Student Disability Services

The Medical Education Readiness Program (MERP) is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified students with disabilities consistent with applicable laws. MERP maintains a process for students to use should they wish to request an accommodation. 

Process

The first step in the accommodation request process is to contact the Office of Student Disability Services at merposds@adtalem.com or 855.229.0848.  Requests may also be faxed to 630.596.1651. 

Students will be provided with an Accommodation Request Packet to complete, which specifies the diagnosis that could be a disability for which they are submitting an application for accommodation and the requested accommodation.  Students must also provide recent (generally no more than five years old) certification and/or documentation from a qualified medical or educational professional that (a) provides a specific diagnosis; and (b) recommends specific accommodations that might be helpful to the student in an academic setting based on the diagnosis.  The packet, including supporting documentation, may be submitted by email to the Office of Disability Services at merposds@adtalem.com, or faxed to 630.596.1651. 

The request and supporting documentation will be individually reviewed.  As part of the interactive process, students may be contacted to request or obtain any additional input, including additional supporting documentation as appropriate to determine a reasonable and appropriate accommodation. If a student’s request is approved, the Office of Student Disability Services will work with the student and any school personnel (e.g., instructors, test administrators) who will help implement the approved accommodation(s). If the request is denied, the Office of Student Disability Services will engage in dialog with you to explore any alternative reasonable accommodation options, if appropriate. 

If approved, and once accommodations have been implemented, students should continue to work with the Office of Student Disability Services on any accommodation-related needs.  If students experience difficulty in implementing or obtaining approved accommodations, they are required to notify the Office of Student Disability Services for assistance in rectifying the situation as appropriate.

MERP’s accommodation request process is separate and apart from any other institution.  Accommodations approved by MERP through this process do not automatically transfer to other institutions, including Ross University School of Medicine (RUSM) and/or the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine (AUC) should the student matriculate into those programs.  Students may contact the Office of Student Disability Services to receive information about requesting accommodations at RUSM or AUC.

MERP will not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities on the basis of disability in its services, programs, or activities.  Students who believe they have been discriminated against due to a disability should contact Adtalem Global Education’s Office of Equity and Access at Equity@adtalem.com for assistance or to file a complaint.  Individuals experiencing harassment or discrimination always have the right to file a formal grievance with government authorities.