Student FAQs

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.

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

A disability-related accommodation is a modification to the campus living environment that helps ensure students with disabilities have equal access to housing.

It is not meant to increase comfort, guarantee housing, or improve academic performance. Its purpose is to remove specific barriers in the housing environment that are caused by a disability.

No. Having a disability does not automatically qualify you for disability-related housing accommodations. There must be a clear connection between your disability, the barrier you experience, and the need for a housing-related adjustment. Please review DSS Housing documentation guidelines for full requirements.

Disability-related accommodation requests are approved based on documented disability-related barriers and are not approved when they are based solely on general student experiences.

This includes reasons such as personal preference or comfort, convenience, general stress, roommate conflict, adaptation challenges (e.g., homesickness or feeling overwhelmed), academic scheduling needs, or a desire for a quieter space when other study options are available. Concerns related to independence, transportation, or financial circumstances also do not qualify.

While many students experience stress or roommate challenges, accommodations are approved only when a disability creates a functional limitation or barrier that is significantly different from what other students experience.

For concerns not related to a disability, students are encouraged to contact UAB Student Housing and Residence Life to assist with common residential and adjustment-related challenges.

It is the student’s responsibility to complete both the UAB Student Housing application and DSS registration processes in a timely manner to allow for appropriate review, documentation processing, and coordination.

Requests submitted later in the semester, or after housing assignments have been finalized, may still be reviewed; however, there may be limited ability to implement approved accommodations due to housing availability and assignment timelines.

Yes. Documentation is required.

Your documentation should:

• Be completed by a licensed healthcare or clinical professional
• Clearly describe your functional limitations and how they impact you in housing

No. Approval does not guarantee that the accommodation will be implemented in on-campus housing. Housing will be notified of your accommodation, but please note housing space is limited, and accommodations implementation is not guaranteed.

If your request for housing accommodations is not approved or does not meet eligibility criteria, there are still resources and options available to support you at UAB.

Students are encouraged to:

• Contact UAB Student Housing and Residence Life to discuss available on-campus housing options, including possible exceptions within standard housing processes
• Explore UAB Off-Campus Student and Family Engagement, which may provide greater flexibility in meeting individual needs
• Connect with the UAB Student Engagement & Enrichment for support with adjusting to campus life and navigating concerns
• Contact UAB Disability Support Services for clarification on the decision and information about alternative campus supports

While not all requests qualify as disability-related accommodations through DSS, UAB offices are available to help students identify resources and housing options that best meet their needs.

No. You cannot bring an ESA into campus housing unless it has been approved in advance.

To bring an ESA to campus, it must be:

• An approved ESA through DSS, or
• A service animal as defined by the ADA

Bringing an unapproved animal into your residence hall is a violation of Housing and Residence Life policies. You must complete the DSS request process and receive formal approval before bringing the ESA to campus.

If you want to replace your current ESA or request an additional ESA, you must submit a new request through Disability Support Services (DSS). Approval must be received before bringing any new or additional ESAs into campus housing. For a replacement ESA, your documentation must confirm that the new animal continues to support the same disability-related needs.

Please review DSS Assistance Animal documentation guidelines for full requirements.

Not all requests qualify for an ESA. ESAs are only approved when they are necessary to address a disability-related barrier in housing.

Requests are generally not approved if they are based on:

• Wanting comfort, companionship, or preference
• Stress or anxiety without a clear impact on your ability to live in housing
• Feeling lonely, homesick, or adjusting to campus life
• Missing a pet from home or wanting a familiar animal
• Improving academic performance or focus

There must be a clear connection between your disability, your symptoms, and why an ESA is needed in your living space.

ESAs are only allowed in your assigned campus housing space. They are not permitted in other areas of campus.

This includes:

• Dining halls or food service areas
• Classrooms, labs, and libraries
• Recreation centers and gyms
• Student centers, offices, and other shared spaces

ESAs are not service animals under the ADA, so they do not have access to public campus spaces. Their approval is limited to housing only.

If your ESA request is not approved, there are still support options available at UAB.

You are encouraged to:

• Connect with the UAB Student Engagement & Enrichment for help adjusting to campus life
• Contact UAB Student Counseling Services for counseling, mental health support, and strategies for managing stress or anxiety
• Contact UAB Disability Support Services for clarification of the decision and information about other available supports

Even if an ESA is not approved, UAB offers campus resources to help you manage challenges and support your well-being while living on campus.

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.

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.

If you encounter an accessibility barrier, such as a malfunctioning elevator, a blocked sidewalk or accessible route, inaccessible parking, or a digital accessibility issue (such as inaccessible websites, online forms, documents, software, or course materials) please report an accessibility concern.

You can find all digital accessibility resources and support on our university’s digital accessibility page. This includes information about accessibility policies, guidance for creating accessible materials, training, and contact information for accessibility concerns or guidance.

You can request support for digital accessibility through our university’s Digital Accessibility Contact and Support. This includes assistance with accessible course materials, digital tools, and online content.