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University Accessibility Center

Requesting and Receiving Disability Accommodations

Revised September 2025

Brigham Young University is fully committed to complying with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which prevents students with disabilities from being excluded from BYU’s programs and activities, and which requires BYU to provide reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities so they can enjoy equal access to the benefits available to other students. Accessibility Center staff, university faculty, and others work together to accomplish these goals. 

The Accessibility Center encourages all BYU students who have a disability, or who believe they have a disability, to contact the Accessibility Center and begin the interactive process of requesting and receiving academic accommodations. To initiate this process and determine eligibility for accommodations, students should proceed with the following steps and procedures. 

Scheduling an Initial Meeting  

The first step is to schedule an Initial Meeting by contacting the Accessibility Center front desk (801-422-2767; uacfrontdesk@byu.edu). 

Completing an Initial Meeting Form (or Temporary Condition Initial Form) - optional 

For conditions lasting, or expected to last, 6 months or more (e.g., chronic migraines, depression), fill out the Initial Meeting Form. For conditions lasting, or expected to last, less than 6 months (e.g., broken leg, surgery), fill out the Temporary Condition Initial Form. Note: Although filling out one of these forms may be helpful to Accessibility Center staff in addressing the situation, doing so is optional. 

Meeting with an Accessibility Center Coordinator 

The student will meet with an Accessibility Center coordinator for an individualized assessment that will include the following determinations:

  1. Whether the student is disabled and the nature of the student’s disability.
  2.  Accommodations that have worked for that student in the past, if any. 
  3. Whether the requested accommodations will allow the student to have equal access and effectively participate in the course or program.  

Submitting Documentation 

In order to qualify for reasonable accommodations, a student must present current, reliable documentation that verifies that the student has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity. Please see the Documentation Guidelines for guidelines specific to your situation. Documentation is not required to have an initial meeting with the Accessibility Center.  If the student’s condition does not meet the criteria for a disability, the student is guided toward other helpful on-campus or community resources that may assist them.

Appropriate and Reasonable Accommodations 

While physicians, mental health practitioners, and/or other evaluators may submit recommendations regarding academic accommodations, the Accessibility Center coordinator—who is familiar with the university’s educational environment—ultimately determines the appropriateness and reasonableness of the recommended accommodations. This determination is made through an interactive dialogue between the Accessibility Center coordinator and the student, and, when necessary, the student’s professors and program administrators. To ensure compliance and reasonableness, the university has developed a comprehensive Accommodation of Persons with Disabilities at BYU Policy and   Accommodation of Persons with Disabilities at BYU Procedures.  

Implementing Accommodations 

The Accessibility Center coordinator will explain to the student the importance of the proper use of accommodations and how to work effectively with their professors. Written instructions will also be available. Accessibility Center coordinators encourage students to discuss their accommodations with their professors. Students and professors are welcome to contact Accessibility Center staff at any time to discuss problems or other issues related to accommodations.