Recent Supreme Court decisions defining the term "disability" under the "Americans with Disabilities Act" of 1990 recognize AIDS as a "disability" because individuals with AIDS have "a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities" as defined by the statute. People diagnosed with AIDS are legally entitled to reasonable accommodations or adjustments in their education to help them complete their education.

MassArt is committed to fair, equitable, compassionate and dignified treatment of all members of the community. The college follows all federal and state policies with respect to individuals infected with AIDS including the Guidelines for Public Institutions in Massachusetts: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

Students in need of an accommodation to support their academic program should file a confidential Voluntary Questionnaire for Students with Disabilities with supporting documentation. These forms and information are available in the Office of Civil Rights Compliance and Diversity.