Office of Accommodations and Accessibility Services (OAAS)
University Fitness and Recreation Center 
Voice: 256–372-4499
Fax: 256-372-5599
Email: aamu-aas@aamu.edu 

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If you have a documented physical or mental impairment, you may be entitled to special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). Under the ADA, a disability is defined as a “mental or physical impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities.” Walking, eating, talking, breathing, writing, listening, learning, and etc. are all examples of major life activities.

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A person can be substantially limited in performing a major life activity if they are:

• • unable to perform the major life activity, or
  • significantly restricted as to the condition, manner, or duration under which the activity can be performed when compared to the average person or most people.

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The Accommodations and Accessibility Services Office provides reasonable accommodations and services to qualified students with documented disabilities who are enrolled at Alabama A&M University. These services are provided in accordance to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the applicable titles of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990.Back to Top

Reasonable accommodations and services are special modifications made for a qualified student with a disability in order to meet his/her educational needs. Examples of reasonable accommodations may consist of, but not limited to extended time for exams and quizzes, preferential seating arrangements in the classroom, reader for exams and quizzes, alternate format materials (e.g., audio tape, large print, etc.), spelling aid, and/or priority registration. Back to Top

Yes! You can request housing accommodations through Accommodations and Accessibility Services. If approved, OAAS will work with Residential Life & Housing to help set up the arrangement for you.

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Examples include:

• • Accessible room assignments (e.g. first-floor or elevator access)
  • Adjusted roommate options
  • Permission for service or emotional support animals 

Please note that every request is evaluated individually based on student needs and how the documented disability affects housing use.

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Accommodations are determined by the Office of Accommodations and Accessibility Services. Counselors will meet with the student, review documentation from the qualified professional(s) who diagnosed your disability, and discuss current class requirements. Instructors are notified of accommodation request by a Letter of Accommodation each semester.

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• • Contact OAAS – Email aamu?aas@aamu.edu or call 256?372?4499.
  • Submit documentation – Provide current and professional documentation of your disability (e.g., medical, psychological, or mobility disability reports, no older than 1–3 years depending on the condition).
  • Make your request early – Preferably before each semester, before the priority deadlines; fall is are around July?15, spring November ?20, and summer April?20.

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You’ll need documentation from a qualified professional that:

• • Is on official letterhead, dated & signed
  • Explains your diagnosis and how it affects your daily life or housing needs
  • Suggests specific housing accommodations and why they’re necessary

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OAAS makes eligibility and accommodation decisions based on your documentation and individual needs. If approved, they coordinate with Residential Life to put the plan in place.Back to Top

The Letter of Accommodation is developed with you once you have been determined eligible to receive services through Accommodations and Accessibility Services. This Letter of Accommodation contains the specific modification(s) which you may need for that class. It does not contain your diagnosis. Your diagnosis is CONFIDENTIAL.Back to Top

Disability documentation is kept confidential. It is retained in the office of Accommodations and Accessibility Services which has limited access. You are the person who informs your instructors if you need accommodations, by taking a Letter of Accommodation from our office and discussing it with them. It does not contain your diagnosis, testing, or background information. You do not need to discuss your disability with your academic advisor or instructors. If someone inquires, please refer them to the Office of Accommodations and Accessibility Services.Back to Top

An appointment with the Office of Accommodations and Accessibility Services is required to request a change in accommodations. If deemed necessary, additional documentation may be needed to determine if request is considered a reasonable accommodation for the documented disability.Back to Top

No. You will identify the instructors to be notified. However, accommodations will not be provided by instructors who have not been informed. The obligation to accommodate begins with your presentation of the Letter of Accommodation identifying specific modifications. Accommodations are not retroactive.Back to Top

It is recommended that you schedule an appointment one week after classes begin. Letters of Accommodation will be provided at the conclusion of the meeting. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with each instructor notified to accommodate and discuss specifics concerning modifications.Back to Top

You should contact the Office of Accommodations and Accessibility Services at (256) 372-4499. They will act as a liaison between you and the instructor(s). Problems that are unresolved will be handled by Accommodations and Accessibility Services in conjunction with the Vice President for Student Affairs (VPSA). The decision of the VPSA is considered the university’s final response.Back to Top

Yes. Students who knowingly falsify documentation risk loosing accomodations which can result in a Student Code of Conduct Violation 2.0 for dishonesty, forgery, fraudulent acts, and/or misrepresentation.Back to Top