Resources for Students with Disabilities

Columbia Health Disability Services (DS) oversees accommodations for all students at the University. They serve over 2,700 students annually across campus, from first-year undergraduates to doctoral candidates completing their dissertations. They work with students with all types of disabilities: physical, hearing, visual, chronic medical conditions, psychological, temporary, ADHD, and learning disabilities. They partner closely with medical providers to determine eligibility for accommodations and services; DS aims to support the full participation of students with disabilities in all aspects of University life.

The Office of Student Support coordinates with Disability Services, students, and faculty to ensure that accommodation needs are being met. To learn more about the registration process and student accommodations, click here.

The School of Professional Studies DS liaison is: Phong Luu, Director of Student Support at SPS

Alternative Formats - Alternative formats for course content are available on every Canvas page by clicking on the small icon next to the page title. Alternative formats provide opportunities for students to access course information in the way they need or want it. For example, maybe you have a lot of course material to read and get eye strain, or maybe you’re an auditory learner: listen to an audio format of the learning materials instead. Or, if the content isn’t in your first language, you could follow along in the ePub as you listen to the audio file. Alternative formats benefit everyone. Choose the format, or formats, that best suit your learning needs! For more information about alternative formats please see this student guide.

Assistive Technology and Alternate Format Materials (eText): Assistive technology is any item, software, hardware, or equipment used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of people with disabilities. Assistive technology may be provided as a reasonable accommodation for students whose disabilities affect their ability to access information and products. You must first register with Disability Services to apply for eligibility for accommodation.

Note-Taking: Note-taking services may be provided for students unable to take notes and simultaneously participate in class due to their disability. Students must register with Disability Services so staff can determine their eligibility for this accommodation.

Sign Language and Speech-to-Text: Disability Services coordinates sign-language interpreting and speech-to-text services for students and visitors who are Deaf or hard-of hearing to facilitate communication and participation in University programs and activities. You must first register with Disability Services to apply for eligibility for this accommodation.

Test-Taking: Students with disabilities may be eligible for accommodations related to the administration of examinations. Testing accommodations are provided for students whose disabilities impact their ability to complete exams under standard conditions in the classroom. Students must register with Disability Services so staff can determine eligibility for this accommodation.

Work with a Learning Specialist - Aside from classroom accommodations, eligible students can work with a learning specialist to develop compensatory strategies and academic skills. You must first register with Disability Services to apply for eligibility for this accommodation.

Workshops and Trainings: Columbia Health units offer a variety of workshops and trainings on a broad range of issues that focus on developing a certain skill or focusing on a particular topic.