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The Bulldog - For the SWOSU Family

Students with Disabilities

Services are available at SWOSU to insure access for students with disabilities.

A disability is defined as a mental or physical impairment that substantially limits a major life activity. Examples of impairments that can have a substantial impact on a life function are visual impairment and blindness, hearing impairment and deafness, mobility impairment, learning disabilities, or chemical sensitivity. The impairment must be substantial to be covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendment Act (ADAAA).

The ADAAA Officer (Dean of Students) has been educated at conferences that it is allowed under law to seek documentation so that SWOSU can make reasonable accommodations, since the ADAAA officer is not a diagnostician. All disabilities must be verified and documented through the DOS Office.

Documentation must:

  1. Verify the presence of a mental or physical impairment which substantially limits a major life activity or function.
  2. Provide enough information to support reasonable accommodations that are appropriate and effective.
  3. Include a copy of a diagnostic testing report verifying the disability and specific recommendations concerning the types of academic accommodations for which the student is eligible. All information must be within a five year period.

Once sufficient documentation is on file the DOS, working in a collaborative process with the student, will develop reasonable accommodation for the student and notify specific faculty and/or departments with the information. Students must meet with the DOS each semester for needs assessment.