In the Spotlight: Stanford's Office of Accessible Education

Stanford's Office of Accessible Education (OAE) is committed to promoting an accessible and inclusive environment for all students with disabilities. The OAE provides a range of academic and housing accommodations to support students with disabilities. Students may need accommodations for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to physical disabilities (e.g. chronic conditions), learning disabilities (e.g. dyslexia, ADHD), sensory disabilities (e.g. visual or hearing impairments), and psychological disabilities (e.g. anxiety, depression). Read on to learn more. 

Types of Accommodations Offered: 

• Academic Accommodations 
• AT Assessment and Training
• Housing Accommodations
• Parking and Transportation 
• Study Abroad
• Non-Academic Requests & Facility Access

Who Can Request Accommodations? 

The OAE serves ALL students with a wide range of medical conditions (e.g. depression, anxiety, asthma, chronic illness, food allergies, and more!). You do not have to consider yourself ‘disabled’ to qualify for help. Not sure whether accommodations are right for you? Reach out! A Disability Adviser would be happy to answer any questions you have before you register with the OAE.

How to Request Accommodations:

1. Contact OAE Early: Not sure whether accommodations are right for you? Reach out! A Disability Adviser would be happy to assist you. When you contact the OAE, it is important to have documentation of your disability ready. Learn more about Documentation Guidelines.
   • If requesting academic accommodations for mental health concerns, students must be engaged in treatment to receive a letter from Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). Learn how to schedule a CAPS appointment.  
2. Complete Registration Form: Fill out the registration form provided by the OAE and submit documentation by email, fax, postal mail, or in-person. 
3. Meet With A Disability Adviser: A Disability Adviser will review your request and will schedule a meeting to discuss your needs in detail.
4. Develop an Accommodation Plan: After reviewing your documentation and needs, the OAE will work with you to create an accommodation plan tailored to your unique requirements.

How to Talk to Your Professor About Accommodations:

1. Communicate Early: Reach out to your professors early in the quarter. Let them know you have accommodations through the OAE and provide them with a copy of your accommodation letter.
2. Respect Privacy: You do not need to disclose your specific disability to your professors unless you choose to do so. The OAE accommodation letters will not provide personal details regarding your disability.
3. Ask for Clarification: If your professor has questions or concerns about your accommodations, refer them to your disability adviser.
4. Maintain Open Communication: Keep the lines of communication open with your professors throughout the quarter. If adjustments are needed, discuss them promptly with your disability adviser.

Written by: Edward Tran, Class of 2023

Resources

Stanford Resources

• Dispelling Myths About the OAE: Read about common concerns and myths students have had about the OAE and the facts to address each one. 
• Health & Well-Being: The OAE shares additional resources to support students with disabilities.

Additional Resources

• Discussing Accommodations With Your Professor Children’s Health Council Palo Alto
• How to Talk to Your Professor About Your Mental Health Mental Health America