Who is a Student with a Disability
Generally, a student with a disability is one who has an impairment or condition which substantially limits a major life activity such as caring for one’s self, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working. An impairment substantially limits a major life activity when the individual’s major life activity is restricted as to the conditions, manner, or duration under which the activity can be performed in comparison to most people. Such an impairment can be a chronic or temporary condition.
Reasonable Accommodation Process
While some disabilities require similar accommodations, SAS assesses each student’s disability as an individual experience and works to identify the specific barriers to their access. Thus, accommodations are tied to a barrier for access as a result of the disability. Through engagement with the student, SAS identifies the most appropriate accommodations to mitigate those barriers without altering the fundamental requirements or learning objectives of a course, program, or university activity. For information about specific accommodations, please view our Types of Accommodations pages.
Important Reminders
A student may complete an Accommodation Request form and submit documentation to SAS even though a specific accommodation request is not anticipated at the time of accommodation request.
Documentation provided to SAS is kept confidential. Information submitted directly to SAS will not become part of a student’s permanent record at Yale.
Students who are unsure about their eligibility for assistance should complete the Accommodation Request form and meet with SAS staff to discuss their situation.