Getting Started

Returning Student

How to know if a student qualifies for accommodations

Any undergraduate or graduate University of Missouri student with a documented disability (permanent or temporary) may be eligible for accommodations.

Keep in mind that having a disability does not mean a student is automatically approved for accommodations. All accommodations are determined on a case-by-case basis after a review of all relevant information. An access advisor will work with the student to create an appropriate accommodations plan based on the student’s unique needs.

Application Center

How to Get Started

1

Submit a New Student Application, a Housing Application or both.

2

Meet with access advisor to discuss accommodation plan.

3

Submit documentation as needed.

Common disabilities disclosed by students at Mizzou include:

  • Neurodivergence (e.g., ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, learning disabilities)
  • Mental-health disorders (e.g., PTSD, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder)
  • Chronic illnesses (e.g., inflammatory bowel diseases, autoimmune diseases, chronic pain diseases, epilepsy)
  • Physical disabilities (e.g., spinal cord injuries, limb difference)
  • Sensory disabilities (e.g., blind, low vision, d/Deaf, hard of hearing)
  • Temporary disabilities (e.g., a broken limb, a severe concussion)

 

This is not a complete list.

Documentation

Ensuring students receive the appropriate accommodations to address their needs requires an interactive process. As part of this process, access advisors will review relevant documentation in order to understand the student’s specific experience with disability and need for accommodations.

Examples of documentation include, but are not limited to: IEPs, 504 Plans and letters from doctors/mental health care providers. If a student is concerned about not having the right documentation, they should let their access advisor know during their access planning meeting. The access advisor can give the student direction on what types of documentation the Disability Center will need to see and can guide the student on how to acquire it.

If a student does not have a documented diagnosis but believes they need accommodations, they should contact the Disability Center for referrals to local professionals. Students are responsible for any cost obtaining an evaluation may incur. If cost is a barrier to pursuing a diagnosis, notify the Disability Center. There may be cost-cutting resources available through other departments on campus.

The student can give this disability verification form to medical providers to assist in obtaining relevant information regarding their disability and need for accommodations.

Temporary Disability Eligibility and Support

A short-term disability is a condition that is expected to last longer than 2 weeks and has a serious impact to mobility or cognitive functioning. Some examples are broken limbs, sustained concussions and/or recovering from significant surgery.

In many cases, students experiencing temporary disabilities are able to get the support they need by explaining their situation to their instructors and working with them individually to come up with a plan that lessens the impact the disability has on their education. For situations lasting longer than 2 weeks, students can apply for accommodations through the Disability Center.

Students requiring temporary parking due to restricted mobility should contact Parking and Transportation for assistance.

Pregnancy Support

While pregnancy itself is not considered a disability, pregnant students may qualify for temporary accommodations through the Disability Center for conditions related to pregnancy. Some examples include gestational diabetes, acid reflux (“gastroesophageal reflux” or “GERD”), severe morning sickness (hyperemesis gravidarum), chronic migraines and severe pain and/or mobility issues.

The Office of Institutional Equity provides reasonable accommodations related to pregnancy, including adjustments to attendance requirements, course due dates, leaves of absence, and other similar academic or employment modifications.

Find Support