FAQs
We have compiled the following frequently asked questions and their answers to help better serve your needs. If you have other questions or need further explanation of an answer listed here, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Q: Will my information disclosing my disability become part of my permanent school records?
A: No, any information shared with the Virginia Commonwealth University Special Services for Students is kept confidential and in a separate and secure area.
Q: Do I have to disclose my disability to my instructors?
A: No, you are not held responsible to describe in detail your disabling condition. However, you must follow the Special Services for Students procedures if you are requesting accommodations.
Q: Will others treat me differently if they know that I have a disability?
A: By law, you cannot be treated differently or discriminated against because of your disability.
Q: Are there other students in the health science professional programs with disabilities?
A: Yes, there are many students at the VCU Medical Center with disabilities, and they participate in various programs. With or without accommodations, many of our disabled students do extremely well academically.
Q: Is attention deficit disorder the same as a learning disability?
A: No, a learning disability is not treatable with medication. It is a neurological disorder. It is a lifelong condition. It can go undiagnosed into adulthood. ADD is generally treated with medication therapy. Most individuals need to develop compensatory strategies to effectively deal with ADD symptoms. ADD also can go undiagnosed into adulthood although its onset is in childhood.
Q: Is the Special Services for Students the same as University Counseling Services?
A: No, they offer separate services. Both offices’ services are confidential. However, both offices may refer students on an as-needed basis to provide support to students.
Q: If I have ADD or LD will it hold me back from being accepted into some programs?
A: No, it should not have any effect on your acceptance into programs. You do not need to disclose that you have a disability. However, it is important that you carefully consider the technical standards of your chosen program. With or without accommodations, you must be able to meet or exceed the technical standards of the program.
Q: What steps can I take if I feel that I have been treated unfairly, discriminated against or not provided my requested accommodations based upon my disability?
A: You should take the following steps immediately:
- The first step is to contact the director of disability support services as soon as possible. The director will work as quickly as possible to work with the student and any other VCU personnel to resolve the concern satisfactorily.
- The second step is to contact the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action if your concerns are not resolved in the first step. You will need to submit in writing a detailed letter of sequential events and who is involved. The director will conduct an investigation and respond to your concerns.
If your complaint is not resolved at VCU, you may wish to contact the Office of Civil Rights in the VCU region. The Washington, D.C. office is the regional office for Virginia. You will need to follow the procedures set forth by that office to pursue an investigation on your behalf.
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