Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is considered a disability?

    A disability is any physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more of such a person's major life activities. Examples of disabilities include, but are not limited to:

    • Mental health conditions - Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder
    • Cognitive/Learning challenges - Attention Deficit Disorders, Learning Disabilities, being on the Autism Spectrum
    • Chronic Medical - Fibromyalgia, Migraines, Diabetes
    • Sensory - Hearing or Vision Loss
    • Neurological/Neuromuscular/Mobility - Brain Injury, Seizure Disorder, Multiple Sclerosis
  • What is the process of obtaining accommodations at MSM?

    Refer to https://www.msm.edu/OILAS/Student-Accommodations.php for details. 

  • What is a reasonable accommodation?  

    Reasonable Accommodations: 

    1. Will not fundamentally alter certain academic or technical standards.
    2. Do not substantially alter the fundamental elements of the course, program or service.
    3. Don't present an undue hardship.
    4. Will not pose a risk to self or others. 
  • What should be covered in the supporting medical documentation?  

    Documentation Guidelines
    Students requesting services and academic adjustments for a disability will be required to submit documentation to verify eligibility for services under Section 504 and ADAAA. To assist students in assembling appropriate documentation to support their request for academic adjustments, the Office of Inclusive Learning and Accessibility Services has specific documentation guidelines for their disability. Carefully read the general guidelines on this page and the guidelines applicable to your disability or disabilities, as you are responsible for submitting documentation that complies with these guidelines. We recommend providing a copy of the guidelines to your qualified professional before the preparation of your documentation. If a student and/or qualified professional wishes to discuss the documentation guidelines, s/he can contact the Office of Inclusive Learning and Accessibility Services by phone (404) 756-6719 or via e-mail at OILAS@msm.edu.

    Suggested Supporting Documentation Elements:

    • Typed on letterhead, dated, and signed, by a qualified professional
    • State the disability or disabilities (must also include DSM-V-TR criteria for each disability)
    • Describe the impact or symptoms of the disability
    • List medications
    • Current and/ or past accommodations
    • Recommended accommodations
  • How long is medical documentation acceptable?

    Submit documentation of your disability using one of the following verification criteria:

    • ADD/ADHD- expires after 3 years
    • Learning Disability- expires after 3 years
    • Medical/Physical Disability- expires after 1 year
    • Psychological Disability- expires after 1 year
    • Psychoeducational evaluation- expires after 3 years
  • What is considered a qualified professional?

    All documentation must be completed by a qualified professional. A "qualified professional" is defined as a licensed physical or mental health care provider who has had extensive training in the field related to the student's disability. This would include a licensed physician, psychiatrist, psychologist, clinical or educational psychologist, school psychologist, neuropsychologist, or a learning disability specialist with the license to diagnose according to the DSM-V/DSM-V-TR Regardless of professional background, it is not appropriate for the evaluation to be done by a member of the student's immediate or extended family. All documentation must be endorsed by a U. S. licensed medical provider Also note that it is the student's responsibility to pay all costs involved in obtaining evaluations and documentation of a disability.

  • Can anyone approve or disapprove accommodations?  

    OILAS works with the program director of the program to approve or disapprove accommodations.

  • When is the best time to request accommodations?  

    The best time to request accommodations is as soon as possible.

  • Are accommodations retroactive?

    Accommodations are not retroactive. Accommodations begin from the date of approval.

  • When should I notify my academic or clinical faculty/ staff of my approved accommodations?

    Students who have approved accommodations should notify the academic or clinical faculty/ staff of their approved accommodations as soon as possible to give them time to implement the accommodation(s).

  • Once my accommodations are approved, do I have to use them?

    No. Learners are not required to use approved accommodations during every course or learning experience (academic/ clinical). To activate accommodations for a specific course or learning experience, the learner must provide their Accommodation Letter directly to the designated liaison for their school/ program, or the course faculty or program director in a timely manner.

  • Do I have to disclose my disability?

    No, you are not required to disclose your disability.

  • How do I use my accommodations for a national board exam or other assessment administered by a third party?  
    • Requirements are typically outlined by the administrator's website, for example:
    • It is recommended that requestors tend to all deadlines and guidance regarding expected turnaround time.
    • Generally, an agency's decision time is 60-120 days.
    • Preparing a suitable submission can take 3-6 months to gather the following information:
      • Develop a personal statement
      • Collect documentation that show a history of receiving accommodations for school and standardized testing; with the most recent being within 3 years
      • Detailed evaluation containing diagnostic process, limitations, and recommendations
  • What is the grievance policy?  

    Please refer to the Student Handbook.