College Accommodations 101 (Designed for Students with Chronic Medical Disabilities)

Accommodations 101 from Generation Patient is an educational resource designed to help college students with chronic medical disabilities understand their rights and access accommodations in higher education. The resource explains protections under disability laws, including Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and provides examples of possible academic, housing, dining, mobility, and transportation accommodations. It also offers guidance on registering with a college Disability Services Office and advocating for needed supports.

This resource can be used by students with chronic medical disabilities, families/caregivers, and support professionals to learn about available accommodations and prepare to request support in college settings. It can help students identify accommodations that match their needs, understand their legal rights, gather necessary documentation, communicate with Disability Services, and self-advocate when navigating barriers to access and participation in higher education. It can be used throughout a student’s transition to and participation in college, and revisited as needs change, new challenges arise, or additional accommodations are needed.