Accessibility Services for our Students
The Office of Student Accessibility (OSA) ensures fair and equal access for students with disabilities through education. We promote diversity, equity, and inclusion through awareness, advocacy, and collaboration.
DeSales University,a Salesian institution, is dedicated to providing reasonable accommodations, auxiliary aids, and services to students with disabilities to ensure full access to programs, services, and activities. Successful students with disabilities are those who are appropriately qualified and prepared for independent academic study, have full knowledge of the impact of their disability, and demonstrate well-developed self-advocacy skills. It’s important for these students to know the laws that govern their rights and responsibilities as college students, as well as the laws that govern the post-secondary institution’s responsibilities to students with disabilities in attendance.
Students entering college should know that the criteria for disability determination and accommodations in higher education are different from those in the K-12 experience. At the college level, the determination of disability is made in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended in 2008; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; and the standards of the individual college. The Americans with Disabilities Act defines a disability as “a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, or having a record of such an impairment, or being regarded as having such an impairment.”
Students with diagnosed conditions that rise to the level of a disability, who will be requesting accommodations and services at DeSales University, must complete the Intake Process form prior to the development of an Accommodation Plan. This multifaceted process and approval includes:
- The student’s self-disclosure and personal interview.
- The timely submission of detailed documentation of the disorder/condition.
- An interpretation of the evaluation data.
Disability-related documentation submitted to obtain accommodations, auxiliary aids, and services at the post-secondary level must:
- Identify the disability.
- Review a history of academic and/or non-academic experiences related to the diagnosed condition.
- Provide evidence of the impact of the diagnosed condition on the major life activities.
- Provide information about previous accommodations and services used by the student related to the condition.
Information About the OSA
Under federal law, a “person with a disability” is defined as a person who has or is regarded as having any mental or physical condition that substantially impairs or restricts one or more major life activities, such as performing normal tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working.
The ADA requires accommodations to be through a case-by-case basis interactive process between the institution and the person with disabilities. Recent documentation of the disability and related functional limitations for which they are requesting accommodations must be provided to the Office of Student Accessibility.
If you recently completed high school, a copy of your 504 Plan or your IEP and last re-evaluation report(s) (within 3 years) will be sufficient initial documentation. You will then schedule an appointment with our director to determine reasonable and appropriate accommodations. Students are encouraged to submit documentation in a timely manner. The Office of Student Accessibility needs sufficient time to review the documentation and to make a determination of reasonable and appropriate accommodations, particularly because accommodations are not retroactive.
To begin requesting a meeting with our office, please fill out the following forms and email them or bring them to our office.
- Email: accessibility@desales.edu
- Office: 610-282-1100, ext. 1239; Fax: 610-282-2476
Address: Dooling Hall Room 19, 2755 Station Ave. Center Valley, Pa 18034
- How does my disability create a barrier to access my education?
- What do I need to be academically successful?
- What are my concerns about my classes?
- How does my disability interfere with my learning?
- What academic areas do I have difficulties with or have had difficulties with in the past?
- What are my academic strengths?
- What support services did I have in the past? Which were the most helpful?
- Do I need alternative testing formats?
- Are my issues anxiety, processing, or comprehension related?
- Am I able to get my work done in a timely manner? If no, why not?
- Do I need help managing my time?
- Do I struggle with certain topics?
- Am I uncomfortable participating in class? If yes, how can I be a better class participant?
- Do I feel prepared for college courses?
- How are my writing skills?
Communication is key for us to work together well. We need to know your needs to support you properly. OSA support, however, does not negate student responsibility; it facilitates student success.
As a student who uses services in the OSA, you sign a Student Responsibility form when you sign the Intake Form. The form lists your responsibilities and serves as a basis for self-accountability on your part.
Keys to student success include: attending class, meeting with the OSA staff, taking advantage of the ASC resources (Writing Center, Peer tutoring, and Professional tutoring), meeting with professors to discuss your learning differences, and enjoying the DSU student engagement and development opportunities.
After you submit the proper documentation and meet with our director, we will determine reasonable accommodations. Accommodations are not guaranteed. These accommodations are then given to the appropriate individuals (professors, residence life, dining) so they are aware about your needs. The individuals will be notified of your accommodations but not your disability unless you choose to share it. We keep that information confidential. The accommodations we provide, but are not limited to, are as follows:
- Testing room
- Extended time
- Assistive technology in the classroom
- Enlarged print
- Assignment extensions
- Recorded lectures
- Excused absences
- Priority registration
- Housing
- Dietary
- Emotional support animals
- Access to the sensory room
- Reduced course load
- Temporary accommodations
- And More
Begin by filling out our Intake Form (PDF), then schedule a meeting with Carolyn Tiger, director of the OSA. During the meeting, she and you will discuss your concerns and requests. Please be prepared by reading the “Questions to Ask Yourself” section before meeting with our director. Remember that all accommodations are not guaranteed, they are on a case by case basis. The purpose of the meeting is to inquire about your needs and to determine what will help you be your best self academically in a fair and equitable manner.
Will I receive accommodations right away?
It depends on the results of the meeting with our director. Generally, they are given before the beginning of the semester. If you are given accommodations after the semester has begun, your accommodations will begin from that point. It is important to remember that accommodations are not retroactive.
Do I need to disclose my disability to my professors?
No. What your professors know about your disability is entirely up to you. Our office will only send notification of your accommodations to your instructors but we will not disclose the nature of your disability. Professors are prohibited from asking about your disability or singling you out due to having accommodations or a disability. If you feel you need to file a grievance due to mistreatment, please email Peter.Rautzhan@desales.edu.
Do I keep my accommodations until I graduate?
No, you might not need accommodations for all your classes. Accommodations must be renewed each semester. We will give you a renewal form at the end of each semester. At that time, you will schedule a brief meeting with someone on our staff to either keep the current accommodations, add additional accommodations based on need, or remove accommodations no longer needed.
How will my professors know about my accommodations?
Our office will email your professors and you a letter explaining your accommodations. You do not need to do anything once accommodations are determined outside of the items expressed in the student responsibility portion of the intake form.
I have a service animal, what do I do?
You need to register your service animal with the OSA.
Service Animal Policy:
The Americans with Disabilities Act, Sec. 36.302 © (1), requires that a public accommodation modify its policies, practices, and procedures to permit the use of a service animal by an individual with a disability in any area open to the general public. (Corresponding Pennsylvania laws would also apply when discussing the oversight authority.)
The Americans with Disabilities Act and the U.S. Department of Justice have established guidelines for inquiries about the use of a service animal in cases where the animal’s purpose is not readily apparent. Two questions may be asked to determine whether an animal qualifies as a service animal:
- Is the animal required because of a disability?
- What work or task has the animal been trained to perform?
DeSales University understands that service animals are essential for the independence of individuals with certain types of disabilities. We allow trained service animals in campus areas where animals are typically prohibited as a reasonable modification of general DeSales policies and practices concerning animals on campus. To ensure the health and safety of everyone, including the service animal, only those that meet the criteria described in this policy will be exempt from the rules that otherwise restrict or prohibit animals.
In compliance with applicable laws, DeSales University allows service animals in its academic and non-academic buildings, classrooms, residence halls, meeting areas, dining areas, recreational facilities, and at all campus activities and events, when the animal is accompanied by an individual with a disability who indicates the service animal is trained to provide a specific service to them that is directly related to their disability.
Generally speaking, the DeSales University staff and faculty may not make any inquiries regarding the presence of a service animal when it is readily apparent that the dog is trained to do work or perform a task for an individual with a disability.
How do I request an Emotional Support Animal (ESA)?
DeSales University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations and an accessible environment for qualified students with disabilities. The University complies with all applicable provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Fair Housing Act.
Under the Fair Housing Act and Section 504, individuals with a disability may be allowed to keep an emotional support animal as a reasonable accommodation in campus housing facilities that otherwise impose restrictions or have prohibitions on non-service animals in residence. To qualify, you must provide professional documentation of a mental health condition that rises to the level of a disability must be submitted. Documentation must establish the therapeutic need of the animal that is directly connected to the individual’s disability, and must establish that the ESA is necessary to afford the individual with a disability an equal opportunity to use a dwelling or to participate in the housing program.
Requests for an ESA are determined on a case by case basis. The appropriate paperwork submitted by your medical provider as well as a meeting with the director will help determine if the need for an ESA is appropriate and reasonable. We work closely with Housing and Residential Life to determine the appropriate accommodation for an ESA based on the medical paperwork.
I have dietary issues. How do I get food accommodations?
We work closely with our Dining Services, including the head chef and nutritionist, to determine how we can meet your dietary needs. Please speak with Dining Services to ask about their policies and inform them of your needs. The OSA requires your medical records to be able to offer such accommodation.
What if I need short term accommodations?
We also work with you if you sustain an injury and need accommodations for a short period of time. Maurice Stallings, our accessibility coordinator, handles temporary accommodations. Contact him and he will schedule a meeting with you to discuss your needs.
I am an athlete. Do I go through athletics to get help academically?
That is up to you. The athletics department and coaches will speak with you about your academic requirements and will recommend our office to you to make sure you get the services you need. Maurice Stallings, our accessibility coordinator, works directly with athletics to help athletes who request services from our office.
Where are you located?
We are on the lower level (basement) of Dooling Hall across the hall from the Academic Success Center, office suite 19.
What are your hours?
We are available from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday-Friday.
Is there a testing room?
Yes. We do have a testing room for those who qualify for that accommodation. The testing room provides a reduced distraction environment. The room contains: noise canceling headphones, ear plugs, and dividers, all to help you perform your best when taking your assessments.
I’m a military veteran; how do I receive services?
We thank you for your service to our country. The OSA is ready to provide assistance with accommodations if qualified. Please contact the OSA and schedule an appointment to discuss your needs. We are sensitive to the nature of your situation and recommend contacting our Veterans and Military Services office for support and resources available.
Are all the buildings accessible?
Yes. Every building is accessible; a few older buildings have some limitations.
I want to request a single room; how do I do that?
Students with a diagnosed medical condition which may significantly impact residential living may submit a Special Housing Request through the Office of Student Accessibility. The accommodations requested through this process must be an integral component of a treatment plan prescribed by a medical professional qualified to treat that particular condition. Students are encouraged to review all facets of the documentation process.
The Special Housing Request Committee is composed of representatives from the Office of Student Accessibility, Office of Residential Life, Facilities, Counseling Services, and Student Health Services. The committee considers and prioritizes applications case-per-case based on how the severity of the medical condition may significantly impact residential living.
Housing applications are due by June 1 for incoming first-year students and by February 1 for current students. If you just want a single for a non-medical reason, please reach out to Housing and Residential Life about their policies.
Please note:
*Documentation of a condition does not guarantee that an application will be approved.Coming from high school to college is a major transition academically. Should you need assistance with time management, study skills, tutoring, daily/weekly scheduling, homework, reading, accountability, or other types of tools to help you with your academic journey, you can schedule meetings with our staff.
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