The Catholic University of America (CUA) is a private research university located in Washington, D.C., seeking “to discover and impart the truth through excellence in teaching and research.” As the second oldest research university in America, CUA is dedicated to supporting students with a disability through the Office of Disability Support Services (DSS). This office plays a critical role in ensuring equitable access to education with 12.93 percent of students having a disability or who are registered with the DSS. This high percentage underscores the importance of providing robust support systems for students with disabilities.
CUA has recently undergone a transformation with the adoption of Symplicity Accommodate, launching it to its first cohort of students in fall 2024. Leveraging Accommodate has enabled CUA to enhance accommodation requests, exam management, data analysis, and the overall student experience.
One of the features of Accommodate at CUA is its ability to manage accommodation requests with greater ease. This transition to Accommodate has modernized an office that evolved from being a paper-intensive system (prior to COVID), then to homegrown solutions in more recent years. Accommodate has allowed the DSS team to better serve its student population. “Prior to COVID, this department was entirely pen and paper for most everything,” said Harry R. Knabe Director of Disability Support Services. The ability to consolidate all student information in one place has been transformative. According to Knabe, “Now we are able to consider the needs of the student comprehensively and craft accommodation plans, send confirmation notices of eligibility, and generate letters of accommodation with less effort through the system.
One of the most notable improvements brought by Accommodate is its ability to reduce the need for students to repeatedly disclose their needs. “Having everything in one place has allowed us to connect the dots,” said Knabe. "Previously a student was required to fill out a different form for each type of accommodation (academic, housing, dining) that they sought, but they also had separate meetings for each request too.” With Accommodate, students now can submit all their requests in one go, within one platform in a streamlined process.
Moreover, the system’s comprehensive view of student needs enables the DSS team to offer more tailored recommendations. “It’s given us this ability to look more at the student as a totality,” said Knabe. This holistic approach ensures that students’ needs are met more effectively, fostering a supportive environment.
The benefits of Accommodate have extend beyond efficiency, where “Students no longer have to retell their story repeatedly,” Knabe told Symplicity. This change aligns with a key principle in the disability community—minimizing the emotional toll of self-disclosure and fear of discrimination.
“Having everything in one place has allowed us to connect the dots. Previously a student was required to fill out a different form for each type of accommodation (academic, housing, dining) that they sought, but they also had separate meetings for each request too.”
Harry R. Knabe Director of Disability Support Services
The Catholic University of America
Accommodate’s data capabilities have started to show potential in improving strategic planning, yet the CUA still needs a full year to fully understand all the data being collected in the system. However, even in its early stages, the system has enabled the DSS team to consolidate data, which was previously scattered across multiple spreadsheets and sources. “For our graduate Learning Skills Advisor team that works one-on-one with our newest students, I think it’s been an important tool and resource for them,” Knabe shared.
Additionally, Accommodate’s data contribution to the CUA annual report on how many students DSS supports, and in what capacity, will be instrumental. “Previously, the team literally put up screen by screen or printed things out to cross-reference accommodations,” said Knabe. The ability to pull comprehensive reports from Accommodate is expected to simplify this process significantly.
Further, Accommodate’s test booking module has provided insights into testing needs. While the full implementation is still underway, Knabe and their team anticipates the ability to track and analyze testing patterns will help the DSS team optimize its resources and improve the student experience and our working rapport with university faculty.
The implementation of Accommodate at the CUA has been a learned journey, marked by challenges, some unanticipated results, and still good progress. From streamlining intake processes to reducing the emotional toll on students, the system has brought significant improvements to the university’s Disability Support Services. As Knabe reflects, “We are feeling good and better with the product with every day.”
While there is still room for growth, particularly in data utilization and module expansion, the DSS team is optimistic about the future. Knabe’s advice to other institutions considering Accommodate is clear: “Approach the process with an open mind... be comfortable with the fact that it may look and feel really different for you as a user.” With continued dedication and collaboration, CUA is setting a strong example of how technology can enhance accessibility and support for students with disabilities.
Automate, simplify and track the approval and delivery of accommodations all with your institution in mind, with Symplicity Accommodate. Learn more here or contact us at info@symplicity.com.