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 and Parenting Resources

Baylor University is committed to providing a supportive learning, living, and working environment that promotes equity and prohibits harassment or discrimination for members of the University community who are pregnant or parenting. Baylor University offers pregnant and parenting students and employees various supports, accommodations, and protections to ensure our commitment to creating this environment. Assistance with specific concerns or needs should be directed to the offices below:

Students:

• The Equity, Civil Rights, and Title IX Office can assist with adjustments and supportive resources related to pregnancy, childbirth, or parenting. Please contact them at (254) 710-8454 or email them  for further information and support. 

Employees:

• Human Resources can assist with accommodations and adjustments related to pregnancy, childbirth, or parenting.
• Human Resources may offer additional supportive resources related to pregnancy and parenting, including EWS

Students and Employees:

• The Equity, Civil Rights, and Title IX Office  can assist individuals who have concerns related to harassment or discrimination on the basis of pregnant or parenting status.

Community Links:

H.O.P.E Waco
Care Net
Healthy Women and Children Coalition
YoungLife Waco
Caritas

Conditions that May Impact and/or Limit Mobility

For these temporary conditions and chronic 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. As a ADA accessible transportation resource, 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.

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.