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Learn how to request disability-related accommodations for academics, housing, dining, or transportation.
The University provides accommodations to provide equitable learning experiences for all students. Academic accommodations may adjust the method in which academic tasks are accomplished without substantially altering the task itself or the academic rigor required. Academic accommodations can be for coursework, lectures, discussions, studios, and labs.
Fieldwork and Internships:
If you require accommodations for academic experiences outside of the classroom, such as fieldwork or internships, please contact SDS to discuss your needs and any anticipated barriers in the settings. SDS will collaborate with you, your department and the placement site/coordinator to develop and implement appropriate accommodations tailored to the specific setting.
Technical/Performance Standards:
All students must meet the technical and performance standards of their programs, with or without reasonable accommodations. These are the nonacademic, essential requirements necessary to successfully complete program requirements. SDS encourages you to review the technical/performance standards for your program and reach out with any questions to ensure clarity and understanding.
Common Academic Accommodations
To request disability related accommodations or services, all students must follow the University wide procedure for Getting Started.
There is a two-year residency requirement for all new students attending Johns Hopkins University. At JHU we provide comparable, convenient, and accessible housing to students with disabilities. Housing accommodations can be requested to provide necessary access while recognizing that the purpose of on-campus living is multi-faceted, and not intended as a primary space for studying nor alleviating all fears, anxiety, stress, or discomfort.
Common Housing Accommodations
Homewood Campus
To be eligible, students must meet the posted deadlines and follow all policies related to the housing selection process. When supported, SDS communicates accommodations to the Office of Campus Living for placement of the student. SDS will articulate conditions necessary for a student’s access but does not dictate specific placement (i.e., a preferred building/room).
Applying for Housing Accommodations
All requests for accommodated housing and supplemental documentation must be received by the Student Disability Services Office no later than 5:00PM EST on [Winter Deadline to be Confirmed]. Please note you must still submit your Housing Contract online through the Housing Portal by 5:00PM EST on [Winter Deadline to be Confirmed].
Peabody Institute
All incoming, full-time first-year undergraduate students are required to live in on-campus housing for the first four (04) semesters that they attend Peabody. To be eligible, students must meet the posted deadlines and follow all policies related to Peabody Applying for Housing Accommodations.
Applying for Peabody Housing Accommodations:
All requests for housing accommodations must be received by Student Disability Services no later than June 1. Please note that students must still submit the Housing Application by June 15.
Meal plans are required for all students living in University Housing. Hopkins Dining strives to create an inclusive eating environment by curating menus that meet the needs of the diverse student body. Students with food allergies or other medically-based dietary needs that may qualify as disabilities under the ADA. Meal plans offered by JHU to students, like any other benefit, may be subject to reasonable modifications for students with disabilities. Determinations as to whether a student’s food allergies or dietary needs constitute a disability are to be made on a case-by-case basis.
Common Dining Accommodations
Peabody Institute:
There are two dining locations and students on the Peabody meal plan are able to eat at any Hopkins dining location using their meal plan.
JHU provides accessible transportation for JHU affiliates who require assistance traveling within the Homewood Campus including Peabody Institute. To request disability related accommodations or services, all students must follow the University wide procedure for Getting Started. If you are eligible for transportation accommodation, you will be provided access to download the accessible transportation app.
Accessible Transportation Information
For more information regarding the boundaries, see ADA Shuttle Boundaries.
For more information regarding accessible routes see Homewood Accessibility Map.
The Homewood Campus is in the process of renovations and new construction. We also recognize that some classroom buildings are older and have barriers to accessibility. SDS works with the Office of the Registrar to ensure that students with mobility impairments have classes and other events scheduled in accessible locations.
Pre-Semester Planning: Prior to the start of each semester, SDS will contact students to discuss their course locations and any upcoming access needs.
Mid-Semester Changes: If during the semester you experience changes in your disability that impact your physical access, please contact your SDS advisor or email [email protected].
New or Temporary Disabilities: If you have a new disability or temporary injury impacting your physical access, please follow the University wide procedure for Getting Started.
The rights of students with disabilities are different in college from what they were in high school. It is important that high school students and their parents understand these differences and plan appropriately for their students’ transitions to post-secondary education.Students in high school are covered under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA, 2004). IDEA gives all students in the primary and secondary levels the right to a free and appropriate public education. This includes providing students with accommodations, educational services, therapies, and curriculum modifications.
Students with disabilities in post-secondary education are covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the ADA Amendments Act, and Section 504 Subpart E of the Rehabilitation Act. These regulations give students at the post-secondary level the right to equal access to programs and services. Colleges and universities are not required to provide special educational services, therapies or curriculum modifications that fundamentally alter the nature of the program or class or aids, or devices or services of a personal nature. Colleges and universities routinely offer services to all students including tutoring, personal counseling, writing coaching, health and wellness programs, and study skills and time management training.
Graduate education has distinct requirements from undergraduate programs. Previous accommodations you may have received might not align with your new program. SDS will work closely with you and your program to ensure your access needs are met across all settings and are tailored to the unique demands of graduate-level work. If your needs evolve or you encounter new challenges, reach out to your SDS advisor to review and update your accommodations.
SDS supports accommodations in areas like coursework, lab/fieldwork, qualifying/comprehensive exams, and thesis/dissertation. To request disability related accommodations or services, all students must follow the University wide procedure for Getting Started.
Please Note: PhD students at Johns Hopkins University may require accommodation to support their academic progress and equitable access. Accommodation for these students are collaboratively discussed and approved by the Office of Institutional Equity (OIE).
Because the nature of accommodations can vary between academic settings (e.g., classroom or coursework) and professional environments (e.g., research labs, teaching, or workplace settings), these units work closely with the individual to define and tailor accommodations based on the specific context.
Student Disability Services
Office of Institutional Equity
Visiting students are students who are currently enrolled in high school or another university or have already obtained a bachelor’s degree and are interested in taking one or more courses at Johns Hopkins on a temporary basis during the fall or spring semester.
To request disability related accommodations or services, all students must follow the University wide procedure for Getting Started.
Post Baccalaureate refers to any academic work you complete post undergraduate graduation. Students can enroll in a post-baccalaureate program with a variety of goals: to complete a second BA/BS degree, to attain a graduate certificate, or to complete prerequisite courses for admission into medical school or other graduate programs.
To request disability related accommodations or services, all students must follow the University wide procedure for Getting Started.
JHU welcomes transfer students from two- and four-year institutions worldwide. We are committed to supporting your transition and ensuring an equitable academic experience. If you have received accommodations at a previous institution, it is important to note that accommodations may vary due to differences in course designs, academic programs, and resources. SDS will work with you to determine appropriate accommodations that meet your needs within the context of JHU’s academic environment.
To request disability related accommodations or services, all students must follow the University wide procedure for Getting Started.
The Student Disability Services (SDS) Testing Center at the Homewood campus provides a welcoming and secure environment where students with approved accommodations can complete their exams. When accommodations such as extended test time, reduced-distraction spaces, or assistive technologies (including reading and writing software) cannot be implemented in the classroom, the Testing Center offers an accessible alternative.
Testing Center PoliciesAt Johns Hopkins University, we believe that studying abroad is a transformative experience that should be accessible to all students. SDS and the Global Education Office are committed to supporting students with disabilities as they embark on their international/domestic journey. Study abroad provides opportunities to broaden your academic and cultural horizons, develop independence and resilience in a global setting, and enhance your career prospects by gaining international experience.
Keep in mind that many laws, services, and accommodations available in the United States may not be the same in other countries. Conducting thorough research and planning ahead will help you understand what to expect and how to prepare for a successful and enjoyable study abroad experience.
If you want to study abroad, but anticipate barriers to participation due to a disability, you should discuss your personal needs and concerns with a JHU Global Education Advisor. Your Global Education Advisor can:
If you are already affiliated with SDS to receive disability-related academic accommodations, these accommodations do not automatically transfer from SDS to the JHU Global Education Office. Please contact SDS, [email protected] and we will then coordinate with the Global Education office.
If you are not affiliated with SDS but may need accommodation or services due to a disability you should begin the Getting Started process as early as possible.
Academic accommodation plays a crucial role in providing students with disabilities equal access to the information taught in class. Students are encouraged to consult with your Global Education Advisor and/or host university to understand the process for requesting academic accommodations during their time abroad.
When selecting or preparing for a study abroad program, consider these academic-related questions:
Food can be an exciting and important part of experiencing a new culture. Here are some areas to consider before studying abroad:
If you have questions about how to manage dietary restrictions while abroad, contact the JHU Global Education Office.
Different countries have different laws and regulations related to medication so it is important to do your research ahead of time so you and your medical/health provider can plan accordingly. Access to medical supplies may be different than in the US so planninng ahead is important so you can bring what you need, including extra supplies, replacement parts or batteries if needed.
Here are some areas to consider before studying abroad:
If you use a wheelchair or other mobility device or have other mobility concerns, there are a few areas that will be important to consider in advance:
Discuss your concerns and questions with the JHU Global Education Office.
Students who are blind/low vision, deaf/hard of hearing or have other sensory concerns should consider the following in advance of their trip
Discuss your concerns and questions with your SDS Advisor and the JHU Global Education Office.
Service animals and emotional support animals can play an important role in the lives of students with disabilities. However, the access for service animals and emotional support animals may be different in the country where you will be traveling. Bringing service animals or emotional support animals can be a lengthy and complicated process, depending on the laws of the host country.
If you are considering bringing an animal abroad there are several areas of advance consideration:
Discuss your concerns and questions with the JHU Global Education Office.