Accessibility and Disability Service

0106 Shoemaker Building
4281 Chapel Lane
Phone: 301-314-7682
adsfrontdesk@umd.edu
http://ads.umd.edu

Director: Tessa Cahill

Accessibility and Disability Service (ADS) provides reasonable accommodations to ensure that students with disabilities have equal access to courses, programs, and activities at the University of Maryland. Recognizing that disability-related needs are unique to each student, ADS takes a personalized approach to accommodations. Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all solution, ADS works closely with students to provide the support necessary for full participation in all aspects of campus life.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR ACCOMMODATIONS

Students with a documented disability are eligible to apply for reasonable accommodations. The ADA Amendments Act of 2008 defines a disability as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. Disabilities vary widely – some may be apparent, while others are not immediately visible. ADS is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment that acknowledges the diverse needs and strengths of students.

who ads supports

ADS provides services to all students with disabilities, including undergraduate, graduate, transfer, and visiting students, to ensure equal access to academic programs, on-campus housing, and experience-based learning opportunities.

WHERE ACCOMMODATIONS APPLY

Accommodations are designed to support individual needs across various settings while maintaining the university’s academic standards. Examples include, but are not limited to:

• Academic courses
• Experience-based learning placements (e.g., fieldwork, clinical rotations, internships)
• Research (e.g., capstone projects, theses, dissertations)
• On-campus housing

GETTING STARTED WITH ACCOMMODATIONS

ADS engages in a collaborative, interactive process to determine and implement accommodations for students with disabilities. 

To begin, students must register with ADS by completing an application. As part of the registration process, students provide information about their disability and its impact on their academic and residential experiences, along with documentation from a medical or healthcare provider. This information helps ADS assess individual needs and determine reasonable accommodations.

Documentation plays an important role in verifying disability status and identifying appropriate accommodations. However, ADS recognizes that not all students have immediate access to these records. While documentation is required to formally approve accommodations, students do not need it to meet with ADS, ask questions, or explore potential support options. ADS is available to consult with students, discuss their needs, and assist in navigating the next steps, even if documentation is still being obtained.