Disability Services
We are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment that empowers students of all abilities to achieve their academic and professional goals. At Ponce Health Sciences University (PHSU), disability-related services and reasonable accommodations are provided in accordance with applicable federal, state, territorial, and local laws and regulations, including disability rights and accessibility legislation in the jurisdictions where the University operates.
The Office of Student Affairs is dedicated to ensuring equal access to educational opportunities for students with disabilities by offering resources to support students’ academic and personal success. Counseling Center and designated disability services personnel assist students throughout the reasonable accommodation process. A designated staff member provides orientation regarding the reasonable accommodation process and documentation requirements. Communication may occur through a meeting, email, or phone, as appropriate.
All information related to a student’s disability is treated with strict confidentiality and is shared only with relevant parties as necessary to implement approved accommodations.
Our Commitment to Accessibility
PHSU adheres to the following principles to support students with disabilities:
- Providing equal access to academic programs, facilities, and activities.
- Ensuring reasonable accommodations are available to meet individual needs.
- Promoting awareness and sensitivity to disability-related issues within the campus community.
Eligibility for Services
PHSU is committed to supporting students’ well-being in all aspects of university life. Our purpose is to provide services in accordance with applicable disability rights and accessibility laws and regulations across the jurisdictions in which the University operates.
I. Reasonable accommodation
Modifications or adjustments to tasks, environments, or the way things are usually done that enable qualified students with disabilities to have equal opportunities to participate in academic programs and related services.
II. Disability
A physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities or major bodily functions.
III. Qualified Student with a Disability
A student with a disability who meets the academic and technical standards required for admission to or participation in the institution’s educational programs or activities, with or without reasonable accommodations.
IV. Documentation required
Students must submit the Reasonable Accommodation Request Form and the Certification of Disability Form (linked below). The Certification of Disability must be completed by a qualified healthcare provider with expertise in the condition for which the student is requesting accommodations.
The provider must complete the form (linked below) with relevant clinical information, including diagnosis, treatment, functional limitations, and appropriate accommodation recommendations suitable for a professional health sciences educational environment.
How to Request Reasonable Accommodations
1.Self-Identification
Students must voluntarily disclose their disability to designated disability services personnel to begin the reasonable accommodation process.
2. Complete and Submit Documentation
Students seeking reasonable accommodation must first obtain a completed Certification of Disability from their healthcare provider, (please note there are different certification forms for medical disabilities and psychological disabilities). After the certification has been completed, students must complete the Reasonable Accommodation Request. Completed Certification of Disability forms will need to be uploaded within the request form. Additional documentation may be required depending on the nature of the disability.
3. Interactive Process
Once documentation is received, the designated disability services personnel will review the submitted information and provide orientation regarding the reasonable accommodation process and documentation requirements. Communication may occur through a meeting, email, or phone, as appropriate.
4. Reasonable Accommodation Committee
A committee of qualified professionals that reviews requests for reasonable accommodations on a case-by-case basis and provides recommendations for implementation.
Examples of Accommodations
PHSU reasonable accommodations may include, but are not limited to:
- Additional time (time and a half) for in-class examinations.
- Additional time for assignments submissions, not to exceed the course end date.
- Breaks during classes and examinations.
- Assistive technology.
Legal Disclaimer
Disability Support Services and reasonable accommodations vary by campus and are provided in accordance with applicable laws and institutional policies. Services are determined through an individualized process and may be modified as necessary to ensure compliance with relevant regulations. All disability-related information is kept confidential and shared only as needed to implement approved accommodations.
Contact person:
Grace M. Morales-Mercado, LRC
Counseling Center, PHSU, Ponce PR
787-840-2575, ext. 5733