College is challenging enough without having to navigate barriers to your education. If you’re a student with a disability—whether it’s physical, mental health-related, learning-based, or chronic—know this: you have the right to equal access, and your college is required by law to provide reasonable accommodations to support your academic success.
But here’s what many students don’t realize: accommodations aren’t automatic. You have to ask for them—and knowing how to do that is key. Here’s your step-by-step guide to understanding and accessing disability services in college.
Step 1: Understand What Qualifies as a Disability
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, a disability is defined as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities—which includes things like seeing, walking, learning, concentrating, and more.
Common examples include:
- ADHD or learning disabilities (like dyslexia)
- Anxiety, depression, or PTSD
- Diabetes, epilepsy, or autoimmune disorders
- Mobility, vision, or hearing impairments
- Chronic health conditions (e.g., migraines, fibromyalgia)
You don’t need to have a visible disability to qualify. If your condition impacts your ability to learn or participate fully in college life, you’re likely eligible.
Step 2: Find Your College’s Disability Services Office
Every college or university that receives federal funding has an office dedicated to supporting students with disabilities. It might be called:
- Disability Services
- Accessibility Services
- Student Access Center
- Disability Resource Center
Where to look: The office is usually listed under “Student Services” on your school’s website. You can also ask your academic advisor or call the general student affairs number.
Step 3: Gather Documentation
To receive accommodations, you’ll need to provide official documentation of your disability. Each school sets its own guidelines, but acceptable documentation often includes:
- A recent diagnostic evaluation (e.g., psychoeducational testing)
- A letter from a healthcare provider explaining your condition and how it affects you
- IEPs or 504 Plans from high school (as supporting, but not primary, documents)
🔎 Pro tip: If your documentation is outdated or unclear, the office may request more information—or help you connect with a professional who can evaluate you.
Step 4: Schedule an Intake Meeting
Once you submit your documentation, you’ll meet with a disability services coordinator. This is your chance to:
- Explain your needs
- Discuss the impact of your condition in college settings
- Request accommodations, such as:
- Extended time on exams
- Note-taking assistance
- Housing/dining modifications
- Assistive technology
- Flexibility with attendance or deadlines (in some cases)
This is called the interactive process—a collaborative conversation to determine what supports are reasonable and appropriate.
Step 5: Receive Your Accommodation Letters
After your intake meeting, the disability office will issue accommodation letters—usually one for each professor. These letters outline what adjustments you’re entitled to without disclosing your diagnosis.
You’ll typically deliver these to your instructors (some colleges do this electronically), and you may need to follow up to discuss how accommodations will work in each class.
Step 6: Renew and Adjust as Needed
Accommodations aren’t one-and-done. You may need to:
- Renew them each semester
- Adjust accommodations if your needs change
- Request help with new challenges (e.g., clinical placements, fieldwork, internships)
The disability office is there to support you—don’t be afraid to check in regularly.
By the Numbers
- Nearly 1 in 5 undergraduates has a documented disability.
- Only about 35% of those students register with their school’s disability services office.
- Students who access accommodations are more likely to persist in college and graduate.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a college student living with a disability, you don’t have to struggle in silence. Your college has systems in place to ensure you can participate fully in academics, housing, campus life, and more. But those systems only work if you reach out and engage with them.
Start with a simple step: Contact your disability services office today. Your education should be accessible—and you deserve the support to succeed.
Need help finding the disability services office at your college? Check the student services section of your school’s website.
