Who may request an accommodation
A learner with a disability who needs a modification, auxiliary aid, communication support, accessible format, physical access arrangement, or other disability-related accommodation may request assistance from HRI. Requests are considered individually based on the learner’s access needs and the requirements of the specific course or session.
How to request an accommodation
Contact HRI as soon as you know an accommodation may be needed. Requests made at least 14 calendar days before a scheduled course are strongly encouraged because some arrangements require coordination with instructors, venues, interpreters, captioning providers, or accessible-format services. A request made with less notice will still be considered, but HRI may not be able to arrange every requested service on short notice.
Please include:
- Your name and the course or session you plan to attend.
- The accommodation, modification, or auxiliary aid you are requesting.
- Enough information to explain the disability-related access need and how the requested accommodation would provide access.
If the need for an accommodation is not apparent, HRI may request reasonable supporting documentation. Any documentation request will be limited to information relevant to the accommodation being requested.
Types of accommodations HRI may provide
Depending on the course and the learner’s needs, reasonable accommodations may include, but are not limited to:
- Accessible seating, room arrangement, or positioning in the learning space.
- Reasonable schedule adjustments or additional breaks when they do not change essential course requirements.
- Course materials in an alternate or accessible format when reasonably available.
- Captioning, interpreting, assistive listening, written communication, or other communication supports when required for effective access.
- Reasonable modifications to the manner in which a learner participates in a demonstration, practical exercise, written activity, or assessment.
- Accessible equipment, adaptive arrangements, or another effective method of participation when appropriate to the course.
This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. The most effective accommodation may differ from the learner’s initial request, and HRI may discuss alternatives that provide comparable access.
Hands-on and practical courses
Many HRI courses include massage therapy demonstrations, partner practice, palpation, movement, communication, or other hands-on learning. HRI will reasonably modify the manner of participation when possible, while preserving essential safety, consent, learning objectives, and competencies that the course is designed to teach or assess.
An accommodation does not require HRI to waive an essential competency or fundamentally change what a course is intended to teach. When a requested modification would do so, HRI will consider whether another accommodation or alternate accessible arrangement can provide meaningful participation without altering the essential nature of the course.
Facilities and physical access
HRI will use accessible learning facilities or make appropriate alternative accessible arrangements as required by applicable law. Learners who need wheelchair access, accessible parking or entrances, accessible restroom information, space for a mobility device, or other venue-specific access should contact HRI as early as possible so those needs can be confirmed for the scheduled location.
Cost, privacy, and communication
HRI does not charge a learner an additional fee for an approved reasonable accommodation or auxiliary aid that HRI is required to provide. Disability-related information will be handled as privately as reasonably possible and shared only with staff, instructors, venue personnel, or service providers who need the information to arrange or implement the accommodation.
HRI will respond to accommodation requests in a reasonable and timely manner. If a requested accommodation cannot be provided as requested, HRI will explain the decision and discuss another effective option when one is available.
Course-specific needs and concerns
This general policy applies to HRI continuing education courses and educational activities. A specific course or venue may include additional accessibility information based on its format, location, equipment, or essential learning objectives. Course-specific information may supplement this policy but does not replace HRI’s general commitment to reasonable access.
A learner who has a concern about the accommodation process or believes an accessibility request was not handled appropriately may contact HRI directly and may also use the Institute’s Grievance Policy process.