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Request an Accommodation

Students are encouraged to apply for an accommodation upon acceptance into the medical education program as to begin this process early, however, applications for accommodations may be submitted at any time. All requests are reviewed and determined in a timely manner. Below is the step-by-step process for requesting an accommodation. Remember, your inquiry is confidential, and students are welcome to obtain general information about disability services and accessibility without registering.

  1. Complete and submit the Requirements for Reasonable Accommodations Form to the Office of Student Affairs (OSA).
  2. Provide documentation of a disability. Please follow the guidelines outlined in the Verification of Medical Documentation for Disability Services section.
  3. Discuss with the OSA, your need for services and/or barriers you anticipate experiencing.
  4. Through an interactive process, the OSA will assist you with the following:
    1. Determine if you meet the criteria for disability.
    2. Discuss potential accommodations to address any barriers to the curriculum or clinic.
    3. Ensure that any requested accommodations are reasonable and that they do not alter an essential feature of the curriculum or technical standards of your program.
  5. When a request is approved, you will be provided with a copy of your eligibility for services and approved accommodations.
  6. Accommodations are valid for the duration of the student’s program, unless otherwise stated on their accommodation letter.

The OSA reviews each case, taking into account each student’s self-report of disability, functional limitation, and known or anticipated barriers. In addition, the OSA will review the documentation and, if needed, consult with expert clinicians and program directors to determine if requests challenge technical or program standards.

The OSA is available to assist the student and faculty with the implementation of the accommodation, if needed. Should difficulties arise in the administration of any accommodation, the student should reach out to the OSA immediately.

Students can request a re-evaluation of their accommodations or request new accommodations at any time during the year. For new requests, additional documentation may be deemed as necessary. As with initial accommodation requests, new accommodation requests will be evaluated using the same process.

Please direct all questions to the following individual:

Marion J. Lombardi, EdD
Assistant Dean for Student Affairs
Cooper Medical School of Rowan University
401 S. Broadway, Camden, New Jersey 08103
Phone: 856-361-2805
Fax: 856-361-2828
lombardim@rowan.edu

Marion J. Lombardi, EdD, has received professional development certifications from the Association of Higher Education Disability (AHEAD) and Disability Services Professionals Academy (DRP) a program of the Docs for Disabilities Initiative (DWDI), for completing Master’s level courses on Advanced Practices for Disability Services in Health Services and Medical Education Programs.