Student Accessibility Services (SAS) fosters an inclusive environment by removing barriers for students with disabilities. We collaborate with students, faculty, and staff to ensure equal access to academic and clinical programs.

SAS provides accommodations for students with documented disabilities as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. A disability is:

1. A physical or mental impairment that substantially limits major life activities,
2. A record of such an impairment, or
3. Being regarded as having such a condition.

A qualified individual with a disability is someone who, with or without accommodations, can perform essential academic or job functions. Accommodations are determined case by case based on individual needs and program requirements. SAS engages in an interactive process with students and faculty to ensure equal access to academic and clinical programs. To learn more, visit Entering Health Professions Programs as a Student with a Disability.

Getting Started with SAS

Students do not need to take action until they enroll at UVM. Once enrolled, they should:

1. Submit documentation for review via email or fax (802-656-0739).
2. Set up UVM NetID credentials and complete the SAS Getting Started Form as soon as possible. This form provides important information for the Health Sciences Disability Coordinator, who determines eligibility.
3. Review SAS documentation guidelines, which will be discussed during their meeting with the disability coordinator. Students are encouraged to submit documentation before this meeting.

Students without documentation who wish to explore SAS support should also complete the Getting Started Form.

The Health Sciences Disability Coordinator reviews all submissions and works with students to determine appropriate accommodations.

Accommodations in Classroom and Clinical Settings

SAS collaborates with students and faculty to identify and implement reasonable accommodations for both coursework and clinical training. These are communicated to faculty through an accommodation letter. A reasonable accommodation is a modification that allows a qualified student to have an equal opportunity in academic and clinical settings.

Since accommodations are not retroactive and can take time to implement, students should engage with SAS as early as possible. Early registration with SAS leads to better academic and clinical outcomes.

For more information, visit SAS or contact our office.

Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their faculty to discuss the SAS-approved accommodations they plan to use in each course. Some accommodations, particularly in didactic and clinical settings, may require significant time for faculty to implement.

To ensure an accessible and equitable educational experience, SAS collaborates with students, Program Directors, and faculty to identify and provide reasonable accommodations. Early communication with the relevant program or course director is essential for successful implementation.

Students should review their program’s technical standards and essential functions (linked below). If accommodations are needed to fully engage in the program, they should contact SAS for a confidential discussion.

Because clinical and practicum accommodations can be complex, students should begin discussions with SAS as early as possible.

Due to the clinical nature of our programs, timely engagement in the interactive process between SAS, the student, and the program is essential for identifying and implementing accommodations.

Important Considerations

• The interactive process to determine eligibility and implement accommodations may take 4–6 weeks.
• Students should review their program’s Essential Functions/Technical Standards (see below) and be prepared to meet these standards with or without accommodations.
• Some clinical sites are located outside of Burlington, and determining reasonable accommodations may take additional time. Students should contact the Health Sciences Disability Coordinator as early as possible to discuss potential accommodations.
• The Health Sciences Disability Coordinator will work with the program director to assess the feasibility and timeline for implementing accommodations.
• If an ADA accommodation need arises just before or during a clinical/practicum experience, the interactive process involving SAS, the student, the program, and the clinic site may pause the start or continuation of the experience. SAS will collaborate with the program to address any impacts.

Early engagement with SAS ensures a smoother accommodation process and minimizes potential disruptions to clinical training.

All disability-related information a student discloses about their diagnosis remains confidential. Any disability-related student information is only used to determine eligibility and then coordinate and implement approved accommodations.

Discussions between Student Accessibility Services and a health science staff member is only on the accommodation, not the disability.

Please select your college to review the essential functions or technical standards and clinic and practicum information: