UMA complies with all laws which define the rights of individuals with disabilities, and makes reasonable efforts to accommodate specific academic needs. It is important to note that the laws and procedures which govern support for students with disabilities are different in college than in high school. Colleges do not offer special education, rather they provide accommodations. An accommodation is any change in the learning environment or in the way things are customarily done that enables a person with a disability to have equitable access to the University experience.

Students with disabilities who apply to the University are admitted through the same admissions process, and must meet the same admission standards, as other students. It is the student's responsibility to initiate the accommodation process through contact with the Learning Support Services Department, or their local Coordinator of Student Services.

Accommodations may vary according to the specific requirements of a course or activity; therefore, an accommodation request must be made by the student prior to each new semester. Students are encouraged to request accommodations as soon as they know their class schedule for the upcoming term. Accommodations may take several weeks to implement.