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AccessAbility Center

Working collaboratively with students, faculty, and staff to create a comprehensive educational environment for students.

The AccessAbility Center/Student Disability Services (AAC/SDS) ensures full participation and meaningful access to all of City College’s and CUNY School of Medicine’s services, programs, and activities that correspond with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, The Amendments Act of 2008, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Fair Housing Act of 1968, and other applicable Federal, State, and local non-discrimination laws.  AAC/SDS accomplishes this goal through the coordination and implementation of academic adjustments, auxiliary aids, and support services for students with disabilities.  The Center actively works toward full inclusion in policies, procedures, and practices in the context of accessibility while maintaining essential academic and technical standards.  AAC/SDS engages in increasing disability awareness among members of the City College community through workshops, trainings, and the dissemination of literature.

Non-Discrimination Policy

The City College and The City University of New York are committed to addressing discrimination complaints promptly, consistently and fairly. Any City College employee, student, applicant for admission or employment or other participant in the College’s programs or activities who believes he or she has been unlawfully discriminated against on the basis of age, color, disability, national or ethnic origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status may file a complaint in writing with the Office of Diversity and Compliance using the Discrimination Complaint Form, by e-mail to the Diana Cuozzo at dcuozzo@ccny.cuny.edu or by stopping in the EEO Compliance office in Shepard Hall, Room 109.

CUNY School of Medicine Accommodations Requirements

CCNY Undergraduates (U1-U3)        

If you are already connected with the CCNY Center for Student Accessibility (CSA) and have approved accommodations, we are now pleased to share with you a link to the CUNY Accommodate application, as well as Instructional Videos and Documentation Guides. These are self-paced, explain aspects of the system in detail, and provide instructions for accessing and using CUNY Accommodate.

If you are not connected with the CSA and anticipate or are experiencing a disability-related barrier, and would like to discuss accommodations and/or resources, please contact CSA by completing the Student Accommodation Request form.

We encourage you to familiarize yourself with CUNY Accommodate by exploring the self-directed instructional videos and comprehensive guides that walk you through what you need to know to use the system. You can access these resources and the CUNY Accommodate system using the links below.

You can contact Sara Weissman at cweissman@ccny.cuny.edu to learn more about the services offered by AAC/SDS and what options are available to you for accommodations.

To get started with the CUNY Accommodate process:
  • Get started by completing the Student Accommodation Request form.
  • Explore Accommodate – Explore the Accommodate tutorials on the CUNY website or contact the CSOM Office of Student Affairs directly.
  • Please visit the CCNY Accessibility Services webpage for more information: https://www.ccny.cuny.edu/accessability

CSOM Medical Students (M1-M4)

  • Get started by completing the CUNY Accommodation Request form. This form MUST be completed in order to submit an accommodations request.
  • Explore Accommodate – Explore the Accommodate tutorials on the CUNY website or contact the Office of Student Affairs directly.
Documentation Requirements:
  • Completed application in Accommodate
  • Supporting Documentation

USMLE Testing

The Office of Student Affairs can guide you through applying for USMLE Exam accommodations. You should begin the application process as early as possible. The USMLE review can take up to 60 days.

Failure to submit an early application can result in a delayed timeline for USMLE exam registration. You will not be able to register for the exam until you have a response from USMLE. You must have an active application on file with CUNY Accommodate/be registered with the AccessAbility Center to be approved for any accommodations for USMLE exams. The application requires:

  1. Documentation of disability from an evaluating or treating physician/health provider. Please note an evaluation or a medical letter expires three years from the date of issue. Your documentation will not be honored if it is considered expired.
  2. A personal statement
  3. Record or receipt of previous or recent exam accommodation. (This can be provided by the in the form of a letter of support by the CUNY School of Medicine Office of AccessAbility Services).

Please contact Ms. Sherry Prabhudial to schedule an intake meeting to learn more about applying for Accommodations/requirements.

CUNY Accomodate

Accommodations and Accessibility Services

CUNY Accommodate is the core electronic case management system that assists students, faculty, instructors, and staff in requesting, approving, and implementing disability-related accommodations.

If you are already connected with the City College Center for Student Accessibility (CSA), or CUNY School of Medicine Office of AccessAbility Services and have approved accommodations, we are now pleased to share with you a link to the CUNY Accommodate application, as well as instructional videos and documentation guides. These are self-paced, explain aspects of the system in detail, and provide instructions for accessing and using CUNY Accommodate.

If you anticipate or are experiencing a disability-related barrier, and would like to discuss accommodations and/or resources, please contact CSA by completing the Student Accommodation Request form.

We encourage you to familiarize yourself with CUNY Accommodate by exploring our self-directed instructional videos and comprehensive guides that walk you through what you need to know to use the system. You can access these resources and the CUNY Accommodate system using the link here. 

Please visit the following website for details regarding CUNY’s policies on disability access: CUNY’s Policies on Reasonable Accommodations & Academic Adjustments

Evaluations (psycho educational or neuro-psych evaluations) or letters from qualified professionals (mental health/wellness or medical practitioners) must be submitted in order for us to review a request for accommodations. AAC/SDS also provides a disability documentation request form, which can be completed by (but are not limited to) a qualified professional such as a medical doctor, psychiatrist, psychotherapist and/or social worker.

Undergraduate accommodation requests must be renewed per semester (U1-U3). If you are a medical student, you will only need to submit an initial request. Upon approval, your accommodations will be renewed each academic year. Please review the following resource video to learn how to request renew your request by semester.

Please submit your accommodation requests at least two weeks in advance to allow sufficient time for processing and implementation. Requests made within 48 hours of when the accommodation is needed may not be approved in time.

If you anticipate or are experiencing a disability-related barrier, and would like to discuss accommodations and/or resources, it is recommended that CSOM students contact the Director of Student Success and Accessibility Services, Ms. Sherry Prabhudial, to schedule an appointment.

CUNY School of Medicine is located in Harris Hall, which is wheelchair accessible from the quad side/Convent Avenue entrance. Accessibility features of Harris Hall include:

  • Elevator
  • Accessible bathrooms on 2nd and 3rd floors
  • Accessible classroom furniture available upon request
  • Wheelchair accessible water fountain on 3rd floor

Staff Profiles

  • Madiha B. Akhtar: Associate Dean for Student Affairs
  • Sherry Prabhudial: Director for Academic Student Success and Accessibility Services
  • Sara Weissman: Disability Accommodations Specialist

AccessAbility FAQ

Who can students contact to request accommodations or learn more about disability services at CUNY School of Medicine?

CUNY School of Medicine students can contact the Director of Student Success and Accessability Services, Ms. Sherry Prabhudial  to learn more about the accommodations process for the CUNY School of Medicine.

The CCNY AccessAbility Center/Student Disability Services (AAC/SDS) office handles all requests for undergraduate accommodation and services. You can contact Sara Weissman at cweissman@ccny.cuny.edu to learn more about the services offered by AAC/SDS and what options are available to you.

Where can I take an exam that I need accommodations for?

Exams can either be taken at a location at CUNY School of Medicine determined by the administering faculty, or at the AccessAbility Center. To request proctoring through the AccessAbility Center, you must first have a valid CUNY Accommodate application on file.

What do I need to request an accommodation?

Details of the process for seeking accommodation can be found on the CCNY AccessAbility website. After applying, students complete an intake with AAC/SDS staff, who will make a determination based on the information provided. During the intake, the student and Access Specialist will discuss the student’s current and previous disability experiences and will finalize the accommodations the student has requested. Self-disclosure and what is mentioned in any supporting documents will be taken into account when approving accommodations.

I have been told that I should get neuropsychological testing and I don’t know where to get an evaluation that would allow me to request an accommodation.

There are several low-cost and sliding-scale clinics in the area that can provide evaluations. You can find these clinics listed here.

Can students receive accommodations for physical and mental disabilities?

Yes, as long as the student provides documentation that includes the disabilities they are requesting accommodations for, they may receive accommodations that address either or all disabilities. (For example, receiving extra time on exams due to a mental/cognitive disability and receiving assistive furniture like a standing desk due to a physical disability.)

Is there a specific deadline to request accommodations?

No, registration and intakes are administered on a rolling basis throughout the year. It is suggested that students try to initiate the registration process before the beginning of the semester so that they can receive accommodations in a timely manner.

How long will it take for my request to be approved?

If all required documentation is in order, the approval process will likely take up to 14 days. If the request is incomplete or additional documentation is required, this might delay the timeline.

Once approved, do the forms/documentation need to be renewed?

Once approved, disability documentation does not need to be renewed unless there is an update, change, or new development to the student’s disability. The only documentation that needs to be renewed is their Accommodation Memo that is provided to their professor or appropriate faculty member. Students must submit a Memo Request form each semester to receive an updated Accommodation Memo (Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer), which is then distributed by the student (or by the AAC if given permission by the student) to professors and faculty.

Is my supporting documentation kept confidential from the faculty?

Your diagnosis and all supporting documentation will be kept confidential. The only information shared with faculty is an approved accommodations memo, which is shared with faculty on a “need to know” basis. Only the Associate Deans of Student Affairs will know which students are registered with AAC and what accommodations they receive, as they are directly involved in coordinating accommodations and disability services.

How will professors or supervising attendings be informed of the accommodations?

Students must email their Accommodation Memo to any faculty that will be involved in the coordination of their accommodations. The Accommodation Memo is the official document that allows faculty to provide accommodations to students. Students receive their Accommodation Memo after their intake with their assigned Access Specialist.

I can’t afford an evaluation that would allow me to access accessibility services and receive accommodations.

If you have concerns about being able to afford and access services after evaluating the providers listed here, the Student Affairs team will work with you to find other solutions to get you the evaluation and care you need.

How do I apply for USMLE Exam accommodations?

The CUNY School of Medicine – Office of Student Affairs, can guide you through applying for USMLE Exam accommodations. You should begin the application process as early as possible.
You must have an active application on file with CUNY Accommodate/be registered with the AccessAbility Center to be approved for any accommodations for USMLE exams. USMLE review can take up to 60 days. Failure to submit an early application can result in a delayed timeline for USMLE exam registration.

You will not be able to register for the exam until you have a response from USMLE. You must complete an application n CUNY Accommodate/registered with the AccessAbility Center to be approved for any accommodations for USMLE exams. The application requires:

-Documentation of disability from an evaluating or treating physician/health provider. Please note an evaluation or a medical letter expires three years from the date of issue. Your documentation will not be honored if it is considered expired.

-A personal statement

-Record or receipt of previous or recent exam accommodation. (This can be provided by the AccessAbility Center in the form of a letter of support).

It is recommended that students contact the Director of Student Success and Accessability Services, within the CUNY School of Medicine to navigate the accommodations to the USMLE accommodations process. You can view all guidelines for requesting accommodations for USMLE exams here.

I need accommodations, who can I talk to?

If a student is uncertain if he/she qualifies for accommodations services or would like to speak with an administrator in the CUNY School of Medicine, he/she/they can request an intake meeting by contacting Ms. Sherry Prabhudial, Director of Student Success and Accessability Services.

What kind of documentation is required for accommodation?

Evaluations (including psycho educational or neuro-psych evaluations) or letters from qualified professionals (mental health/wellness or medical practitioners) must be submitted in order for us to review a request for accommodations. AAC/SDS also provides a disability documentation request form, which can be completed by (but are not limited to) a qualified professional such as a medical doctor, psychiatrist, psychotherapist and/or social worker.

I worry that my request will not be treated confidentially. What is the process?

Information about disabilities is kept confidential and is not reported in the student’s academic record.

Does having accommodations have any negative impact on my future?

No, receiving accommodations does not impact your future in a negative way.

What if I don’t want to use my approved accommodations for a class or an exam?

You are not required to use approved accommodations if you chose not for a class or an exam.  If you do not plan to use your accommodations for a particularly class or course, please contact Ms. Prabhudial via email.