University eNews

Spotlight: Office of Disability Services

By The University of Alabama Parent & Family Programs

The Office of Disability Services (ODS) partners with approximately 1,800 students at The University of Alabama each semester. ODS looks forward to working with students to determine reasonable and appropriate academic accommodations for disabilities so that students are evaluated based upon their knowledge of course material, rather than upon the limiting effects of disability. Because ODS authorizes academic accommodations, students with disability-related housing, dining, and parking needs should contact these departments directly:

Housing and Residential Communities (205) 348-6676
Bama Dining (205) 348-6816
UA Parking Services (205) 348-5471

Any student with a physical or mental condition that substantially limits one or more major life activities is potentially eligible for disability services. Before eligibility can be determined, students must first present documentation to ODS as per the documentation requirements on our website (www.ods.ua.edu). Disability types may include learning disabilities, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorders, chronic illnesses, mobility, sensory, or psychological disabilities. Please note that laws governing services to students with disabilities differ between K-12 and the postsecondary environment. IEPs and 504 plans alone are insufficient documentation from which to determine eligibility for services at the postsecondary level.

Once eligible students have met with ODS personnel, they will receive official letters listing appropriate accommodations. Students request classroom accommodations by presenting the letters to faculty members and by discussing the implementation of accommodations with them. Faculty members are not obligated to provide accommodations until the letters are presented, and needs are discussed. Because accommodations are not retroactive, it is necessary for students to submit documentation to ODS as soon as possible and schedule a case management appointment once a class schedule or move-in date has been set.

Any incoming fall 2017 student interested in visiting ODS is welcome to attend our walk-in Open House sessions during Bama Bound. During the two-day Bama Bound orientations, Accommodations Specialists will be available for walk-in sessions from 12–2 p.m. During the one-day orientations, staff will be available for walk-in sessions from 3–4:30 p.m. Walk-in sessions will be unavailable during any August Bama Bound, as scheduled appointments will be required. Appointments fill up quickly, so ODS is currently scheduling fall 2017 appointments beginning on August 1, 2017.