I am in recovery and seeking academic and housing accommodations

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), substance use disorders and substance use-related conditions are recognized as a disability. This grants individuals in recovery the right to academic and housing accomodations. The Office of Substance Use Programs, Education & Resources partners with the Office of Accessible Education (OAE) to support students with accessing these accommodations. 

Below Are Guidelines Written in Partnership With OAE

1. The Office of Accessible Education: OAE facilitates accommodations for students with disabilities, including those related to substance use disorders, conditions, or treatment regimens. There are a variety of academic or housing accommodations available - OAE staff work with students to determine what accommodations best fit a student’s needs on a case-by-case basis.  
2. Registration: When pursuing academic or housing accommodations, students must register to OAE by visiting OAE’s website portal at oaeconnect.stanford.edu
   • Students are required to submit documentation from an appropriately licensed professional that speaks to the specific disability-related impacts a student is experiencing or history of disability experiences. Students' recovery and/or treatment plans should be determined by the student and their health care provider.
     • The initial registration form allows students to submit documentation. Students can also submit documentation through fax, email, or physically at the OAE office.
   • Students do not need to actively be in a recovery program in order to be eligible for accomodations. If a student currently has a substance use disorder or history of such, students are still entitled to accommodations. 
3. Connecting with a Disability Advisor: Students are assigned a Disability Advisor once they’ve submitted documentation. 
   • However, if a student has pressing concerns or is unable to attain documentation due to the challenges of accessing care during the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, students are advised to email or call the Office of Accessible Education to explain their circumstances to OAE staff. 
   • Once connected with a Disability Advisor, both the student and the Disability Advisor can explore provisional accommodations. 
   • It is important that students do not wait to connect with OAE staff as accommodations cannot be provided retroactively.
   • If a student is experiencing academic concerns or is considering a reduced course load in order to better manage balancing academics and participation in a treatment program, then please reach out to OAE staff as early as possible.

More On Services

Please note that relapse, or current use of substances, does not permit exemption from consequences related to being possession of illegal drugs, failing a class, campus policy violations, etc. Nonetheless, relapse or current use of substances does not take away eligibility for accommodations such as a single room housing assignment, academic assignment extensions, etc.

Reach Out

If you have more questions, please contact the Office of Accessible Education:

• Office of Accessible Education

  • 563 Salvatierra Walk
  • Stanford, CA 94305
    • Phone: 650-723-1066
    • Fax: 650-725-5301 
    • Email

The above guidelines were created in partnership with OAE Disability Advisor, Sarah Clark.