How to Get an Academic Accommodation Letter in Alberta (2026 Guide)
Everything Alberta students need to know about getting an academic accommodation letter, from documentation requirements to approval timelines at every major institution.
## What Is an Academic Accommodation Letter?
An academic accommodation letter is official medical documentation confirming that a student has a disability, mental health condition, or chronic illness that requires specific accommodations in their academic environment. This letter is submitted to your university or college's accessibility services office to arrange supports like extra exam time, note-taking services, or flexible deadlines.
In Alberta, every post-secondary institution is legally required to provide reasonable accommodations under the **Alberta Human Rights Act**. However, they need proper medical documentation before they can implement supports.
## Who Needs an Academic Accommodation Letter?
You may need an accommodation letter if you have:
- **ADHD** (difficulty focusing during lectures, exams, or assignments)
- **Anxiety disorders** (test anxiety, social anxiety affecting presentations)
- **Depression** (difficulty attending classes, meeting deadlines)
- **Learning disabilities** (dyslexia, dyscalculia, processing disorders)
- **Autism spectrum disorder** (sensory sensitivities, social communication challenges)
- **PTSD** (triggered by certain environments or situations)
- **Chronic pain or illness** (fibromyalgia, Crohn's, migraines)
- **Bipolar disorder** (fluctuating energy and concentration)
## Step-by-Step Process at Alberta Universities
### Step 1: Register with Accessibility Services
Every Alberta institution has a dedicated office:
- **University of Alberta**: Accessibility Resources (Students' Union Building)
- **University of Calgary**: Student Accessibility Services (MacKimmie Tower)
- **Mount Royal University**: Accessibility Services (EA Building)
- **MacEwan University**: Accessibility Services (Building 7)
- **NAIT**: Accessibility Services (CAT Building)
- **SAIT**: Learner Services (Senator Burns Building)
### Step 2: Obtain Medical Documentation
Your institution will require documentation from a **regulated healthcare provider** confirming:
- Your diagnosis or functional limitations
- How your condition impacts academic performance
- Recommended accommodations
- Whether the condition is permanent or temporary
**Important**: Most Alberta institutions accept documentation from physicians, psychologists, or nurse practitioners. An online physician assessment through MedLetter qualifies as valid medical documentation.
### Step 3: Submit Documentation and Meet with an Advisor
After submitting your documentation, you'll meet with an accessibility advisor who will:
- Review your documentation
- Discuss your specific challenges
- Create an individualized accommodation plan
- Issue accommodation letters to your professors
### Step 4: Receive Your Accommodation Plan
Your plan typically includes:
- Extended time on exams (usually 1.5x or 2x)
- Separate/quiet exam room
- Permission to record lectures
- Flexible attendance policies
- Extended assignment deadlines
- Note-taking services
- Assistive technology access
## How Long Does the Process Take?
| Institution | Processing Time | Best Time to Apply |
|---|---|---|
| University of Alberta | 2-4 weeks | August (before fall term) |
| University of Calgary | 1-3 weeks | July-August |
| Mount Royal University | 1-2 weeks | August |
| MacEwan University | 1-2 weeks | August |
| NAIT/SAIT | 1-2 weeks | August-September |
**Pro tip**: Apply early. If you wait until midterms, you may not have accommodations in place for finals.
## What If I Don't Have a Family Doctor?
Many Alberta students don't have a family doctor, especially those who:
- Recently moved to Alberta for school
- Are international students
- Live in rural areas with limited healthcare access
**MedLetter provides same-day academic accommodation letters** reviewed by a CPSA-registered Alberta physician. Our documentation meets the requirements of every Alberta post-secondary institution.
## Common Accommodations by Condition
### ADHD Accommodations
- Extended exam time (1.5x