Current Students

Accessibility Resources

Creativity doesn’t have limits—and neither should access to it.

Academy of Art University is committed to providing an inclusive environment for students with disabilities in alignment with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. The Department of Accessibility Resources ensures equal opportunity to university curriculum, programs, and facilities for students with disabilities.

We remove barriers so ideas can move freely. Because art should be open to everyone.

What we provide:

  • Academic and testing accommodations
  • Accessible classrooms, studios, and labs
  • Assistive technology and alternative formats
  • One-on-one guidance and advocacy

 

How to Obtain Accommodations & Support

Every student’s path is different. And sometimes, the right support makes all the difference.

At Academy of Art University, accommodation requests are considered with care—guided by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Each request is personal, and every plan is built around your needs.

Here’s what to expect:

  • Enrolled students will reach out to Accessibility Resources to initiate the process of registering for accommodations
  • You’ll provide documentation from a diagnosing professional that outlines your diagnosis and how it impacts you as a student
  • You’ll meet with an Accessibility staff member to talk through the barriers you face and the accommodations that will provide you with equal access
  • Accessibility Resources will review and determine what reasonable accommodations are necessary for equal access

If you’re ready—or if you simply have questions about the process—please contact us:
Email: accessibility@academyart.edu
Phone: 415.618.3775

Because access isn’t just policy here—it’s part of your creative journey.

Crystal Gauntlet - Ryan Hsiang, BFA Jewelry & Metal Arts

Student Veterans

Welcome to Academy of Art University—and thank you for your service.

Our Accessibility Resources team is here to support student veterans with accommodations. Whether a disability is lifelong or newly diagnosed, service-related or not, we’ll help you navigate it at the Academy.

We know paperwork from Veterans Affairs isn’t always easy to obtain. Reach out to us if you have any difficulty obtaining disability documentation.

Your service matters. Your access matters. We’re here to back you.

Accessibility Student Resources

Confidentiality

Student disability information is protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Information regarding a disability is considered confidential and will be shared only with others within the university who have a legitimate educational interest. No one will have immediate access to student files except the appropriate Accessibility Resources staff. Your privacy is important to us.

Your story stays yours.

Hybercube - School of Interaction & UI/UX Design

  • Choosing to share that you have a disability is deeply personal—and the decision is always yours.

    Whether you’re just beginning your journey at the Academy or already part of our community, you’re welcome to reach out with questions or to register for accommodations at any time.

    Many students find that connecting early helps create a smoother start to the semester. But whenever you’re ready—we’ll be here to listen, and to support you.

  • If you’re still in high school, consider asking for a new evaluation during your senior year. Having the most current information helps you step into college prepared with the information you need about your disability.

    Your accommodations in college may differ from what you had in K-12. In high school, disability services were implemented for you by a team to promote your success as a student. However, in college, students are responsible for reaching out for support, and accommodations are assigned to provide students with equal access to the university. The transition from high school to college is a good opportunity to rethink the accommodations you may need that are specific to our campus and curriculum. Accessibility Resources can help answer your questions and guide you through the process.

    It’s one small step now that can make your transition smoother later.

  • No two students are alike—and no two paths through the Academy are the same. That’s why Accessibility Resources works with you to provide accommodations shaped around your needs.

    These may include:

    • Testing accommodations
    • ASL interpreters
    • CART captioning
    • Alternative text formats
    • Note-taking support
    • Image descriptions
    • Accessible classroom locations
    • Alternative furniture
    • Priority seating

    Because access isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s personal—just like your creative journey.

    Please note, Accessibility Resources is not responsible for providing services of a personal nature, such as tutoring, or for providing prescribed devices or services.

Contact Accessibility Resources

Phone: 415-618-3775 Email: accessibility@academyart.edu

Accessibility Resources Team

Heather King

Heather King

Director, Accessibility Resources ADA,
Section 504 Coordinator

Wanda Muench

Wanda Muench

Accessibility Resources & Compliance Coordinator