Disability Accommodations Within Curriculum Policy

The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix is committed to the full and equitable inclusion of qualified learners with disabilities. Accommodations support students with disabilities by minimizing barriers when accessing the curriculum. Therefore, it is the U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix policy that, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504, no qualified students who are able to  demonstrate the skills (with or without accommodations) (see Essential Qualifications and Technical Standards Policy) will be denied access to, participation in, or the benefits of any programs or activities operated by the College of Medicine – Phoenix or the University based on disability. 

Students who wish to request disability related reasonable accommodations while a College of Medicine – Phoenix student should contact the Disability Resource Center (DRC) to begin the process. Given the nature of medical education, additional time may be needed to explore and/or implement accommodations; therefore, students are encouraged to request disability accommodations as early as possible. Accommodations are not applied retroactively. 

Accommodation requests are explored on an individual basis, through a confidential and interactive process which includes the student, faculty/program, and the DRC. Based on the design of a course*, and learning outcomes, not all requests may be reasonable, however, other accommodations may be recommended that will provide access. Implemented accommodations ensure that academic and technical standards are not compromised, and an equitable learning environment is provided to all students. Although specific disability information will not be shared with faculty and staff, accommodation determinations will be communicated as necessary to implement the accommodation. Students and/or faculty should contact the DRC if there are questions or concerns about an identified accommodation. The College of Medicine – Phoenix strives to utilize inclusive learning design principles to make the learning environment as inclusive as possible for all.

Course* = Any component of the curriculum where a grade is earned.