Office of Disability Services
Nova Southeastern University and the Shepard Broad College of Law complies with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 by providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with a documented disability.
Requesting Accommodations
The purpose of accommodations is to ensure equal and comprehensive access to University programs, services, and campus facilities.
If you have been diagnosed with a disability (physical, psychological, learning or ADD/ADHD) or suspect that you may have one or more of these disabilities, you may be eligible to receive reasonable accommodations.
Students requesting reasonable accommodations must provide documentation of the existence of a disability. If you do not have current documentation of your disability (less than three years old), you will need to consult a qualified treating professional for an immediate evaluation. When you have obtained the required documentation (see links below), you can begin the process of requesting accommodations through the Office of Student Disability Services.
Student Disability Services Contact Information
Jennifer Wilson, M.S. Ed.
Director, Student Disability Services
Phone: 954-262-7185
Email: disabilityservices@nova.edu
Website: www.nova.edu/disabilityservices
Documentation Guidelines
Important Things to Remember
If you have received accommodations in the past (undergrad, LSAT, etc.), you should apply for accommodations in law school, even if you choose not to take advantage of accommodations you may be granted.
Some students elect to “do it on their own” and try law school without the accommodations they may have been granted in the past. However, your first year in law school is not the time to change what has worked for you in the past.
Under most circumstances, requests for accommodations are made at the beginning of the school year. A previously undisclosed disability for which accommodations were not sought cannot be used as a reason to contest a failing grade or dismissal from the university.
The Office of Student Disability Services process is completely confidential. Requesting and receiving accommodations will not stigmatize or compromise you as a law student.
If you need accommodations, do not be afraid to speak with staff within the Office of Student Disability Services!
Temporary Considerations
Students occasionally seek accommodations for a temporary disability or for a temporary medical condition that is not legally recognized as a disability (such as injury or pregnancy).
Medical documentation and a written request to the Director of Disability Services are required for temporary accommodations.
Keep in mind that such accommodations may be available for the bar exam as well.
Accommodations for the Bar Exam
RECEIVING ACCOMMODATIONS IN LAW SCHOOL DOES NOT GUARANTEE THAT YOU WILL RECEIVE ACCOMMODATIONS ON THE BAR EXAM!
It is important that you keep detailed records of the history of your disability in order to provide the Board of Bar Examiners with proper documentation.
Applying for accommodations on the bar exam is a lengthy process which should be started as early as possible.