The University of Chicago is committed to complying with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Student Disability Services (SDS) works to support and provide accommodations for students with a wide range of disabilities.

Students with documented disabilities may be eligible to receive access accommodations. SDS staff work with students on an individual basis to determine reasonable accommodations to facilitate equitable access to learning and student life. The information that you provide about your experience living with a disability is an essential component in the interactive process of determining reasonable accommodations and services. The SDS staff develops an accommodation agreement with you after reviewing your Student Disability Services Request Form and your past use of accommodations as well as meeting with you to discuss the impact of your disability; consulting with appropriate faculty and staff to assess essential course and program requirements; and/or consulting with treating physicians, therapists, or third-party reviewers, as necessary.

Definition of a Disability

Federal law defines a disability as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activity. An impairment or diagnosis, in and of itself, does not constitute a disability: it must “substantially limit” activities of daily living.

Major Life Activities Include

• Breathing
• Caring for oneself
• Hearing
• Reading
• Writing
• Learning
• Performing manual tasks
• Seeing
• Speaking
• Walking
• Working