Disability Resources

OSU's Policy and Guidelines for Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability states:

"...no qualified person shall, solely by reason of disability, be denied access to, participation in, or the benefits of, any program or activity provided by the University. Each qualified person shall receive the reasonable accommodations needed to ensure equal access to employment, educational opportunities, programs, and activities in the most integrated setting..."Read the complete Policy and Guidelines for Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability

What is a "reasonable accommodation?"

A reasonable accommodation is a reasonable change in the work or learning environment or in how things are done that provides equal opportunity for the person with a disability. Reasonable accommodations may include moving programs to accessible locations, providing interpreters, providing computer or other specialized equipment, restructuring job responsibilities, providing flexible work schedules, producing written materials in alternate formats, and many other options.

How do I request an accommodation?

Employee requests: An employee with a disability should contact her/his department to request accommodation.
Student requests: A student with a disability should contact Disability Access Services (DAS) at 737-4098--this unit coordinates all services for students in an academic or classroom setting.
Visitor requests: A visitor, conference attendee, or job applicant with a disability who needs accommodation should contact the sponsoring department.

How do I respond to a request for accommodation?

Employee requests: When an employee contacts you to request a job modification or accommodation, immediately contact the Office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity (OAAEO) at 737-3556. Your department must engage with the employee and OAAEO in the "interactive process" before providing and accommodation. OAAEO first determines whether the employee has a qualifying disability; if so, OAAEO facilitates a process between the employee and the department to ascertain whether or not reasonable accommodation can be made. As needed, OAAEO may also help your department identify and/or secure resources for an agreed-upon accommodation.
Student requests: Faculty members and department staff should work with Disability Access Services (DAS) at 737-4098 to accommodate the needs of students with disabilities. Visit the Disability Access Services Website for information about making your classes and materials accessible to the largest number of students.
Visitor requests: Departments should work directly with visitors/conference attendees/job applicants to accommodate their needs. Units seeking sign language interpreters should contact Disability Access Services (737-4098). If a department is unable to provide accommodation, it may request assistance from the OAAEO. For information on publicizing events and ensuring access for the campus community and visitors read the Guidelines for Providing Notice of Access Word | PDF

Confidentiality

Any information you receive regarding the disability of a student or employee should be kept confidential and shared only on a strict need-to-know basis.

More information

If you have questions or wish to request training for your unit, you may contact:

Tracy Bentley-Townlin in DAS at 737-3669 for questions dealing with services to students and classroom instruction, or
Roni Sue in OAAEO at 737-0868 for general information and training, reasonable accommodation requests, dedicated parking, and financial resources for providing accommodation.

Links to OSU Resources

Policy and Guidelines for Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability
Faculty Guidelines for Students with Disabilities
How to Request Access
Guidelines for Providing Notice of Access Word | Pdf
Disability Access Services
Information Technology Accessibility