Columbia University Health Services

Students with learning, speech, hearing or other disabilities that significantly impair their ability to acquire a foreign language may request a course substitution for a foreign language requirement. Consideration of this request includes review of educational history to study languages; disability documentation that demonstrates significant difficulty with language-based tasks in reading, spelling, writing, speaking or listening; and review of the requirements of their academic program.

To be considered for this accommodation, students are required to present the following information:

• Completed and signed request form
• Disability documentation demonstrating significant impairment in the area of language acquisition

It is important to know that foreign language substitutions are only a possibility for academic programs that do not consider the language requirement essential to the program of study. This is determined by the student’s school and/or program. Students should consult with their academic program or advisor regarding specific program requirements. Generally, there is a four semester foreign language requirement that can vary by school.

Please allow four to six weeks for ODS to evaluate this request, including a review of the documentation and consultation with your previous professor or other University officials. DS recommends that students request this accommodation by the end of their sophomore year for undergraduate students and at the start of their academic program for graduate students. Requests will be considered at any point during the student’s academic program, however, requests made near the completion of the program may delay the student’s graduation.

Having a learning disability alone is not a valid predictor of success with language acquisition. Some students with learning disabilities may be successful learning a foreign language if they use accommodations, attend office hours or alternate sections of the course, receive tutoring, utilize the language lab and work with an ODS Learning Specialist to develop compensatory strategies. Students are also encouraged to consult with their academic advisor when selecting a specific language.

Please note: If you are having difficulty in your language courses, but have not been previously diagnosed with a disability, please contact ODS at 212.854.2388 or at disability@columbia.edu to first schedule an initial inquiry.

Note-taking services are provided as a reasonable academic accommodation for students with documented disabilities that interfere with students’ ability to take notes in class. Students must receive prior approval from ODS before this service is coordinated on their behalf. ODS recruits a classmate to provide a set of course notes to a student through a system designed to preserve the anonymity of students receiving this service. Note-takers are compensated for their services. ODS has established note-taking guidelines that outline the process for requesting note-taking services, students’ responsibilities, and note-taker responsibilities.

Request for Note-taking Services (Online)

Sign-language interpreting or speech-to-text services are coordinated for students with hearing disabilities to facilitate communication and participation in University programs and activities. The appropriate type of service is determined according to students’ documented need and their level of communication skill.

Request for Sign Language Interpreting Services (Online)

Request for Speech-to-Text Services (Online)

In some cases, students with disabilities are entitled to accommodations related to administration of examinations. These testing accommodations modify, in a specific manner, the way an exam is administered to students. Typical testing accommodations include extended time to complete the exam, alternate format, e.g. large print, smaller proctored environment to take the exam, and use of computer to type the exam. The intent of testing accommodations is not to alter the performance requirements or lessen course standards; rather, their purpose is to ensure equal access to the testing setting for students whose disability-related needs warrant modifications related to the administration of exams.

Request Test Accommodation (PDF)