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What is a Disability Accommodation?

A disability accommodation is a modification or support that removes barriers and ensures equal access for individuals with disabilities in academic, residential, and campus life settings. These accommodations are designed to provide students with an equal opportunity to participate fully in their educational experience by addressing the functional limitations of their disability—not by lowering academic standards or altering essential program requirements.

Accommodations can vary depending on an individual’s disability and the context in which they are needed. They are determined on a case-by-case basis through an interactive process and can include:

Residential accommodations: These might involve assignment to accessible housing units, proximity to campus, air quality enhancements, and access to accessible parking spaces. 

Academic accommodations: Accommodations may involve providing alternate formats of instructional materials, extended time on exams, note-taking assistance, or preferential seating.  

Workplace and teaching accommodations: These accommodations are designed to enable students to perform their job duties effectively. Examples include adjustable desks or chairs, specific computer equipment, or schedule adjustments. 

Communication accommodations: These accommodations help individuals with communication disabilities to effectively receive and convey information. This might involve translation tools, captioning services, or written communication alternatives.

Physical accommodations: These might involve modifications to physical spaces such as ramps and accessible restrooms, as well as mobility assistance through accessible transportation services and access to accessible parking spaces.

Disability Services FAQs - Understanding Accommodations

The purpose of a disability accommodation is to provide equitable access by reducing or removing disability-related barriers. Accommodations are designed to support participation in academic programs and University activities without altering essential requirements or academic standards.

No. Accommodations are not intended to provide an advantage or lower expectations. They are intended to ensure that students with disabilities have the same opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities as other students.

No. Accommodations are determined on an individualized basis. Even students with similar conditions may have different needs depending on how a disability affects them, the academic or campus context, and the essential requirements of a program.

Yes. Accommodations can be reviewed and adjusted if a student’s needs change, academic demands shift, or if an accommodation is no longer effective or appropriate. Students are encouraged to contact Disability Services if they believe a review is needed.

No. However, some courses have Teaching Assistants (TAs) who provide extra support, and academic divisions may offer additional resources. To learn more about what academic supports your program or division may offer, please contact your Graduate Program Coordinator (GPC).

For help with academic communication, the English Language and Communication Program (ELCP) offers workshops and individual support with writing, presentations, and communication.