Development of an Accommodation Plan: You and the advisor will develop a personalized accommodation plan tailored to your needs.
After your virtual appointment with Stacey DeFelice, you will receive an email confirming your approved accommodations. Once approved, you can access your accommodation letter via the link in the email. Please email this letter to your professors to inform them of your approved accommodations.
Step 4: Provide Documentation
Documentation is essential to establish the need for accommodations. Types of documentation that might be needed are:
- Medical or Psychological Evaluations: These documents should detail your diagnosis and the functional limitations that impact your academic performance. They should be current, typically within the last three years.
- Educational Assessments: Reports from educational psychologists or other qualified professionals that highlight your learning differences and recommended accommodations.
- Letters from Healthcare Providers: A letter from your doctor, therapist, or another healthcare professional explaining your condition and how it affects your studies is required.
How to Get the Necessary Assessments or Evaluations:
- Consult Your Primary Care Physician: Your doctor can refer you to specialists who can conduct the necessary evaluations.
- Seek Evaluations from Qualified Professionals: Look for psychologists or neuropsychologists specializing in ADHD and learning differences.
- Low-Cost Evaluation Options: Here is a list of neuropsychology evaluation sites in NYC that offer low-cost neuropsychology evaluations for students needing a psychoeducational assessment. This can be a valuable resource for obtaining the necessary documentation.
Steps to Ensure Proper Documentation:
- Ensure Documentation is Comprehensive: Your documentation should include detailed information about your diagnosis, the specific accommodations recommended, and the reasons these accommodations are necessary.
- Submit Documentation to the Accessibility Services Office: Follow the instructions provided by SUNY Old Westbury for submitting documentation. This may involve uploading documents online, mailing them, or delivering them in person.
- Confirm Receipt and Review: After submitting your documentation, confirm with the accessibility services office that they have received it and that it meets their requirements. Schedule a follow-up meeting to discuss your documentation and finalize your accommodation plan.
By following these steps, you can effectively navigate the process of securing accommodations at SUNY Old Westbury and set yourself up for academic success. All documentation to support your Accommodations Request MUST be emailed to Stacey DeFelice at [email protected].

Maximizing 504 Accessibility Services for Students with an ADHD Diagnosis
Step 1: Understand Your Rights and Available Services
Understanding your rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act is crucial for accessing the necessary accommodations. These laws ensure that students with disabilities, including those with ADHD, have equal access to educational opportunities and are protected from discrimination based on disability.
List of specific services and accommodations for ADHD
- Extended time on tests and assignments.
- Reduced-distraction environments for testing.
- Note-taking assistance or provision of lecture notes.
- Use of technology, such as laptops or recording devices, for taking notes or completing assignments.
- Flexible deadlines and modified workloads.
- Preferential seating in the classroom.
- Regular check-ins with a designated support person.
Step 2: Schedule an Appointment with Accessibility Services
Preparing for your appointment with accessibility services involves researching the specific services and accommodations your school offers. Make a list of the challenges you face due to ADHD and how they impact your academic performance. Prepare questions about the accommodations process and what to expect.
What documentation to bring:
- A recent evaluation or diagnosis from a licensed professional (e.g., psychologist, psychiatrist).
- Any relevant educational or medical records.
- A list of helpful accommodations, if applicable.
Step 3: Create a Personalized Accommodation Plan
Developing a personalized accommodation plan requires collaboration with the accessibility services office to identify the most beneficial accommodations for your needs. Be honest about your strengths and weaknesses and how ADHD affects your learning and daily activities. Set specific, realistic goals for your goals with the accommodations.
Examples of accommodations that can be included:
- Extended time on exams.
- Permission to record lectures.
- Breaks during exams to manage focus and attention.
- Use of organizational tools and apps.
- Access to quiet study spaces.
Step 4: Utilize Support Resources
In addition to accommodations, other support resources are available on campus to help you succeed. These include tutoring centers for help with specific subjects, counseling services for managing stress and developing coping strategies, academic advising for course selection and planning, and student organizations and support groups for peer support.
How to integrate these resources with your accommodation plan:
- Coordinate with tutors and counselors to ensure they know your accommodations and can provide appropriate support.
- Use counseling services to develop strategies for managing ADHD symptoms alongside your academic responsibilities.
- Participate in support groups to share experiences and tips with other students facing similar challenges.

Step 5: Regularly Review and Adjust Your Plan
Regular check-ins with accessibility services are essential to discuss the effectiveness of your accommodations. Schedule periodic meetings to keep track of any new challenges that arise and communicate them to the office.
How to Make Adjustments as Needed to Your Accommodation Plan:
- Solicit feedback from your professors, tutors, and counselors about the effectiveness of your accommodations.
- Be willing to try new accommodations or modify existing ones to meet your needs better.
- Communicate openly with accessibility services and your instructors. Let them know if something isn’t working or if you need additional support.
- Don’t hesitate to advocate for yourself and your needs. Understanding and articulating your challenges and needs is key to receiving the appropriate support
Stay Proactive in Seeking Help and Making Necessary Adjustments:
- Addressing issues early prevents small problems from becoming significant barriers to your success.
- Make full use of campus resources, including workshops, study groups, and mental health services.
- Keeping a journal or log of your experiences with different accommodations can help make informed adjustments and improvements.
By following these steps and maintaining a proactive approach, students with ADHD and other learning differences can maximize the benefits of accessibility services. This continuous process of evaluation and adjustment helps ensure that you have the support needed to achieve your academic goals.
Tips for Academic Success
Achieving academic success can be challenging for students with ADHD and other learning differences, but with the right strategies and resources, it is entirely possible.
- Effective time management is crucial for students with ADHD. Break tasks into smaller steps and use planners or digital apps to schedule study sessions, assignments, and breaks.
- Enhance academic performance with these mind hacks to improve focus and concentration with graphic organizers, color-coded notes, and summarizing techniques. Active reading strategies like highlighting key points can also help.
- Reduce stress with mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, and regular physical activity. As needed, seek support from school counselors or mental health professionals.
- To make learning more accessible, use executive functioning apps like text-to-speech software, organizational apps, and educational games.
Implement these tips to enhance academic success and maximize educational experiences for students with ADHD and other learning differences.
External Supports and Services
Executive Function Coaching
Executive function coaching can be a game-changer for students with ADHD. It helps them manage their time, stay organized, and improve their study habits. Coaches work with students to develop personalized strategies that enhance their executive functioning skills, such as planning, prioritizing, and goal-setting. This support can lead to greater academic success and reduced stress.
Themba Tutors provides specialized executive function coaching tailored to the unique needs of students with ADHD. Their experienced coaches help students develop time management skills, stay organized, and improve their study habits through personalized strategies. They also focus on enhancing self-monitoring skills, boosting motivation, and building confidence. The flexible coaching sessions are designed to be both practical and empowering, supporting students in achieving academic success.
Psychiatric Services:
About Dr. Michael Roman

Dr. Michael Roman is an expert in diagnosing and treating ADHD and other mental health issues, particularly in students. With extensive experience in adolescent and adult psychiatry, he is dedicated to helping young individuals manage both their academic and personal lives more effectively.
He provides a comprehensive range of psychiatric services tailored to meet each student’s specific needs. His approach includes thorough assessments, accurate diagnoses, and customized treatment plans to ensure the best possible outcomes for his patients.
Dr. Roman’s treatment is not just about him, but about a collaborative effort with his patients. He offers same-day stimulant and non-stimulant treatment options to effectively manage ADHD symptoms, working closely with students to identify the most effective medication regimen. This collaborative approach empowers students and ensures optimal results.
Understanding that medication is only one component of comprehensive care, Dr. Roman also addresses underlying issues such as anxiety, depression, and stress. He either provides or refers patients to therapeutic services that complement medication management, promoting a holistic approach to mental health.
Dr. Michael Roman is dedicated to delivering compassionate and expert care to help students excel both academically and personally. Contact his office today to begin your journey towards improved mental health.
Mental health is not just important, it’s vital for academic success and overall quality of life. When symptoms disrupt your daily functioning and academic performance, seeking psychiatric support is not just an option, it’s a necessity.
Quantitative Electroencephalography (QEEG)
Quantitative Electroencephalography (QEEG) is a diagnostic tool that measures electrical activity in the brain to create a brain map. This can help identify patterns associated with ADHD. This information can be used to tailor interventions and support strategies that address specific neurological patterns, improving students’ outcomes.
Forms and Policies
Conclusion
SUNY Old Westbury provides comprehensive accessibility services to support students with ADHD and other learning differences. These services include academic accommodations, assistive technology, and personalized support plans. Students can secure accommodations by identifying their needs, gathering information, meeting with advisors, and providing documentation. Understanding their rights, creating customized plans, and regularly reviewing them are essential steps for students with ADHD.
Take full advantage of both the school’s resources and external support to enhance your academic journey. SUNY Old Westbury’s accessibility services are committed to helping you succeed, and additional resources like Themba Tutors can provide specialized support tailored to your needs.
We encourage you to contact SUNY Old Westbury’s accessibility services to explore the available accommodations and support options. Additionally, consider external support that can further enhance your academic success.
Don’t hesitate to contact us and take the necessary steps to ensure you have the tools and resources you need to thrive academically.
Craig Selinger
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