At UMass Amherst, Disability Services is here to make sure everyone has equal access to college life - academics, campus events, and everything in between. Whether you have a permanent disability, a temporary disability (like injuries or surgeries), or just aren’t sure if you qualify, it’s worth checking out what’s available. We care about your success and are here to support all kinds of access needs and help you feel included.
Some common considerations about registering with Disability Services include if you are a student…
- who had a 504 plan or IEP in school
- who is neurodivergent (for example ADHD or Autism)
- who has learning disabilities
- who has a mental health diagnosis (for example anxiety or depression)
- who has physical access or mobility needs
- who has chronic health or medical conditions (for example Chron’s, cancer, or asthma)
- who is deaf or hard of hearing and uses technology for audio amplification, American Sign Language, or requires captioning
- that needs text materials in a digital format for use with assistive technology
- who requires a housing or transportation accommodation
- who has a temporary disability (for example a concussion, surgical recovery, or a broken bone)
Over 5,000 students are registered with Disability Services. Disability accommodations in higher education are different from those you may have had previously, so Disability Services will not know if you need support until you register.
To get started, incoming students must register for accommodations. The process can take 3-4 weeks, so it’s strongly recommended to start requesting accommodations before the semester begins. After registering, keep an eye on your UMass email to schedule an appointment with an Access Coordinator.