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-2x)
- Reduced-distraction exam environment
- Permission to use fidget tools
- Breaks during long exams
- Recorded lectures
Anxiety Accommodations
- Separate exam room
- Extended time for tests
- Flexible presentation alternatives
- Permission to leave class briefly
- Deadline extensions during acute episodes
Depression Accommodations
- Flexible attendance policy
- Extended deadlines
- Reduced course load without penalty
- Priority registration for preferred class times
- Access to counselling services
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can my professor refuse to honour my accommodation letter?
A: No. Once accessibility services issues your accommodation plan, professors are legally required to implement it. If a professor refuses, contact your accessibility office immediately.
Q: Do I need to disclose my specific diagnosis to professors?
A: No. Your accommodation letter only states what accommodations you receive, not your diagnosis. Your medical information remains confidential.
Q: Can I get accommodations mid-semester?
A: Yes, but they typically apply from the date of approval forward. They cannot retroactively change grades or missed deadlines.
Q: How much does an accommodation letter cost?
A: Through MedLetter, a school accommodation letter costs $99 and is delivered same day. Walk-in clinics may charge $50-150+ and require multiple visits.
Q: Do I need to renew my accommodation letter every year?
A: Most institutions require updated documentation every 1-3 years for ongoing conditions. Permanent conditions may only need one-time documentation.