Accommodations 101: COVID-19 Edition

January Resources from our Student Support Network

Many undergraduate and graduate students who are at higher risk of COVID-19 have concerns about their education during the ongoing global pandemic. The Health Advocacy Summit has launched a support network and compiled resources for students with disabilities, including chronic illness and rare diseases.

This Guide was created by The Health Advocacy Summit’s High-Risk Student Support Network. Please note that various colleges and universities may offer different accommodations, and it is best to check with your Disability Services office about which accommodations and resources your school offers. 

For questions, comments, or to suggest/request any other resources, please contact Amy at amy@healthadvocacysummit.org. 

Know Your Rights

Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, The Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990, you have the right to equal access to higher education and reasonable accommodations in the classroom, online learning, tutoring, school programs, student-led organizations, and housing. In 2008, an amendment was added to broaden the interpretation of disability to cover those with 

  • Chronic medical disabilities

  • Mental health illnesses

  • Chronic illnesses that are episodic or in remission

  • Temporary disabilities, such as a broken leg or arm

Accommodations for disabilities such as chronic illness and rare disease can include (but are not limited to)...

  • Priority enrollment: This would allow you to enroll in your classes at an earlier time, which could help you plan your academic schedule around your medication schedule and to find classes at a time that works best for your body.

  • Extended time on exams and quizzes: This could allow you to “pause the clock” during an exam (for example, if you needed to use the bathroom during the exam) or to increase the time limit to finish the exam. Depending on your professor, you may be able to take the exam in your classroom or at your school’s Testing Center. In the event that you are experiencing symptoms and unable to take your exam on its scheduled day, you may be able to request to reschedule it to a later date.

    • During the COVID-19 pandemic and distance learning, this could also mean that you are able to stay on your virtual testing platform for an extended period of time.

  • Extended/flexible deadlines on assignments: If you are experiencing symptoms, this can allow you to have a reasonable extension on class assignments (such as moving the due date). 

  • Flexible attendance: For classes that have required attendance or participation, you may be allowed more flexibility in the number of lectures or discussions that you are allowed to miss, without this having a negative impact on your grade. If you are experiencing symptoms that prevent you from letting your professor know about you missing class ahead of time, this may also allow you the extra flexibility to 

    • During the COVID-19 pandemic and distance learning, this can include allowing students to turn off their camera during class or to participate via the chat box rather than verbally.

  • Note-taking support and resources: Your school may offer student note-taking services in which you may be able to access class notes from a classmate. This is especially useful for instances in which you are unable to attend class or for classes that are not recorded.

  • Housing accommodations: Depending on the types of housing that your school offers, you may be able to request a specific dorm or apartment-style. Some examples include a dorm set up with a private bathroom, a dorm with access to a kitchen, or an apartment with a single room. Note that housing accommodations often take longer to process, so it’s important to talk with your school’s Disability Support office as soon as possible.

  • Dining accommodations: If you do live in university-owned housing, you may be able to qualify for a specific meal plan, access to a kitchen, or a separate food pantry (ex: for gluten-free food). Certain schools may also have an on-site dietitian or nutritionist that may be able to assist you with your specific needs.

  • Mobility accommodations: Although this accommodation does vary based on school and your individual needs, some examples of this may include requesting for your class to be located in a building with elevators, on the ground floor, or a building with an accessible bathroom. Please note that these accommodations may look different during COVID-19.

  • Transportation: Similar to mobility accommodations, these may vary. Some examples include your school offering a van/shuttle service to and from class and to be compensated for public transportation (for example, a school-issued bus pass).

For more information, check out these additional resources: