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Grievance & Complaint Resolution

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The Office of Accessible Education provides services and accommodations tailored to each student's individual disability experience to promote equal access to Stanford's educational environment. The evaluation and determination of accommodations is an interactive, individualized process aimed at developing accommodations that are appropriate, reasonable, and effective. It is the student's responsibility to notify the OAE as early as possible in the event of any problems or unexpected barriers experienced in the obtaining of academic accommodations, services, or access. There may be instances in which a student may have concerns or complaints regarding the process, their eligibility, the determination or facilitation of accommodations and services, and/or believe they have experienced discriminatory harassment.

The OAE supports a student’s in their right to file a grievance in these instances, and has developed the procedure below to assist the student in the grievance and complaint resolution process in an equitable and efficient manner. This procedure aligns with Stanford’s Non-Academic and Academic Grievance Procedures, and Stanford’s ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)/Section 504 Grievance Procedure for students.

Informal Grievance Process

If there are concerns about reasonable accommodations or their fulfillment, students are encouraged to first notify their assigned Disability Adviser. The Disability Adviser will assist the student in identifying solutions and mediate with the faculty member, department, or program as necessary. Most disability-related issues or complaints about accommodations, services, faculty, other campus departments, programs, or facilities can be positively resolved at this level. If the student feels that their concern has not been properly resolved through working with the Disability Adviser, then they should consult with the Director of Disability Advising.

When the concern is specific to the OAE and/or a staff member, the student is still encouraged to address the complaint with their Disability Adviser. However, if the student feels they cannot discuss the concern with their Disability Adviser, they should consult with the Director of Disability Advising at the OAE by making an appointment with them to discuss their concerns further.

The Director of Disability Advising will review the student’s statement, all relevant information and documents, and consult with necessary parties to find an appropriate resolution or make a final determination.

Interim Director, Disability Advising
Ake Saethia
Email: asaethia@stanford.edu
Voice: 650-725-2483
Fax: 650-725-5301

Formal Grievance Process - ADA Compliance Review and Appeal

If the student is not satisfied with the result of the Informal Process within the OAE, or if the student’s concern involves a decision of the Director, the student may initiate a more formal grievance as outlined by Stanford’s ADA Grievance Procedure for students. Stanford University's Compliance Officers are responsible for administering this grievance procedure as well as ensuring compliance with applicable laws. The Director of the Diversity and Access Office is the designated ADA / Section 504 Compliance Officer.

Please note that formal complaints must be filed as soon as possible, but in no event later than 10 days after the end of the quarter in which the concern arose.

Diversity and Access Office

Website: https://diversityandaccess.stanford.edu/disability-access

Kingscote Gardens (1st floor), MC:8230
419 Lagunita Drive, Suite 130
Stanford, CA 94305-8550

ADA Program Director

Email: disability.access@stanford.edu
Voice: (650) 725-0326
TTY: (650) 723-1216
Fax: (650) 723-1791