Office of Student Disability Services

Student Frequently Asked Questions

Will my high school or previous college documents be sufficient?

Accommodations are determined on a case-by-case basis, however, generally speaking, OSDS will require documents relevant to your current program of study and institution.

What if I disagree with my Accommodation Coordinator’s decision?

Students will need to file an appeal- see Accommodation Decision Appeal and retrieve form from OSDS

Why won’t you tell me what I can get for accommodations without the process or give me a list of accommodations I can apply for?

OSDS reviews requests on an individual basis to customize support for students’ needs.

What happens if I don’t feel I have received my approved accommodations?

Contact OSDS immediately to have a case opened for review

How are accommodations implemented?

Students who are approved to receive accommodations are given a notification letter of approval. To utilize the accommodations, students are required to provide notification of the accommodations to the appropriate professor/instructor/department prior to their intended use. There will also be a minimum required time period for notice in order to implement the approved accommodations. For details, refer to the specifications on the letter provided.

Does OSDS review requests for professional testing such as NCLEX, USMLE Step 1, USMLE Step 2 CK, and USMLE Step 3, NAVLE, etc.?

No, those examinations are out of OSDS jurisdiction, however, we are happy to work with the student through basic questions and potentially provide supporting documents as appropriate

Knowing the process, timelines, and requirements to make accommodation requests for those exams is imperative. Start reviewing as soon as you begin your program to understand the process including their requirements and calendar. Here are websites for more information:

NCLEX
NAVLE
USMLE
NBME

Additional Support document available by contacting OSDS

What if I have a service animal or emotional support animal? What should I know?

Each of Adtalem’s institutions has its own customized policy taking into account location (to include local laws and ordinances). Please refer to your institution’s student handbook for the policy and specifics. Reach out to OSDS any time with questions.

*If you are attending an institution on the islands, please know that there are restrictions on what types of animals you can bring. More information is available upon request.

What if my needs changed or my accommodations are not working for me? How do I request additional or alternate accommodations to what I currently have?

Any student requesting new or additional accommodations should follow this process. Please complete an updated Accommodation Request Form

The form should state

  • Your current diagnosis  
  • How the diagnosis affects your studies 
  • Specific recommended changes or additions to your current accommodations
  • How those requested additional or altered accommodations will further support or address your specific needs in relation to your studies

Once you have all of the paperwork, please send one completed file to the Office of Student Disability Services. Documentation can be scanned in a .pdf file and emailed.

Any additional/alternative accommodations that may be provided will take effect once we have and review your paperwork and work with you to determine what accommodations are reasonable and appropriate. Your previously approved accommodations will remain in place while this review is being conducted.

What if my institution has housing and I need accommodations related to my disability there?

On campus housing accommodations under the university’s jurisdiction are reviewed by OSDS in collaboration with housing.

  • The first step is for OSDS to determine eligibility
  • All students must follow the housing deadlines and accommodations will not be applied to the term when assignments have been distributed.
  • Housing requests are constrained by space and type of housing available
  • Requests may take 2-4 weeks to process and implement after a file is complete
  • Requests will be determined for a semester or academic year and will be indicated on the notification letter
  • OSDS will not determine roommates or room locations
  • OSDS does not regulate stipends which are only available in and applicable to on campus housing.
What if something on the institution website is not accessible?

Please report the concern to the Accessibility Specialist by emailing equity@adtalem.com with the information.

If I am dismissed or withdrawn from my program can I apply for accommodation?

A student must be in active student status to have an accommodation request reviewed.

If I had accommodations and went on leave, or was withdrawn, moved locations, or changed programs are my accommodations still active?

You will need to contact the Office of Student Disability Services to determine if you need to update your request or if your accommodations are still applicable.

What can OSDS do to support my application to USMLE?
  • Fill out the form verifying accommodations used
  • Provide the Institution’s Letter
  • Provide a letter of support upon request
What do I do if I have a food allergy?

Contact the OSDS for accommodations, information on signage and support such as food availability on campus.

Accommodation Decision Appeal Process

Students who wish to formally appeal an accommodation decision made by the Office of Student Disability Services (OSDS) must submit the required form and any necessary documentation within 10 calendar days after receiving their accommodation decision.

Please fill out the form completely and accurately, as information missing from this form may delay the appeal process. Documentation must be submitted in one file to the OSDS. To appeal a decision, your appeal must meet one of the three grounds for appeal as notated in Part C of the request form 1-Procedural error by OSDS during the process that significantly impacted the outcome of the decision. 2-There is new information available that did not exist at the time of the initial request that has the potential to alter the outcome of the decision 3-There is Evidence of bias on the part of the OSDS Accommodation Coordinator that rendered the decision making it impossible to be objective.

*Please know the interactive process is still available to you, for new or alternate requests and does not apply to this process.

If it is determined that the documentation satisfies the appeal process grounds stated previously, the Manager of the OSDS or Designee will review the appeal. Please note that the review of an appeal does not guarantee a reversal of the original decision. If the appeal documentation does not satisfy the process criteria, or the student does not appeal within 10 calendar days, the appeal will be determined to be insufficient for review and the student will forfeit the right to an appeal.

Please note the decision by the Manager of the OSDS or Designee is final and not subject to further review.

Temporary Injury/Illness

Certain life events can adversely affect a student’s ability to participate. Some of the ways we see these temporary circumstances or injuries are broken limbs, strep throat, car accidents, flu, mono, bronchitis. While there may be supports available, the contact for this type of concern would start with faculty and potentially include areas as the institution such as wellness center, Dean, counseling center, etc. Academics may be able to go over leave or incompletes etc. If the concern/impairment in question is not a temporary or permanent disability, OSDS will refer you to the institutional departments.

If you believe you need assistance for a temporary disability that may be severe and pervasive contact the OSDS with questions. Temporary disability requests will be reviewed on an individual basis but generally are for a period of 6 months or greater. Minimally students would be affected for more than one term of their academic study.

Grievance

Students who believe they have been discriminated against due to a disability should contact Adtalem’s Office of Equity and Access at Equity@adtalem.com for assistance or to file a complaint. 

Additional Resources

National Organization of Nurses with Disabilities
Vets4Vets
MedicalProfessionalsWithHearingLoss
HealthScienceCoalition
PhysicianswithDisabilities