A Guide to Disability Services at Georgia's Largest Universities
- Dana Weinstein, Ph.D.
- Mar 21
- 11 min read
Updated: Mar 22
If you are heading to one of Georgia's colleges or universities and you have a learning disability, ADHD, autism, anxiety, or another documented condition, understanding how disability services work at your specific school can make a significant difference in your first semester. Every university operates its own office with its own portal, timeline, and contact process, and the details matter. This guide breaks down what students need to know at ten of Georgia's most attended institutions: the University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, Georgia State University, Kennesaw State University, Spelman, Emory University, Mercer University, Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, and Georgia College and State University.
One Important Starting Point: The University System of Georgia
Before diving into each school, it helps to know that several universities in this guide are part of the University System of Georgia (USG). This means they share a common framework for what counts as acceptable disability documentation. Across all USG schools, your documentation needs to come from a qualified evaluator, include a clear diagnostic statement, and show how your condition creates functional limitations in an academic setting. A comprehensive psychoeducational evaluation from a licensed psychologist meets this standard at all USG schools. If you have older records or an incomplete evaluation, individual schools may request updated documentation before approving accommodations.
Emory University, Mercer University, Clark Atlanta University, Spelman, and Morehouse College are private institutions and not part of the USG. They operate under the ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act rather than the USG documentation framework, though the practical requirements are very similar.
University of Georgia (UGA) — Disability Resource Center
The Disability Resource Center (DRC) at UGA works directly with students to assess individual disability related needs and develop appropriate academic accommodation plans. Campuslabs The DRC falls under the broader office called Accessibility and Testing, located at Clark Howell Hall on South Lumpkin Street in Athens.
To get started, students complete an online application through the AIM Student Portal, which asks about your diagnosis, how it affects your academics, what accommodations you have used before, and what you are requesting at UGA. Documentation can be submitted electronically, by fax, or in person. Once reviewed, you will be assigned a disability coordinator who will reach out to schedule an initial interview to finalize your accommodation plan.
The registration process typically takes one to four weeks, and accommodations are not applied retroactively, so incoming students are encouraged to start as soon as they receive their acceptance.
UGA also houses the Regents' Center for Learning Disorders (RCLD), a specialized resource within the USG system. For certain USG accommodations, approval from an RCLD is required, and students requesting those specific accommodations must submit documentation there for review. This is particularly relevant for students requesting extended time on placement tests or specific academic substitutions.
Contact: access@uga.edu https://www.rcld.uga.edu/
Georgia Tech — Office of Disability Services
Georgia Tech's Office of Disability Services (ODS) collaborates with students, faculty, and staff to ensure that all students have equal opportunity to access the Georgia Tech community, working to address academic, physical, technological, and other barriers students may encounter on campus.
To get started, students complete the ODS New Student Accommodation Request and submit documentation from a qualified healthcare professional. ODS then engages the student in an interactive process to determine reasonable accommodations.
The process can take one to five weeks depending on the nature of the accommodation, the documentation submitted, and the availability of intake appointments during peak times. Newly admitted students are advised to begin this process once they confirm admission.
ODS generates a Course Accessibility Letter for each registered student that details approved accommodations for each class. Students are responsible for the timely implementation of those accommodations with their professors. ODS uses the AIM portal for managing accommodation requests and coordinating testing.
ODS serves nearly 3,000 students with diagnosed and documented disabilities, with the most common categories being ADHD, psychological disorders, chronic health conditions, learning disabilities, and autism spectrum disorder.
Contact: dsinfo@gatech.edu | disabilityservices.gatech.edu
Georgia State University — Access and Accommodations Center
Georgia State University's Access and Accommodations Center (AACE) is committed to providing access to campus resources and opportunities so that students with disabilities can obtain a full quality educational experience, and recognizes disability as an aspect of diversity that is integral to both society and the campus community.
Students who do not yet have documentation in hand can still begin the registration process by fully disclosing their disability and describing their history of accommodations.
Georgia State also offers some services that set it apart from other schools in the state. The university provides assistive technology equipment loans at all Georgia State locations, and real time captioning is available for Deaf and hard of hearing students.
Students with majors in the College of Arts and Sciences or Perimeter College who have foreign language requirements may be eligible for course substitutions when a disability substantially interferes with the ability to acquire a new language through traditional collegiate coursework. This is a meaningful option for students with dyslexia or language processing disorders.
Contact: access.gsu.edu
Kennesaw State University — Student Disability Services
Student Disability Services (SDS) at KSU ensures equal access to all educational experiences for students with identified, legally defined disabilities and works to promote the university's compliance with all applicable federal and state laws. Kennesaw State University KSU uses a portal called OwlAccommodate to manage accommodation letters and exam scheduling.
To register, students complete an online intake form, which serves as the formal request for services. SDS recommends submitting your request at least four weeks before the semester begins, as late registration can delay implementation of accommodations. Once documentation is reviewed and you are determined eligible, you will be scheduled for an intake appointment to finalize your accommodation plan.
KSU also offers academic coaching as part of its SDS program. Academic coaching is a collaborative partnership between the student and a member of the SDS team that addresses skills such as time management, organization, and study strategies.
Assistive technology support is also available, including Genio Notes, a web based note taking system that allows students to record classes, transcribe audio, and add slides, as well as the Livescribe smartpen available on a first come first served basis.
Contact: sds@kennesaw.edu | sds.kennesaw.edu
Emory University — Department of Accessibility Services
Emory University is a private research university in Atlanta with one of the more student-centered disability services models in Georgia. The Department of Accessibility Services (DAS) recently revamped its staffing structure to double the number of student facing accommodations specialists, with the goal of ensuring that each registered student is assigned to a specialist at their initial registration and remains with that same person throughout their entire enrollment at Emory. This continuity model is relatively uncommon and can be especially valuable for students with complex or evolving needs.
The Student Registration Form is submitted online through Emory's Accommodate portal and helps DAS understand your disability and specific accessibility needs. Students are encouraged not to delay completing the form out of concern about not having the right paperwork. After submitting the form, your information is reviewed and assigned to a DAS staff member within two to three business days. You will then receive an invitation via your Emory email to schedule a Welcome Meeting with your assigned accommodations specialist.
Incoming students are strongly encouraged to apply for accommodations and submit all registration materials approximately eight weeks before the first day of class, to allow enough time for documentation review, the interactive process, and implementation. Accommodations cannot be applied retroactively.
Emory's documentation guidelines state that documentation should be recent enough to reflect the current impact of the disability, generally within the last three years, and must include a clear diagnosis using DSM-5 or ICD-10 codes where applicable, a description of how the disability impacts major life activities, and specific functional limitations in the academic setting. Documentation must be completed by a licensed professional with expertise in the area of the diagnosed disability, and providers who are family members are not accepted.
DAS is located at 201 Dowman Drive, Suite 110, Atlanta.
Contact: accessibility@emory.edu | (404) 727-9877
Mercer University — Office of Access and Accommodations
Mercer University is a private university with its main campus in Macon and a second campus in Atlanta. The ACCESS and Accommodation Office (AAO) works to improve the accessibility of university programs, services, and facilities for persons with disabilities and ensures compliance with the ADA and Section 504. Only students registered with AAO will be eligible to request accommodations and be recognized by the institution as a student with a disability. Distance learning students can register and request accommodations by phone, fax, or email.
To apply, students complete an online application disclosing their disability, schedule an interview with the Access Coordinator for their campus, and submit documentation from a qualified provider. Once approved, students submit a semester request each term to notify instructors of their accommodations, and must meet with faculty to discuss how accommodations will be implemented.
Accommodations are not retroactive, and students with a history of a disability who do not wish to use academic accommodations are still strongly encouraged to complete the verification process with the Access Office. Having documentation on file gives students the option to activate accommodations later if academic demands increase.
The Office of Access and Accommodation seeks to foster a sense of empowerment in students with diverse medical conditions by educating them about the ADA and their responsibilities, encouraging healthy behaviors, critical thinking, and self advocacy.
Macon Campus: Connell Student Center, Second Floor | (478) 301-2810 Atlanta Campus: Duvall Hall, Room 102 | (678) 547-6478
Clark Atlanta University — Office of Counseling and Disability Services
Clark Atlanta University (CAU) is a historically Black university located in Atlanta's West End neighborhood. The Office of Counseling and Disability Services (OCADS) is the designated office that maintains disability related documents, determines eligibility for reasonable accommodations, and develops plans for the provision of those accommodations. It also serves as an advocate for students with documented disabilities, ensuring they have physical and programmatic access to all university programs.
To register, students complete an application for Disability Services Program Eligibility and submit documentation from a qualified licensed professional such as a physician, psychologist, therapist, diagnostician, or audiologist.
During the intake appointment, the assistant director reviews the application and supporting documents to certify eligibility, gather information from the student, and discuss reasonable accommodations. If eligible, a second appointment is scheduled to review and finalize the accommodation plan. Students should allow three business days for Letters of Accommodation to be issued after that meeting.
Accommodations at CAU include academic adjustments, auxiliary aids and services, priority scheduling, tutorial services, and referral to state and community resources.
OCADS is located in Trevor Arnett Hall, Third Floor, at 223 James P. Brawley Drive.
Contact: (404) 880-8044
Morehouse College — Accessibility Services
Morehouse College is a historically Black liberal arts college for men, also located in Atlanta. Accessibility services are housed within the Student Counseling and Accessibility Services Center.
It is the responsibility of the student to self-identify. The student must inform Accessibility Services that he has a disability and needs an accommodation in order to be protected under the ADA and Section 504. Morehouse's responsibility begins upon notification by the student, and Accessibility Services must have received appropriate documentation that justifies the requested accommodation.
Once a student submits documentation, the Accessibility Coordinator reviews the records and other relevant information. If the student is found eligible, the Coordinator discusses appropriate and reasonable accommodations and memorializes the agreement in a confidential written memo to the student.
Commonly approved accommodations at Morehouse include extended time on examinations, audio recording of lectures, use of a laptop during exams, large print exam formats, use of a calculator, and alternative testing formats such as oral rather than written exams. Students are not penalized for mechanical errors on in class writing when this is part of their approved plan.
The Accessibility Coordinator also works with the Financial Aid Office to protect a student's award when a disability necessitates a reduced course load, and advises students whose learning disabilities may affect math or foreign language mastery on procedures for seeking course adjustments.
morehouse.edu/life/student-services/accessibility-services/facilities-for-students-with-disabilities
Accessibility Services is located at Sale Hall Annex, Suite 100, 830 Westview Drive SW.
Contact: Travis.Sadler@morehouse.edu | (470) 639-0252
Georgia College and State University — Student Disability Resource Center
Georgia College and State University (GCSU) is located in Milledgeville and serves as Georgia's designated public liberal arts university. The Student Disability Resource Center (SDRC) provides services to students with permanent documented disabilities, including assistance with accommodations in courses, programs, and activities across campus life.
To access services, students should wait until they have been fully admitted to the university, then provide their physician and/or psychologist with the appropriate USG Documentation Guidelines before completing the online Request for Services. Students should not complete the form until all documentation is ready to upload, including the provider letter, any medical diagnoses, psychological evaluations, and IEP or 504 plans from high school if available.
All documentation is sent to the Regents' Center for Learning Disorders (RCLD) for review, since the RCLD sets the standard for postsecondary documentation requirements across the USG system for determining eligibility and appropriate accommodations.
The SDRC assists eligible students who have ADHD, learning disabilities in reading, writing, and math, psychological disorders such as anxiety and depression, and mobility impairments among other qualifying conditions. Accommodations are not retroactive, and the SDRC recommends registering before the semester begins so that accommodations are in place from the first day of class.
SDRC is located at 109 Russell Library, Milledgeville campus.
Contact: disability@gcsu.edu | (478) 445-5931
Spelman College — Student Access Center
Spelman College is a historically Black liberal arts college for women, located in Atlanta and affiliated with the Atlanta University Center Consortium alongside Morehouse and Clark Atlanta. The Student Access Center (SAC) is committed to creating an accessible academic, social, and physical environment by minimizing challenges and facilitating access to an equitable Spelman experience for all students. The SAC also serves as a resource center for the broader campus community on questions centered on disability, accessibility, and accommodations.
The SAC recently transitioned to a new software platform called Accommodate, which provides a streamlined approach for students to submit accommodation requests and for SAC staff to process and overs Spelman College implementation. All applications are now completed through the Accommodate portal.
To establish eligibility, students must provide current, comprehensive documentation that establishes the diagnosis and describes the impact on major life activities, particularly as they relate to learning or residential life. A diagnosis alone does not automatically qualify a student for accommodations; the documentation must also support the specific request and describe the functional limitations that make accommodations necessary.
Students who need housing accommodations submit documentation directly to the SAC rather than to Housing and Residence Life, in order to protect medical privacy. Housing accommodation requests are evaluated by a Committee for Disability Housing Accommodations made up of staff from the Counseling Center, Housing, Student Health Services, the SAC, and the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs.
The SAC is located in MacVicar Hall, First Floor, 350 Spelman Lane SW.
Contact: sac@spelman.edu | (404) 270-5295
What All Ten Schools Have in Common
Regardless of where you enroll, these universities share several important features in how they handle accommodations.
All ten require students to self identify. No one will reach out to you simply because you had an IEP or 504 plan in high school. You must initiate the process yourself, and you must do it before accommodations can be put in place.
All ten use a collaborative, interactive process to determine what accommodations are appropriate. This means you will have a conversation with a coordinator about how your disability affects your academic performance, not just a review of your paperwork.
Accommodations are not retroactive at any of these institutions. If you wait until midterms to register, your professors are not required to apply accommodations to anything that already happened.
And at every school, it is ultimately the student's responsibility to communicate the accommodation plan to each professor at the start of every semester. The disability office facilitates and authorizes the plan, but you have to activate it.
The Best Time to Get Evaluated
If you are a rising college student and you do not yet have a current evaluation on file, the best time to schedule one is before your first semester begins. Documentation should generally be no more than three to five years old, though some schools may accept older records depending on the diagnosis and how clearly the functional impact is described. A current evaluation gives disability services coordinators the most accurate picture of how you learn and what you need in order to access your coursework on equal footing with your peers.
If you are already in college and struggling, it is never too late to get evaluated. Many students are not identified until their workload increases significantly in junior or senior year, or until they transition to graduate programs where demands shift entirely.
The Center for Psychological and Educational Assessment provides comprehensive discounted, budget-friendly psychoeducational evaluations for college and graduate students throughout Georgia, including online testing options for students at schools across the state. To learn more about our evaluation process or documentation requirements for your specific school, visit us at ed-testing.com or call 770-352-9952.
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