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The Accessibility Resource Center (ARC) serves as a central point of information and coordination to ensure equal access and full participation for students with disabilities in all programs and activities at Smith College. Employee accommodations are coordinated by Human Resources.

Our Work

Principles of Universal Design and Disability Justice guide us in our work as we strive to proactively identify and remove barriers to participation wherever possible. We also strive to promote a disability-positive and inclusive climate at Smith; such a climate recognizes each person's multiple identities and values all diverse perspectives which contribute to a rich living and learning environment. Smith's commitment to providing support and services is balanced with a humanistic and developmental approach that requires student engagement and responsibility in the accommodation process.

To contact ARC, please email arc@smith.edu.

Sign language

Housing Accommodations for Incoming Students

The deadline to submit a housing accommodation request along with accompanying documentation and to meet with a member of our staff is June 1st. Our student-facing database, Accommodate, is now open to all incoming students.

So as to be considered in a timely manner for any housing accommodation requests you may have, please complete an Accessibility Request in Accommodate following the steps outlined here and upload supporting documentation. Upon receipt, ARC will be in touch about setting up a time to meet with a member of our staff.

We’re looking forward to working with you!

‘More Than a Dog Trainer’

Smith College junior takes inspiration from her own service dog to establish a nonprofit training center.

Indea Holt ’27 founded Hudson Creek Canines in 2024, focusing on dog training and providing psychiatric service dogs at a needs-based cost. “She’s been such a huge part of my life, my healing, and my journey with disability,” Holt says of her service dog, Laila. “I really can’t imagine life without her.”

Read the Full Story

Our Staff

Appointments are highly recommended, as our staff are not generally available right away other than during designated open hours. Smith community members are encouraged to find ARC staff in the People Directory. All others may contact arc@smith.edu to be connected with the appropriate staff contact. 

Maria Schiano

Director

Lisa Page

Accommodations Coordinator

Oliver Kelly

Documentation, Data, & Records Specialist

Ren Llewellyn

Jacobson Center Learning Specialist

Cooper Wall

Interim Assistive Technologist

Claire Chester

MSW ARC Intern

Contact Accessibility Resource Center

College Hall 104
Smith College
Northampton, MA 01063
413-585-2071 
arc@smith.edu

Director: Maria Schiano

Hours
Our office is generally open Monday–Friday. Please contact us for current hours, or to make an appointment.

Parking and Ramps
Accessible parking and a ramp with power-assist door are located at the rear of College Hall.