Student Disability Accommodations

There are three components to the accommodation process: disability registration, request submission, and an interactive discussion with all stakeholders.

1. Disability Registration

To be considered for an accommodation, the student must first meet the standards of being a student with a disability.

• First, the student should reach out to the appropriate contact in their educational program to be provided with an application for Disability Services (please refer to the Student Services website for current contacts). This form begins the student’s official request and requires that they agree to WCM’s release of information and confidentiality policies. The accommodation process will not move forward until they have completed this document.
  • Along with the form, the student may also submit a relevant and recent note from a medical professional or other evidential documentation.
• Once the form (and any supporting documentation) is received by the Student Accommodations Coordinator, a preliminary meeting will be scheduled.
  • The student should come prepared to discuss their entire situation, including:
    • Their disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, New York State Human Rights Laws, and New York City Human Rights laws.
    • Barriers to success in their program that are created by the condition(s) that they are experiencing.
    • Specific symptoms of their condition(s) that would be alleviated by the accommodation.

2. Request Submission

• Once the student is determined to qualify to receive an accommodation, they will have the opportunity to refine their request with the Coordinator.

  • Through discussions, the student and the Coordinator will determine what accommodation would be most feasible and the best fit for their disability.

3. Accommodation Discussions

• To satisfy the student’s request, there will be an interactive dialogue with the appropriate department(s)  to determine an accommodation. During this process, the Coordinator will communicate on the student’s behalf and provide the appropriate updates.
  • Unless extenuating circumstances arise, the student’s condition(s) will not be shared.
• Once an accommodation has been negotiated with the appropriate department, the student will be notified. This accommodation may differ from their original request.
• If the student requires an extension or adjustments to the accommodation(s), they are responsible for reaching back out to the Coordinator. Additionally, the student may be required to sign or complete additional forms (e.g., a leasing agreement if there has been a change in their residential unit).

Note:  It is against WCM policy for any staff or faculty member to retaliate against a student who has requested/been granted accommodation. If they experience retaliation, please report this to the Coordinator immediately.

The Medical College and the Graduate School of Medical Sciences of Weill Cornell Medicine are dedicated to providing equal educational opportunities for students with disabilities. Federal law states that no qualified student will be excluded, denied participation, or subjected to discrimination from any program or activity. Information regarding Weill Cornell Medicine’s student disability services can be found at: https://studentservices.weill.cornell.edu/student-life/student-disability-services.