Is Disclosure Required?
No. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits colleges from requiring applicants to disclose a disability. You choose if, when, and how to share this information. Admissions officers cannot legally deny you based on disability status.
When Disclosure Can Help
If your disability affected your academic record — absences, a medical leave, lower grades during treatment or recovery — the additional information section is the right place to briefly contextualize it. This gives officers the full picture without making it the centerpiece of your application.
If navigating your disability shaped your resilience, advocacy, or perspective in a meaningful way, it may also be a strong essay topic. The key is focusing on what you learned or how you grew, not seeking sympathy.
Researching Campus Accessibility
Before submitting applications, investigate: accessible routes between buildings, adaptive housing options, transportation services, proximity of accessible parking to key facilities, and the responsiveness of the disability services office. Some campuses are far more ADA-compliant in practice than others, regardless of their stated policies.
Requesting Accommodations
Accommodations are arranged through each college's disability services office after enrollment — not through admissions. You will typically need to provide documentation from a qualified medical or clinical professional. Apply for accommodations early, as processing can take several weeks.
Additional Resources
Organizations like HEATH Resource Center at George Washington University and Think College provide guidance for students with disabilities navigating higher education. Many colleges also have specific programs, peer mentors, and adaptive athletics communities worth exploring.