New Students

Our Disability Resources team is here to ensure that WashU students have the tools and accommodations they need to complete the same work as their peers.

Getting connected

If you have a disability, or have concerns about a possible disability that may require accommodations, you are encouraged to contact Disability Resources as soon as possible or complete the New Student Application to begin the process of requesting accommodations.

Generally, accommodations cannot be determined until appropriate supporting documentation has been provided.

Documentation review

If a review of the documentation substantiates the student’s disabling condition as well as a current need for assistance to achieve equal access (i.e., a “level playing field”), the DR staff will work with the student and his/her faculty to implement accommodations that do not fundamentally alter the essential function of a course or program. If students do not meet the university’s guidelines for eligibility, additional documentation may be submitted. Regardless of eligibility status, guidance about academic resources at WashU will be provided that can help to address the student’s needs.

Student self-advocacy

We regularly work with students and/or their families to answer questions and provide guidance as students request and use their accommodations. Unlike high school, however, the college environment follows legal guidelines that require the student to disclose his or her disability status and request accommodations. We welcome calls from and contact with parents but can only respond directly to students after they have advocated for themselves. DR staff members are sensitive to the fact that self-advocacy may be a new role for many students, particularly during the transition to college.