Requesting student disability accommodations

requesting faculty and staff disability accommodations

workplace accommodations Resource Guide

Documentation guidelines for individuals with disabilities


Johns Hopkins University is committed to maintaining a welcoming and inclusive environment for students, faculty, trainees, staff, and visitors with disabilities. The Office of Institutional Equity (OIE) works across schools and divisions to ensure that individuals with disabilities have equal access to university programs and employment, campus facilities, and electronic and information technology.

The ADA Compliance Officer within the OIE serves as the central point of contact for questions and concerns related to any accommodation or disability access issue from employees, managers, HR professionals, faculty members, or campus visitors. OIE works collaboratively with university partners, including Student Disability Services, Central Human Resources, Facilities and Real Estate, and all schools and divisions to support them in meeting JHU’s responsibilities with respect to the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504). OIE also provides training on a variety of disability-related topics.

How is disability defined?

Under both Section 504 and the ADA, a person is considered to have a disability if (1) he or she has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities (such as hearing, seeing, speaking, breathing, performing manual tasks, walking, caring for oneself, learning, or concentrating); (2) has a record of having such an impairment; or (3) is regarded as having such an impairment class.

What is an Accommodation?

A reasonable accommodation is a modification or change in the academic atmosphere, workplace, or the way things are customarily done that provides an equal opportunity to a student or employee with a disability. Examples of reasonable accommodations may include, but are not limited to: acquiring or modifying adaptive equipment, extended time for test-taking, job restructuring, modified schedules, providing note-takers or sign language interpreters, removing physical barriers, and providing unpaid leave.

** OIE does not review or process requests for medical exceptions for vaccine mandates. Occupational Health Services processes employee requests for medical exceptions for vaccine mandates, and Student Health and Wellness processes student requests for medical exceptions for vaccine mandates. If you wish to submit proof of your COVID-19 vaccination or request a medical exception for the COVID-19 vaccine requirement, please do so via the University’s Vaccine Management System (VMS).

Accommodations for Students

In assuring that every student has equal access to university programs, facilities and technology, JHU is committed to full compliance with all laws, regulations and best practices related to accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to contact their school’s Student Disability Services coordinator with any questions or to request an accommodation.

Accommodations for Faculty and Staff

Johns Hopkins University is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees, including those with disabilities. Consistent with its obligations under the ADA and Section 504, the University provides reasonable workplace accommodations to qualified employees and applicants with disabilities.

Faculty and staff with disabilities are encouraged to review and understand the university’s guidelines for documentation and procedures for submitting an accommodation request.

Request for Exception to Tuition Grant Eligibility Criteria on Basis of Dependent’s Disability

JHU’s Office of Benefits Services allows exceptions to the age and/or credit hour tuition grant eligibility criteria when an otherwise eligible dependent cannot meet the criteria due to a disability.

  • Employees requesting an exception must submit documentation of the dependent’s disability to the Office of Institutional Equity (OIE). The Request Form for Exception to Tuition Grant Eligibility Criteria on Basis of Dependent’s Disability is provided below.
  • OIE reviews the documentation and makes a determination for Benefits Services as to whether it is sufficient to establish the need for an exception on the basis of a disability.
  • Documentation is maintained confidentially in OIE and is not shared with Benefits Services. If an exception is granted, tuition grant eligibility is still limited to eight semesters of undergraduate study.

Additional information and resources can be found at accessibility.jhu.edu.

Request Form for Exception to Tuition Grant Eligibility Criteria