The Office of Disability Services aims to provide support and services to students requiring special assistance registered through their department.

Any student with a physical or mental impairment can register. to seek help from the Office of Disability Services page on the university website.

“Our mission is to provide classroom and on-campus accommodations for students with any and all disabilities,” said Cecelia Palumbo, administrative assistant for the Office of Disability Services. “We consider disabilities that range between learning, physical, or even psychological needs that may require assistance.”

One of their services includes modifications to requested classroom environments through different learning styles and study skills.

“I think that it is very important that the university provides services for students with disabilities,” shared Rebecca Rushing, a junior special education major. “This is important because a college needs to feel like a home to all students with no discrimination.”

Students also have the ability to ensure academic success by completing tests at their own pace or in separate testing rooms if approved by the Office of Disability Services.

“Having extra time or a distraction-free area is something that is beneficial for many students who struggle in a testing environment,” explained Palumbo.

“To discuss accommodation plans, a student must turn in a ‘Student Intake Form’ which can be found in the office or on the ODS website,” stated Palumbo. “A student must also provide documentation and make an appointment to discuss specific needs.”

The Office of Disability Services accepts applications and appointments throughout each semester, given at any time until the two weeks prior to final exams.

“We don’t do evaluations at this time, but once documentation is brought in, it gets reviewed by our director, Angela James, and she makes sure that it meets the criteria,” shared Palumbo. “It is definitely best to come at the beginning of the semester so that we have time to review everything before students get caught up in school work.”

Students who do not have a disability can also come in if they need assistance whether it is for academics, social situations or feelings concerning their college experience.

“We also do academic coaching which is something students probably don’t know,” stated Randi Olivier, graduate assistant for Office of Disability Services. “It’s when a student can come in, who is registered with our office, and can meet to talk about things like if they need help navigating through school, transitioning, writing emails to professors or even interacting socially.”

Another program that offers assistance to students with physical or mental disability is Lions Connected.

Lions Connected is a group of student mentors whose purpose is to provide a buddy system while students with disabilities get adjusted to the college experience. Mentor and student participant applications can be accessed on the Lions Connected page on the university website.

Rushing shared her thoughts on providing adjustments to students with special needs.

“As a special education major, I strongly believe that all students with a disability can achieve whatever they set their minds to, and they do not need anyone telling them that they can’t,” stated Rushing. “I believe by the university giving these services to students with disabilities, it makes them more confident and shows them the university believes in them.”

The Office of Disability Services is located in the Student Union Breezeway Room 1304.