Students We Serve

Student Accessibility Services works with students with documented disabilities. Our staff reviews medical documentation to determine eligibility for academic, housing, facilities, assistance animals, and dining accommodations.

There are many types of disabling conditions that may cause students to request accommodations. Examples of these conditions include:

  • Specific learning disabilities
  • Attention deficit disorders
  • Mental health conditions
  • Pregnancy-related disabilities
  • Food and other environmental allergies
  • Conditions that impact mobility
  • Conditions that impact vision and hearing loss
  • Other long-term health conditions (i.e. diabetes, POTS, cancer, etc)

We also review documentation for temporary accommodations related to non-permanent conditions that may affect a student for one or two semesters.

Most short-term illnesses are not accommodated through our office. Students with concerns about missing class due to illness should work directly with their instructors to make up missed work.

A moody, warm colored photo of the campanile peeking out behind the trees.

Mission and Purpose

The mission of the Office of Student Accessibility Services at Iowa State University is to provide comprehensive support, services, and determine reasonable and appropriate accommodations for college students with disabilities, in compliance with federal regulations and laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as well as relevant state laws. Our office is committed to ensuring access and opportunities for all students, regardless of their disability status, and to promoting their academic and personal success. Through collaboration and individualized support, we aim to equip students to fully engage in their educational experience. As aligned with the mission of the University and Division of Student Affairs, our work emphasizes the importance of serving all students in achieving their academic goals during their time at Iowa State.

Religious Accommodations

Accommodations requested based on religion should be directed to the Office of Student Assistance. Students may discuss their request for reasonable accommodations based on their religion with their staff for support.

Religious Accommodations

Pregnancy Support & Accommodations

Student Accessibility Services can provide accommodations to students needing them during pregnancy. Students can view our Pregnancy Accommodations webpage to learn about and request reasonable accommodations and supportive measures for their own pregnancy, childbirth, and lactation.

Pregnancy Support

Parking Accommodations

ISU medical permits can be obtained from the ISU parking division office. Students, faculty and staff must present a current valid Department of Transportation parking permit for persons with disabilities in order to obtain an ISU medical permit.

ISU Parking Division

Employee Accommodations

Students who are also employed at Iowa State and in need workplace of accommodations may be eligible through the HR department. To learn more and apply visit the University Human Resources' website.

University Human Resources (UHR)