Frequently Asked Questions on Disabilities
By George A. Velasco, Premedical Representative, Committee On Disabilities
Every month students e-mail me questions regarding disabilities-related issues. Here are some answers to those questions.
- I am a premedical student with a disability (such as dyslexia, ADHD, bi-polar disorder, or chronic fatigue syndrome). Should I mention my disability in my application or at any time during the application process?
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- Only mention your disability if you absolutely have to. An example of such a situation would be if there were was a period in your academic history where you had poor grades or had to take time off of school for a reason related to your disability. If that's the case then you would need to mention your disability in order to account for the period on your transcripts mentioned above. When discussing your disability in an application or interview, don't portray it as a weakness but rather as an obstacle overcome.
- Only mention your disability if you absolutely have to. An example of such a situation would be if there were was a period in your academic history where you had poor grades or had to take time off of school for a reason related to your disability. If that's the case then you would need to mention your disability in order to account for the period on your transcripts mentioned above. When discussing your disability in an application or interview, don't portray it as a weakness but rather as an obstacle overcome.
- I have a disability and want to apply to medical school. Are there students with disabilities in medical school and will I be able to receive special accommodations for my disability?
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- There are many successful medical students with disabilities who receive accommodations at their medical school such as extended time on exams or a note taker for lectures. Schools are required to provide reasonable accommodations as mentioned under federal legislation in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1991.
- There are many successful medical students with disabilities who receive accommodations at their medical school such as extended time on exams or a note taker for lectures. Schools are required to provide reasonable accommodations as mentioned under federal legislation in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1991.
- What medical schools are most accommodating and friendly towards students with disabilities and students who need accommodations?
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- This answer will vary depending on the type of disability you have, they type of accommodations you need, and the current administration at a particular school. The best way to find this information would be to contact particular medical schools and ask to speak with their Office for Students with Disabilities or ADA Compliance Office and ask what accommodations are available for students.
- This answer will vary depending on the type of disability you have, they type of accommodations you need, and the current administration at a particular school. The best way to find this information would be to contact particular medical schools and ask to speak with their Office for Students with Disabilities or ADA Compliance Office and ask what accommodations are available for students.
- I am a medical student with a learning disability and/or ADHD. I am having academic difficulties and/or I have failed coursework for my first year of medical school. What can I do to help my situation?
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- This is a common question. Many medical students have attended a 5 week remedial program at Marshall University in order to learn study techniques and strategies unique to their disability and unique to medical coursework and have been able to successfully return to medical school after relearning new ways to study. Here's the website for the program http://www.marshall.edu/medicalhelp/
- This is a common question. Many medical students have attended a 5 week remedial program at Marshall University in order to learn study techniques and strategies unique to their disability and unique to medical coursework and have been able to successfully return to medical school after relearning new ways to study. Here's the website for the program http://www.marshall.edu/medicalhelp/
- I am a student with a learning disability and am looking to improve my academic skills. Do you recommend any particular resources or books?
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- I highly recommend the book Learning Outside the Lines by Jonathan Mooney and David Cole. I also recommend Becoming a Master Student by David Ellis.