Purpose

Temporary accommodations provide short-term access and academic support for students experiencing a temporary medical condition, physical injury, or acute mental health episode that limits their ability to fully participate in academic activities. These supports ensure equitable access while maintaining academic standards and institutional integrity.

Definition

Temporary accommodations are short-term academic or housing adjustments provided during recovery from a temporary condition. These supports are intended to reduce barriers caused by medical, physical, or psychological limitations expected to improve over time.

Examples may include but are not limited to:

• Broken bones
• Concussions or mild brain injuries
• Post-surgical recovery
• Short-term medical or mental health conditions
• Acute flare-ups of existing conditions

Temporary accommodation differs from ongoing disability accommodations, which are based on permanent or long-term accommodations.

Please note: Retroactive accommodations are typically not provided but may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Eligibility and Documentation

To receive temporary accommodations, students must:

1. Contact Disability Access Services (DAS) as soon as possible after the onset of the condition.
2. Provide a diagnostic letter or DAS Academic Verification form from a qualified professional (medical provider, psychologist, or specialist) that includes:
   • Diagnosis or general description of the condition
   • Description of functional limitations impacting academics
   • Recommended accommodations or supports
   • An expected date of improvement or approximate recovery timeline
3. Participate in an interactive process with DAS staff to determine reasonable and appropriate accommodations.
4. Receive documentation of temporary eligibility for accommodations to provide to instructors and sign the Temporary Accommodations Acknowledgement Form

If documentation is pending, provisional accommodations may be implemented temporarily while verification is obtained.

Duration and Review

• Temporary accommodations are typically approved for the expected duration of the condition or through the end of the current semester, whichever is determined as most relevant.
• If recovery is anticipated before semester’s end, DAS will re-evaluate need for accommodations monthly or quarterly.
• Extensions can be considered with updated medical documentation.
• Students should notify DAS if their condition changes or resolves.

Examples of Temporary Accommodations

Each request is reviewed individually. Examples may include:

• Extended time for exams or assignments
• Use of adaptive equipment or accessible seating
• Flexibility with attendance or deadlines
• Access to note-taking assistance or class recordings

Student Responsibilities

Students approved for temporary accommodations are responsible for:

• Communicating promptly with instructors about approved supports.
• Following DAS procedures for exam scheduling and deadlines.
• Providing updates to DAS if their condition changes or documentation expires.
• Submitting new documentation if requesting an extension or seeking long-term accommodations.

Faculty Responsibilities

Faculty are expected to:

• Implement approved accommodations as outlined in the DAS letter.
• Contact DAS with questions or concerns regarding implementation.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding the student’s condition and accommodations.

Confidentiality

All documentation and information regarding temporary accommodations are kept confidential in compliance with the ADA, ADAAA, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Student Acknowledgement of Temporary Accommodation Procedure-EXAMPLE

I acknowledge that I have reviewed and understand the NMSU Disability Access Services Temporary Accommodation Policy.

I understand that:

• Temporary accommodations are short-term and require documentation from a qualified professional.
• My diagnostic letter must include an official diagnosis and an expected date of improvement.
• Accommodations may continue through the end of the semester, if determined as appropriate.
• I must maintain communication with DAS and my instructors about my approved supports.
• Updated documentation may be required if I request an extension of time and support.