Accessibility FAQs

As defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, a "person with a disability" is someone with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, such as walking, seeing, hearing, or concentrating.

It is important to know that an impairment in and of itself does not necessarily constitute a disability. The degree of the impairment must be significant enough to "substantially limit" one or more major life activities. Documentation must address the substantial limitation posed by the particular disability for which an accommodation is being requested.

Accommodations are uniquely developed for students on an individual basis. Furthermore, depending on the course content and format, accommodations for students may vary by semester or term. All requests for accommodations must be supported by the documentation provided by the requesting student. It is important to keep in mind that this is an interactive process. Accommodations are best established and appropriately implemented when there is a partnership between the instructor, the student, and Accessibility Services.

It is easier to explain what is not reasonable. The following kinds of accommodations are not considered reasonable:

• Making the accommodation means making a substantial change in an essential nature of a program or element of the curriculum
• The accommodation poses an undue financial or administrative burden to the university
• The accommodation creates a direct threat to the health or safety of others

See examples of accommodations.

Contact Accessibility Services immediately after registering for classes each semester or term. Requests that are received prior to the start of the semester or term will allow Accessibility Services to adequately coordinate services and provide instructors with reasonable notice.

No. It is the student’s responsibility to request Accommodation Notification Letters each semester or term during which accommodations are required. Without this request, the office will not notify a student’s instructor. An instructor is not obligated to accommodate students from whom they have not received formal notice.

The needs of a student may vary according to course requirements, format, and course content. With this in mind, students have the right to request additional accommodations for which they are eligible at any time during the semester. However, it is the student’s responsibility to provide the instructor with "reasonable notice." If documentation on file does not support the request, a student may be required to provide additional documentation. The student’s file will be re-evaluated to determine if the new request is reasonable.

Graduating students with disabilities may request accommodations for the processional, seating areas (for students who are deaf or hard of hearing, have low vision, or have physical disabilities), access to and from the platform area (located at the top of a set of stairs), or receipt of their diploma on the platform.

Both ceremonies have designated seating areas for guests with mobility disabilities and for those who need interpreters or transcribers. Seating is available for the guest with the disability and one companion on a first-come, first-served basis.

Alternative formats of the Commencement program, such as enlarged print or Braille, may also be requested for students or guests.

Handicap parking is available in designated locations; a state-issued license plate or placard is required.

When the graduating student registers for Commencement, the student must request specific accommodations for the student and/or any guest(s). After registration, the student will receive a detailed packet with parking passes, designated entrance areas, seating information, and other details.

No. It is UMGC’s responsibility to provide reasonable accommodations to eligible students with disabilities at no cost to the student.

No. We encourage students to speak directly with Financial Aid regarding options for financial assistance. Outside agencies, such as veteran readiness and employment services, may also provide support.

After a student has registered with Accessibility Services, the student will request Accommodation Notification Letters. Students should verify each instructor has received the letter. 

After a student has registered with Accessibility Services, the student will request Accommodation Notification Letters. Upon receipt, Accessibility Services will submit an Accommodation Notification Letter to each faculty member. Students should verify each instructor has received the letter.

Faculty members receive formal notification of accommodations for all eligible students receiving accommodations. Frequently, these situations arise due to miscommunication. If any issues arise, contact Accessibility Services immediately.

Notify Accessibility Services and your designated overseas campus (UMGC Asia or UMGC Europe) if you make any changes to your schedule and/or location. Accessibility Services will follow up if any additional information is needed.

During the registration process, accommodations are identified for both online and hybrid instruction. Depending on the accommodation needs, a student would have to notify Accessibility Services if they were taking a hybrid course. For example, a student with a physical disability may not have used many accommodations for online instruction; however, the student will need special equipment and classroom modifications when they takes a hybrid course. The student is responsible for notifying Accessibility Services regarding any changes to the type of instruction.

Contact Accessibility Services immediately. Accessibility Services will request to review any new documentation supporting your accommodation request. After additional accommodations are determined, Accessibility Services will update the Accommodation Notification Letter.

This situation can only be determined on a case-by-case basis. Please contact Accessibility Services to describe your specific situation.

This situation can only be determined on a case-by-case basis. Please contact Accessibility Services to describe your specific situation.

This situation can only be determined on a case-by-case basis. Please contact Accessibility Services to describe your specific situation.

Any diagnosing professional can submit a medical verification letter or complete one of UMGC’s verification forms. The licensed professional must support the field related to the letter. For example, a psychiatrist would provide a letter based on the student’s mental health condition, and a medical doctor would provide a letter based on a medical condition. Please review the documentation guidelines.

Accessibility Services will be happy to discuss available options and resources in cases where an accommodation is not appropriate.

Although you may not have an official diagnosis, you may still be eligible for accommodations. To make that determination, Accessibility Services will require a formal letter from your treating physician explaining your situation, limitations, and impact on academics.

Pregnancy and childbirth are not typically covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act. However, if a student is experiencing complications due to pregnancy or childbirth, they may be eligible for temporary accommodations. Contact Accessibility Services if you have any questions regarding any complications you experience while pregnant.

No. Accessibility Services can only accommodate a student for the conditions that limit them due to the student’s own diagnosis or treatment.

If you feel the actions of any person or entity at UMGC have been discriminatory based on your disability status, e-mail fairpractices@umgc.edu to file a complaint.

If you have any concerns regarding the determination of appropriate accommodations, you can request an appeal of the decision by e-mailing adacompliance@umgc.edu.