The academic department chair has a pivotal role in the administration of special accommodations provided to students under the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Department chairs may interact with all levels of the institution, and the interaction among chairs, the Equal Opportunities Officer (EOO), the college attorney, and the dean is a two-way flow of information. The department chair relies on the college attorney for legal advice and the EOO for training and information, but then the department chair must ensure that faculty members have the knowledge they need to provide accommodations without undermining academic standards. In the event of disagreement or litigation the department chair has information gathering functions. The department chair also interacts with students. It is not appropriate for the department chair to be involved in every case of special accommodations, but it is essential that the department chair makes sure that every faculty member is aware of laws and policies related to academic accommodations for the disabled. (SLD)