Technical Standards and Requests for Accommodations on Fieldwork
While the Accessibility Resources Office determines eligibility for accommodations, clinical accommodations should be reviewed in collaboration with the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator (AFWC) to assess how they can be implemented in the context of fieldwork. Clinical sites are responsible for assessing whether specific accommodations can be reasonably implemented within their setting. In cases where accommodations cannot be met due to site-specific factors (e.g., patient population, staffing model, supervision structure), the IHP Fieldwork Team will partner with the student and Accessibility Resources to explore alternative solutions that continue to support student success. This collaborative process is designed to ensure both equity and alignment with accreditation requirements, while respecting the operational capacity of our clinical partner sites.
If you have a documented disability and have clinical accommodations in place, it is important to connect as soon as possible with both the Accessibility Resources Office and the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator. This conversation will help clarify how and when your accommodations will be communicated to the clinical site, as implementation may vary depending on the site’s structure, staffing model, and clinical setting.
Accommodations cannot be applied retroactively. For that reason, we encourage students to initiate the process early, so we can plan proactively and provide the best possible support from the beginning.
Clinical accommodations are designed to ensure equitable access to the learning environment by addressing functional barriers associated with a documented disability. Their purpose is to support your ability to meet course learning objectives, site specific learning objectives and the competencies outlined in the Fieldwork Performance Evaluation (FWPE). While clinical accommodations help reduce barriers and promote access, they do not modify the essential learning objectives or required competencies of the fieldwork experience.
This includes expectations related to safety, screening and evaluation, intervention, management of occupational therapy services, and communication and professional behaviors. Accommodations are intended to allow students to fully participate and demonstrate competence in a manner that aligns with the fundamental goals and professional standards of the fieldwork experience. If, once your placement begins, you believe that additional clinical accommodations may be necessary, you must promptly contact both the Accessibility Resources Office and the AFWC.
Our goal is to support students in a manner that is inclusive, respectful, and aligned with both accreditation standards and clinical education expectations. If you have any questions or concerns about clinical accommodations, please reach out to the AFWC and/or the Accessibility Resources Office.
The AFWC and CEPSA uphold a strict policy of confidentiality and will not share any information regarding a student's accommodations without explicit written permission from the student.
If the student chooses to disclose accommodations or grants the IHP Fieldwork Team permission to do so, a collaborative plan will be developed. This plan will outline the steps necessary to ensure that the fieldwork site agrees to provide the specified accommodations, thereby supporting the student’s success. If a fieldwork site does not agree to the proposed accommodations, the student will be promptly notified, and alternative solutions will be explored. The IHP Fieldwork Team will work closely with the student to identify other possible fieldwork sites that can accommodate their needs or adjust the accommodation plan to meet the site's capabilities without compromising the student's ability to successfully participate in the fieldwork experience. Our priority remains to ensure that all students receive the necessary support to thrive in their placements while adhering to the essential requirements of their fieldwork education.
It is important for students to understand that sharing accommodation needs cannot be retroactive. If a student first chooses not to disclose their accommodation needs and later faces challenges in meeting the clinical environment's demands, choosing to disclose later will not excuse past difficulties. We strongly encourage students to communicate their needs as early as possible, as this allows for the necessary arrangements to be made in advance, ensuring they can fully benefit from and succeed in their clinical experiences.
Failure to meet or maintain any health or onboarding requirement—either from the IHP or the clinical site—may result in delayed or canceled fieldwork placements.
- Student Support During Level II Fieldwork
Level II fieldwork presents a range of challenges, but students are not alone in navigating these experiences. The Institute offers a robust support network designed to assist students throughout their fieldwork journey. This network includes the IHP Fieldwork Team, the student's advisor, and the EL-OTD Program Director and Department Chair. Additional support is available from the Accessibility Resources Office, the SHRS Assistant Dean for Faculty & Student Success, the Office of Student Affairs and Services, the Mission, Values, & Community Excellence (MVCE) Office, and the Financial Aid office. The Student Assistance Program (SAP) provides short-term counseling for a student who may be experiencing difficulties that affect their personal lives or program performance. To contact the Student Assistance Program, call (866) 724-4327. These resources are committed to providing guidance, support, and the necessary tools to help students meet the demands of their fieldwork and achieve success.