I am requesting the addition of a dedicated Reserve Funds line within the Accessibility Services budget to support unexpected or last-minute accommodation needs. Each semester, we receive student accommodation requests that cannot be anticipated in advance and often require immediate action to remain compliant with ADA requirements and to support student success.

Examples of these unplanned expenses include:

• Last minute ASL interpreting or CART services requested
  
  

• Braille or alternative-format textbooks, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars
  
  

• Specialized technology or adaptive equipment that must be purchased quickly to meet a student’s needs
  
  

While we do our best to forecast and plan, many accommodations cannot be predicted early enough to include in the annual budget cycle. Additionally, purchasing technology too far in advance is often not advisable, as accessibility tools evolve rapidly and may become outdated by the time they are needed.

A reserve line will help us:

• Respond quickly to new accommodation requests
  
  

• Cover high, unexpected costs
  
  

• Avoid buying technology that will sit unused or become outdated
  
  

• Stay compliant and support students without delays
  
  

I recommend adding a yearly reserve amount that we can use only for urgent, ADA-related student needs. This addition will greatly strengthen our ability to serve students equitably while maintaining responsible fiscal management.