Accessible Education FAQs

Each student is assessed on an individual basis. Approved accommodations, auxiliary aids, academic adjustments, and supports are customized through an interactive process and are dependent on each student's disability or health-related needs.

Yes. The Office of Accessible Education (OAE) can recommend temporary academic support for students experiencing temporary short-term health conditions, including COVID-19. Please review the OAE Documentation Guidelines for students who have a temporary medical condition/injuries or have medical issues related to their pregnancy. Students approved for academic adjustments due to a Temporary Medical Condition or Injury (TMCI) will receive a TMCI Verification Letter from OAE. Students are responsible for sharing their TMCI Verification Letter with each of their instructors each term for which they are eligible for service.

The university does not provide assessments to diagnose disabilities. Please email OAE at oae@umassglobal.edu to request a list of referrals to seek disability assessments outside the university.

While some accommodations may be similar, they are not guaranteed to carry over from high school to college. 

In K–12 settings, accommodations are provided under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the principle of Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE), which focus on student success. 

In higher education, accommodations are guided by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the ADA Amendments Act (ADAA). These laws focus on ensuring equal access, not guaranteed outcomes. 

College accommodations are designed to remove barriers and create an equitable environment where students with disabilities can access course content and demonstrate their knowledge. Each accommodation is tailored to the individual's needs and functional limitations, aiming to level the playing field, not to modify course expectations.

A reasonable accommodation is an adjustment designed to mitigate the impact of a student’s disability without compromising the integrity of an academic course or program. Examples of reasonable accommodations are:

• Assistive Technology services
• Auxiliary aides and services, such as sign language interpreters
• Extended time on exams and quizzes
• Notetaking support
• Textbooks in alternative format

Beyond the services provided through the Office of Accessible Education, Veterans can find additional assistance through the Veteran’s Connection and Support Center.

Students may have their provider complete the Provider Verification Form and/or they may submit other recent and relevant documentation.

Documentation from a physician, psychologist, Veterans Affairs, or appropriate professorial may consist of the following:

• If you are applying for services for a Learning Disability, please provide the most recent copy of your psychoeducational assessment.
• IEP and 504 documentation may be submitted, but may not provide enough information to qualify for services. 

Please visit our Registration Process page for more information. OAE applications will be processed in 2-5 business days.

If you have a learning disability, psychological disorder, medical, physical, or other health-related issue(s) that limits you from performing at your best at the university, please make an appointment with the Office of Accessible Education to explore and discuss options. If you are unsure, please contact us at (949) 341-9976 or email us at oae@umassglobal.edu.

Please email oae@umassglobal.edu to request an appointment.

In alignment with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, University of Massachusetts Global determines disability accommodations through an interactive, deliberative process under the direction of the Director of the Office of Accessible Education. At times, a student may disagree about the appropriateness of the University’s accommodation decision. For more information, students can view the Appeal and Grievance Process for Students