myBama
Office of Disability Services

Temporary Impairments

The Office of Disability Services (ODS) may offer limited services to students with temporary impairments or injuries with an expected duration of less than one semester.  If the duration of your impairment is expected to be short-term, please attempt to work out obtaining appropriate classroom considerations with your instructors.

  1. Online Application

    Log in to the ODS Online Portal with your myBama username and password to complete a brief application.

  2. Upload Documentation

    Share our documentation guidelines with you provider. Documentation can be uploaded with your application and will be reviewed within 5 business days.

  3. Check your UA Email

    Once documentation is reviewed, you will receive an email regarding next steps. If we need to meet with you, virtual or in-person appointments can be scheduled through the portal.

  4. Accommodation Letters

    You will receive instruction on how to send accommodation letters to your instructors.

  5. Follow-up

    Communicate with instructors and your Accommodations Specialist as needed to ensure you understand how accommodations will be applied.

Please be aware that temporary injuries or impairments are not qualified disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and do not afford ADA protections.  In preparation for your appointment:

  • Email and/or meet with each instructor to determine what options may be available for missed class, work, or exams. If you have a medical excuse covering the dates of your injury or absences, please share this with your instructors.
  • In the case of hand/arm injuries, ask a classmate for copies of notes.
  • Be aware of the limitations of temporary ODS support:
    • Temporary considerations are not retroactive, meaning ODS cannot require instructors to accommodate classes, work, or exams you have already missed.
    • ODS has no means of providing transportation to/from class.  Information about temporary permits for medical conditions can be located on the Transportation Services website.
    • ODS does not lend or provide durable medical equipment (i.e., wheelchairs, crutches, walkers, motorized scooters), personal devices, or technology for personal use. DCH Medical Equipment is a local resource for durable medical equipment.