Temporary Accommodations

Temporary Disabilities 

OALA recognizes that individuals with temporary conditions that are a result of injuries, surgery, or short-term disabilities may need access to resources and accommodations. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), temporary conditions may be considered disabilities, depending on their severity and duration. The ADA defines a disability as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. If a temporary condition is severe enough to substantially limit a major life activity (e.g., walking, breathing, learning) and is expected to last beyond two (2) weeks, it may be protected under the ADA. Examples of temporary conditions may include, but are not limited to: broken limbs, hand injuries, concussions, or short term disabilities following surgery or medical treatments. Students are encouraged to submit an application and documentation related to their temporary disability. 

If a student is experiencing an illness or injury that is expected to last two weeks or less, they are encouraged to talk to their professors as soon as possible to discuss a plan related to their condition. This would be similar to the standard process that any student would navigate if they were absent, missed work, etc. related to an illness. If a condition unexpectedly lasts or persists beyond two weeks, students can reach out to OALA for guidance or begin the accommodation process. 

Types of Conditions that May Qualify for Temporary Accommodations

Examples of temporary accommodations include: concussions, broken bones, complex/multiple injuries, mononucleosis, surgeries, pregnancy complications, etc.

Students Experiencing a Pregnancy and Related Conditions

Baylor University is committed to providing a supportive learning, living, and working environment that promotes equity and prohibits harassment or discrimination for community members. In adherence to Title IX, Baylor University offers various support services:

• Pregnancy itself is not considered a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). However, pregnancy-related conditions, complications, health and postpartum conditions can constitute a disability and are covered under ADA. If you are seeking support for such a medical need or disability related to pregnancy or childbirth, please complete OALA’s application for accommodations. 
• If a student is experiencing a pregnancy without medical complications or a disabling condition, Baylor offers supportive measures and resources for students through the Care Team within the Office of Student Care and Wellbeing. 
• Students who have concerns related to harassment or discrimination on the basis of pregnant or parenting status should connect with the Equity, Civil Rights, and Title IX Office. They offer further information regarding pregnancy and pregnancy resources on their page. 

Conditions that May Impact and/or Limit Mobility

For these temporary conditions, as a first measure, OALA will provide accommodations such as flexibility with arriving late, priority seating, note taking, medical parking, and other official ADA measures and accommodations. If these measures are reasonably ineffective, OALA can explore other options, supports, or alternative services to support students who are navigating mobility related conditions.

Shuttle Transport via Golf Carts: Please note that this service is prioritized for students with temporary injuries, conditions, and disabilities. NOTE: This service is NOT legally required by law and is NOT an ADA accommodation but is provided by OALA as a service to further support our students as resources and logistics allow. Students may be waitlisted for the service due to volume of usage. Students with chronic conditions that impacts or limits mobility will be provided accommodations that are legally covered under ADA, including: flexibility with arrival to courses, note taking, priority registration, priority seating, parking considerations, etc. This service is offered during Fall and Spring semester between the hours of 7:40am-5pm and does not run during the weekends, official study days, or final exams. 

Parking Options: OALA does NOT provide parking for ADA designated spots but can provide a medical parking permit. Students who do have access to an ADA placard must register and verify their information with Baylor Parking Services. The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles provides guidance on how to apply for a temporary or permanent disability placard. 

A medical parking permit may be issued by OALA as an accommodation. If a student currently has a parking permit, no additional fees will be incurred for a medical permit. If a student does not have a parking permit, associated parking fees will be charged when medical parking is approved (as would be the case to access any parking permit) and will depend on length of time the permit is needed in relation to the student’s condition and needs. This permit allows students to park in spaces that are NOT specifically reserved spaces (faculty, staff, etc.) or ADA designated spaces.

Transportation Resources: Baylor offers the Baylor University Shuttle (BUS), a fixed route transportation system, operated by Waco Transit in cooperation with the Baylor Department of Parking and Transportation Services. Service is free for all students. 

Students can also refer to Baylor’s Accessibility and Transportation Map for more guidance and information.