GMS Disability & Access Services

Boston University takes great pride in the academic and personal achievements of its many students and alumni with disabilities. The University is committed to providing equivalent and integrated access for individuals with disabilities to all the academic, social, cultural, and recreational programs it offers.

Graduate Medical Sciences, as well, is committed to providing this same standard of excellence to all students with documented learning, physical and other disabilities enrolled in degree-granting programs whether part-time, full-time, online or in-person. We want to ensure each GMS student can engage fully with their learning community in the classroom, the clinic, the laboratory or elsewhere so they can advance and achieve their academic, personal and professional goals.

Admissions & Disabilities

The Admissions Office in GMS, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, does not discriminate against qualified applicants to any of our over 30 different master’s or doctoral programs. Here in GMS we promote an all-inclusive and diverse environment that builds a strong, enriching, and collaborative learning community. In fact, we expect students to abide by a set of GMS Technical Standards that signal a high level of competence across the range of knowledge, critical judgment, and technical skills generally expected of scientists and health-related professionals.

Disability and Access Services in GMS

Dr. Theresa Davies, Assistant Dean, serves as the liaison between GMS and Disability & Access Services (DAS) located on the Charles River Campus. The goal of DAS is to provide services and support to ensure that students are able to access and participate in the opportunities available at Boston University. In keeping with this objective, students are encouraged to utilize the resources of Disability & Access Services to the degree they determine necessary.

Please contact Dr. Davies (tdavies@bu.edu or 617-358-9546) with any disability services questions.

Do I Need Disability Services ?

Students who are interested in receiving accommodations should review the DAS (Disability & Access Services) website. If you have not had services before sample accommodations include support services such as extra time on exams, a quiet room to take the exam with less distraction, note taker, sign-language interpreter, assistive technology or other support that may include coordination of housing or travel, etc.

Students with learning-related disabilities receive accommodations and support to “level the playing field” and provide equal access so all students can be successful. Each student’s services are personalized based on their specific needs and takes into account the Program they are enrolled in and when necessary will work with the faculty to meet the needs of both the student and the Program.

If you would like to chat about services, please reach out to Dr. Davies directly or the DAS office on the Charles River Campus by calling 617-353-3658

How to Obtain Disability Services in GMS

The Disability & Access Services office (DAS) is located on the Charles River Campus. Please complete the following to gain service.

NOTE: This process is confidential. At no time will any student health / disability information be shared with GMS, Dr. Davies, your program director, or faculty.

Contact the Assistant Dean, Dr. Theresa A. Davies, who can be reached at tdavies@bu.edu, 617-358-9546 and make a request to start the disability services process
Complete the BU DAS Intake Form.
Provide documentation to Disability & Access Services by uploading (with the intake form) or emailing it as an attachment to access@bu.edu in advance. Make sure you download the appropriate disability verification form if needed and have your healthcare provider complete the form.
Make an appointment with with one of the DAS staff members on the Charles River Campus by calling 617-353-3658
Following approval by DAS and the Provost of the Medical Campus, Dean of School of Medicine, the student is notified of accommodations by Dr. Davies in GMS.
Dr. Davies then notifies the student, who will need to complete the GMS-Accommodation-Release-Form (ARF)
Upon receipt of the GMS ARF, Dr. Davies notifies Course Directors of the accommodations

NOTE: The GMS accommodation release form (ARF) must be completed each sentence to receive services

Complete you Accommodation Release Form

GMS Accommodation Release Form

You have been approved for accommodation(s) by Boston University’s Disability & Access Services. In order to receive these accommodations, please provide the following information about the courses for which you wish to receive services. NOTE THIS FORM MUST BE COMPLETED EACH SEMESTER TO RECEIVE SERVICES.

Name*
First Last
Email*
BU ID#*
GMS Program*
Program Director*
Program Director Email*
Course Information*
Course Number Course Director Name Course Director Email
Consent*
I give permission to disclose my accommodation(s) to the above individuals.

C3 Disability Advocacy Group

Check out our Community Catalyst Center Disability Advocacy Group (gDAG)!

The Disability Advocacy Group’s community network seeks to promote awareness and a deeper sense of belonging for those with mental and/or physical disabilities at GMS. Connect with peer, faculty and staff mentors, build community, learn about resources and find support.

Join our C3 Slack channel to connect with gDAG more directly!

Faculty & Staff Resources

Faculty and Staff Resources
FAQs
Audio Recording Policies
Faculty Tip – Deaf & Hard of Hearing Students

Faculty & Staff Needing Accommodations

Faculty and Staff seeking workplace, disability related accommodations, including HP parking, should register with the Equal Opportunity Office. Feel free to send them an email at accomm@bu.edu

Accommodations for Faculty and Staff
Staff and Faculty Extend Boston University Disability Support (SAFEBUDS)SAFEBUDS
BU Equal Opportunity Office
BU Human Resources Page on FMLA

Course Number	Course Director Name	Course Director Email