Frequently Asked Questions

Disability is defined as a permanent, longstanding significant condition that substantially or significantly limits one or more of the major life functions, including but not limited to:

• Seeing
• Hearing
• Walking
• Breathing
• Learning
• Working
• Concentrating

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 2008 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, individuals are eligible to receive reasonable accommodations on the basis of disability if they have a physical or mental impairment that limits a major life activity.

Support from OSAA is available for, but not limited to, students with the following documented diagnoses: learning disabilities, ADHD/ADD, Autism, hearing and visual impairments, mobility impairments, medical conditions, psychiatric/mental health conditions, brain injuries/concussions, degenerative or chronic health conditions, and temporary disabilities.

Students seeking accommodations and/or services are encouraged to contact the OSAA before or upon admission. Students with disabilities are responsible for making their needs known and meeting the academic and technical standards set for all MCPHS students. There is no automatic referral from Admissions or other MCPHS offices.

Students must submit the Student Request for Services Form to request accommodations from the Office of Student Access and Accommodations.

Students requesting accommodations and/or services under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and/or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 must provide documentation of the existence of a disability and evidence of the need for disability-related accommodations.

Determination of reasonable accommodations is a deliberative and collaborative process between the student and the Office of Student Access and Accommodations. This process often includes the OSAA’s review of third-party documentation provided by the student’s qualified professional.

MCPHS will consider the student’s disability, history, experience, request, and the unique characteristics of the course, program, or requirement, in order to determine if a specific accommodation is reasonable.

MCPHS ensures FERPA compliance and therefore all information submitted to OSAA will remain confidential. If a student has questions about this process or cannot access the online form, we encourage them to call us to schedule an appointment.

Once a student is registered with the OSAA, they do not need to re-register or submit additional Student Request for Services forms. However, they will need to submit a Semester Request for each semester that they plan to utilize accommodations.

Students who experience significant changes to their symptoms/diagnoses or who are requesting any new or additional accommodations will need to submit a supplemental request form via the Accommodate platform. They may be asked to submit updated documentation that supports the new or updated request.

MCPHS has no legal obligation to recognize any student as having a disability until that student has established eligibility with the Office of Student Access and Accommodations. Provision of accommodation in another setting does not mean that accommodation is reasonable in the university setting. However, having information about prior accommodations is helpful to OSAA in making determinations regarding eligibility and reasonable accommodations at MCPHS. The final determination for a student's eligibility for accommodations at MCPHS rests with the OSAA.

Documentation should be submitted via the Student Request for Services form when making an accommodation request. Documentation may be submitted via fax or email if students prefer.

Documentation may include medical records, an Individual Education Plan (IEP), a 504 Plan, a Summary of Performance (SOP), a neuropsychological evaluation, and/or letters from physicians, psychologists, or counselors.

For more details, please visit the Documentation Guidelines.

The Office of Student Access and Accommodations will determine academic accommodations and coursework modifications, including but not limited to additional time on exams, a distraction-reduced test environment, and access to assistive technology.

Numerous resources are available to all students, including:

• Center for Academic Success and Enrichment
• Writing Center
• Math and Physics Center
• Counseling Services

Student Academic Coaches (Boston Campus) and Academic Counselors (Worcester/Manchester) can meet with students for tips on time management, notetaking, and study skills.