Disability Services
We believe that everyone should have equal opportunities to learn. Our Office of Disability Services is dedicated to making that happen by accommodating needs of all kinds.
Opportunities for every ability
From making sure facilities are physically accessible to developing programs for students with learning differences, Disability Services is a resource for the entire DSU community. We have a dedicated Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Advisor for students with disabilities who coordinates accommodations based on their individual needs.
To receive accommodations for a disability at DSU, here's what you need to do:
- Contact your ADA Advisor
- Complete the Request For Disability Services form online
- Return the Disability Notification Card that came with your registration materials
- Provide recent medical or other diagnostic evaluation of your disability as soon as possible
- Discuss your accommodations with your ADA Advisor before the school year starts
If you're a first-year student or parent of one, take note of the differences between high school and college disability accommodations.
You are responsible for making timely and appropriate disclosures and requests to Disability Services for your accommodations.
To submit your request, you'll need a recent (no older than three years) medical or other appropriate diagnostic evaluation of your disability. Documentation should include, as appropriate, physical description and medical or clinical cautions. If possible, they should include specific recommendations for necessary accommodations in an academic setting. A qualified physician, psychologist, psychiatrist, or other appropriate healthcare provider must provide these documents.
You should make requests for accommodations every semester that you register for classes. Accommodations are not retroactive, so don't wait until the middle of the semester to request them. Any assignments you turn in before you're approved for accommodations won't be covered.
You're also responsible for picking up any assistive devices or auxiliary aids from the Disability Services office.
Until you provide sufficient, specific information, to enable us to evaluate your needs and our ability to provide the appropriate adjustments, DSU has no obligation to provide them.
The Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act are very clear on privacy issues. Disability related information is to be treated with strict confidentiality, and we take this very seriously at DSU. It’s important to individuals who may wish to access their right to accommodation while minimizing the risk of stigma sometimes associated with disability.