Students with disabilities have the right to equal access to courses, programs, activities, services, and facilities offered at UAB. Students are also entitled to reasonable accommodation. All information about the student’s disability is to be kept confidential. Students have the responsibility to provide acceptable documentation of disabilities and to register with Disability Support Services (DSS) if they would like to receive accommodation(s). If students deem it necessary to receive accommodations for a particular class, students have the responsibility to inform the instructor, to deliver the accommodations letters that verify their approved accommodations, and to participate in the discussions about how their needs can be met.

It is the student's responsibility to submit their accommodation requests each semester through the appropriate system. Students are also expected to follow up with their instructors as part of the interactive process to confirm that accommodations have been received and to discuss their implementation.

The interactive process is a collaborative dialogue between the student and their instructor to ensure that approved accommodations are understood and can be effectively implemented within the context of each course. After submitting accommodation letters through the DSS Online Portal, students are expected to reach out to their instructors to discuss how the accommodations will apply in that specific class.
This conversation may include:

• Clarifying how accommodations will be provided (e.g. Extended time on exams)
• Discussing any course-specific limitations or essential requirements.
• Addressing questions or concerns about implementation.

Students are responsible for promptly notifying Disability Support Services (DSS) if their approved accommodations are not being implemented in the classroom.

DSS provides accommodations for a wide range of disabilities, including medical, sensory, learning, psychological, neurodivergent disorders, temporary impairments and mobility.

No, you do not have to disclose your disability to your instructor. The DSS process is confidential as your diagnosis will not be shared with instructor, faculty, or students. However, instructors only receive accommodation letters outlining approved accommodations not specific medical details once you submit them.

Yes. Approved accommodations apply to all course formats, including in-person, online, and hybrid classes.

Documentation must be recent and completed by a qualified professional. It should clearly state the diagnosis and the functional limitations affecting your academic performance. Please review the DSS Documentation Guidelines.

Students with disabilities must apply to UAB through the regular admissions procedure. There are no special admissions procedures. A student may, however, apply to the companies that administer the standardized admission exams (such as Educational Testing Services and The College Board) for provision of accommodations when taking standardized tests such as the SAT, ACT and GRE. Contact the exam administration companies for further information on how to apply for and decide for standardized exam accommodation.

For standardized tests, you must apply directly to the testing agencies. DSS can provide a memo of verification or complete any testing accommodations forms that students can provide to testing agencies for these standardized tests once registered with our office.

If you suspect you have a disability that is impacting your academic performance, you will need to provide documentation of that disability-to-Disability Support Services (DSS). This documentation must be supplied by a qualified professional licensed or certified to diagnose the disability in question. You may also schedule a time to meet with DSS to discuss a potential need for services and to gather resources.

It can take 2-3 weeks if documentation is sufficient. The process for temporary impairments may vary, please contact DSS directly to discuss.

Colleges must provide reasonable accommodations necessary for equal access to education. They are not required to have Individualized Educational Plans (IEP’s). While some elements of your IEP will be applicable in college, some aspects of accommodation may change.

No.Accommodations at UAB are not retroactive. We encourage students to meet with DSS staff if they feel accommodation may be needed in the future but are not sure.

Use of accommodation is at the discretion of the student. It is important to remember that accommodation is not retroactive.

Contact DSS as soon as possible. Accommodation can often be arranged mid-semester with appropriate documentation and timely communication.

You must submit your accommodation letters and requests through the DSS Online Portal every semester to continue receiving services.

For answers to frequent questions about testing accommodations, please review the Testing Center FAQ. It provides detailed information on scheduling, allowed accommodations, and testing policies.

DSS will need any student wanting documentation to be released to sign a Release of Information. This release will need the contact information of the individual and agency that will be receiving it.

Note-taking assistance may not be needed in cases such as:

• Online courses that have no lecture or provide unlimited access to recorded lectures.
• Classroom notes/transcripts are provided to all students.
• Instructor provides their own notes.

Disability Support Services can coordinate access to course materials and books in alternative format. These course materials include Braille, E-Text, HTML, EPUB and Print Enlarging. Books in Alternative Format are provided only for courses for which the eligible student is currently enrolled. All books will be provided in accordance with all copyright laws and regulations.

Captioning and transcription are arranged for eligible students with communication access needs. Students eligible for receiving captioning for courses can make the request by applying to DSS and becoming a registered student. If you are a registered student with DSS, fill out the accommodation request form to request captioning services.

The student must go onto the portal and click on the “Additional Request Form” button. Students must fill out the form online. The request will be reviewed and an email will be sent to your UAB email address.

For step-by-step guidance, please review the DSS Student Portal Tutorial provided by the university.

Students with accommodation needs related to graduation should contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. as early as possible to ensure appropriate arrangements can be made.

Students can gain access to assistive technology by becoming a registered student with DSS by accessing the DSS portal. Registered DSS students can contact the DSS office for further assistance.

Disability accommodations in housing are provided based on medical necessity when a disability prevents access to a dwelling. Housing accommodation could be a private bathroom for a GI disease, a private fridge for medical equipment storage, or a private bedroom to manage chronic health conditions. Generally, these accommodations would not be provided to access study space or address roommate conflict. Please contact housing to address issues outside of what is listed as a medical necessity to address housing accommodations.

Do I need to submit a housing application prior to requesting housing accommodation?

• Students who want to request housing accommodations must complete the Housing and Residence Life application procedure and follow the DSS registration process.
• Apply for Housing

Yes, service animals are permitted on campus in accordance with university policy and ADA regulations. Please review assistance animals guidance for further information.

If an instructor is not implementing your approved accommodations, please contact Disability Support Services (DSS) or your assigned case manager as soon as possible for assistance.

To submit a grievance related to discrimination based on disability or the failure to implement approved accommodations, please review our informal and formal grievance procedures.

To report these concerns, please contact our office. For issues related to elevators, doors, or other physical access barriers, please submit a request directly to Facilities Services.

Yes. While Disability Support Services (DSS) works to ensure students receive equal access through reasonable accommodations, institutions are not required to approve an accommodation if doing so would fundamentally alter the nature of a program, course, or activity.
If an accommodation request is not approved, DSS will work with the student to explore alternative options that still provide meaningful access.

Yes. You may request an appeal against the decision by contacting your assigned DSS case manager.