accessibility and Disability Advocacy
Disability in medical school represents a vital form of diversity that enriches the learning environment, fosters empathy, and contributes to a more inclusive healthcare system. Recognizing and valuing disability diversity among medical students not only challenges stereotypes but also mirrors the diverse patient populations they will serve. By integrating students with disabilities, medical schools promote a culture of accessibility and accommodation, encouraging future physicians to consider a wide range of patient experiences and needs. This approach ensures that the medical profession better understands and addresses the complexities of patient care, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes for all. We the student council committee on Diversity & Inclusion affirm that through embracing disability as a form of diversity, medical education becomes a powerful platform for advocating for equity, understanding, and comprehensive care in medicine.
USMLE Accomodations
For USMLE Licensing Exams, reasonable and appropriate accommodations are provided in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for individuals with documented disabilities. The purpose of test accommodations is to provide access to the examination program. While presumably the use of accommodations will enable the individual to better demonstrate his/her knowledge or skill, accommodations are not a guarantee of improved performance, test completion, or a particular outcome.
DocsWithDisabilities Initiative has webinars about applying for USMLE Accommodations linked here
There is a document from University of Michigan about Guidelines for Requesting Accommodations here
Accommodations @ Ohio State
Students at The Ohio State University College of Medicine must meet the core educational objectives of the medical curriculum to provide compassionate, appropriate and effective patient centered care as part of an interdisciplinary team. Accommodations may be necessary to eliminate disability-related barriers in the learning environment and curriculum so that all students have an equal opportunity for success. Students who believe that they may need to request reasonable accommodations in order to meet the College of Medicine’s Technical Standards should contact the Office of Student Life Disability Services.
Disability Connections Group Support
Disability Connections is a weekly group for all undergraduate, graduate, and professional students at with disabilities and their allies at Ohio State who are looking for community. We understand disability broadly to encompass physical disabilities, sensory disabilities, mental health disabilities, developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, chronic illness, neurodivergence, and all folks who self-identify as disabled. All students are welcome and do not need to be registered with Student Life Disability Services to attend!
Annual Americans With Disabilities Act Conference at Ohio State
The ADA Coordinator’s office at Ohio State hosts an annual conference. It is hoped that the annual conference will serve as a catalyst for positive change and a springboard for collaborations with our partners in education, business, public, and social service. Each year a series of workshops will provide a forum for individuals and organizations to expand their knowledge and perspectives, and an opportunity to increase community resources through the synergy of collaboration.
The workshops are designed to bring a diverse audience together to discuss the full spectrum of disability issues and experiences. To ensure broad participation from the university community, business, state and local government, educators, advocacy organizations, social service agencies, and individuals with disabilities sponsors are sought each year to subsidize conference participants.
https://ada.osu.edu/ada-conference
Medical Students with Disability and/or Chronic Illness
MSDCI is a national student-led organization striving to support and serve medical students with disability and/or chronic illness. They are committed to increasing accessibility of medical education for trainees of all abilities as well as advocating for and improving health equity for patients with disabilities. Although we do not have a chapter here at Ohio State, we encourage any students who wish to get involved with their national organization
Disability Advocacy Coalition @ Ohio State
The purpose of Disability Advocacy Coalition – Medicine (DAC-Med) is three-fold: 1) to increase inclusion in the field of medicine concerning disability, 2) to be a central hub for disability advocacy within the College of Medicine, and 3) to create space and a community that is support for students and providers that identify as having a disability.