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.
GMS Admissions & Disabilities
Student Resources
Do I Need Accommodations ?
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 the DAS office on the Charles River Campus by calling 617-353-3658.
Request Accommodations
In order to receive services and accommodation(s) for a disability, students must be evaluated and approved by the Boston University Disabilities and Access Services (BU DAS). Students are required to follow the outlined steps provided by DAS in order to receive accommodations. Students are encouraged to reach out to GMSDAS@bu.edu with any specific questions about the process.
- Begin by completing the DAS online application — the accommodations intake form.
- The application asks you to upload supporting documentation, so review the DAS documentation guidelines beforehand and have those materials ready when you submit.
- Once the application is submitted and disability documentation received, students will call DAS at 617-353-3658 to schedule their registration appointment.
- DAS can only book the appointment once the intake form is completed and disability documentation is received.
- Please note: There may be a slight wait time for registration appointments. We recommend scheduling early to avoid 1-2 week wait.
- During the registration appointment, DAS engages in an interactive process with the student and determines reasonable and appropriate accommodations.
- DAS will then send the GMS Disability Liaison and the student a letter confirming the approved accommodations.
- The GMS Disabilities Liaison shares the approved accommodations with the Course Directors/Instructors for the classes you’re currently enrolled in.
- Students are responsible for notifying the GMS Disabilities Liaison if they add/drop classes each semester.
- To ensure that accommodations are sent to course instructors each semester, The GMS Disability Liaison will be in contact with the student.
NOTE: This process is confidential. At no time will DAS share any student health/disability information with GMS, your program director, or faculty.
Transferring Accommodations from BU Undergrad to GMS
If you are a BU undergraduate and are starting a formal program in GMS (Masters or PhD), or are enrolled in a certificate program or as non-degree student, and had accommodations as a BU undergraduate, you must call Disability and Access Services (DAS) at 617-353-3658 and set up an appointment (remote or in-person).
You must request to have your Dean’s letter with approved accommodations sent to the GMS liaison as GMS does not follow the same process as the CRC.
Transferring Accommodations from GMS to GSDM/CAMED
If you are a master’s or PhD student graduating and starting in another program at BU (Medical, Dental, PhD, etc. ) and had accommodations as a graduate student, you must call Disability and Access Services (DAS) at 617-353-3658 and set up an appointment (remote or in-person).
You must request to have your approved accommodations sent to your new school. Each school is different regarding how they handle accommodations, especially schools on the medical campus.
Please connect with DAS and formally have your documentation confirmed and sent to your new program to be sure your accommodations are in place for your first exam.
Faculty and Staff Resources
Faculty & Staff: How to Request 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
Classroom & Event Resources
General Resources
BU Disability & Access Services
Report an Accessibility Concern On Campus
If you have a concern of a barrier to access on campus, use this form to report. If you are in need of an accommodation , reach out to one of the offices below.
Report Accessibility Concern On Campus
- Student learning concerns
- Staff/Faculty accommodations
Other Disability & Access Webpage