University Undergraduate Advising Handbook

RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

The Office for Disability Services (ODS) provides academic adjustments, auxiliary aids, and services to qualified students with disabilities. ODS assists students with a broad range of disability categories including but not limited to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders, hearing impairments, learning disabilities, neurological impairments, physical disabilities, psychological disabilities, and visual impairments.

Students who are seeking assistance through ODS must self-disclose their need for such services to ODS at University Park or to the Disability Contact Liaison (DCL) at other Penn State campuses. To be eligible for academic adjustments, auxiliary aids, and/or services through ODS or a DCL, students must have a documented disability as defined by the Rehabilitation Act, 1973, or the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), 1990. The ADA defines a disability as a physical or emotional impairment that substantially limits a major life activity.

When a student's disability warrants priority registration, the student's degree audit, page 1, will display the appropriate registration date.

For students who suspect that they have a learning disability, the Psychological Clinic provides an initial screening to determine if further testing should be done. If further testing is warranted, an evaluation can be conducted to determine the nature of the disability and whether accommodations through the University may be justified. In addition, the clinic can evaluate students for possible Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and its possible impact on academic performance.

Library Services for Persons with Disabilities provides a variety of resources and assistive technologies such as software, customized hardware, and other devices.

The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. Please consult a Penn State academic adviser for more detailed information.

This page is part of the University Undergraduate Advising Handbook, which is maintained by the Division of Undergraduate Studies, DUS@psu.edu.

Reviewed: July 2009
Last Update: May 2006