The Office of Accessibility Services (OAS) is committed to providing equal access to individuals with disabilities in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, The ADA of 1990 and the ADA amended. DelVal will make reasonable accommodations unless doing so will fundamentally alter the nature of the service or program or pose an undue administrative or financial burden. The Office of Accessibility Services (OAS) provides services that promote independence and inclusion in all areas of university life.
OAS serves students with disabilities including students with learning, cognitive, psychiatric, medical, physical, and other health-related impairments. Regardless of the number of students who seek support and accommodations, DelVal is a diverse community of learners, and OAS promotes a culture of inclusion designed to universally support everyone.
Our office
- Collaboration and consultation across departments to foster accessibility and academic support
- Reasonable accommodations based on disability
- Educational outreach, referrals, and advocacy
College Accommodations
Students with a diagnosed medical, physical, psychological, and/or learning-based disability may qualify for services and accommodations that aim to provide equal access to academic opportunities and programs across campus. Accommodations are determined on an individual basis and are determined by understanding the functional limitations within the context of the environment.
Office: Segal Hall 102
Office: First Floor, Segal Hall
Office: First Floor, Segal Hall
About the Process
In post-secondary education, students initiate the process for requesting accommodations. All information is kept confidential. At DelVal, students initiate the process by completing a disability pre-intake form and uploading documentation. From there, the student meets with an Office of Accessibility Services staff member to develop a reasonable accommodation plan based on the disability and its impact in the educational setting. Please see Office of Accessibility Services Policies and Guidelines for Students for more information.
For academic accommodations, once accommodations are determined, an “Accessibility Letter” is sent to the students instructors. Students must request a new letter each semester by completing a semester renewal form. Students also must notify Accessibility Services of any changes to their schedule or accommodation needs. It is the student’s responsibility to follow policies and procedures related to the implementation of accommodations.
Students with disabilities have specific responsibilities to:
- Submit the pre-intake form initially and upload adequate supporting documentation,
- Initiate requests for reasonable accommodations in a timely manner,
- Follow procedures to help facilitate reasonable accommodations,
- Request an Accommodation Letter each semester the student is enrolled,
- Contact Accessibility Services if there are questions or difficulty is experienced with using the identified reasonable accommodations,
- Meet with instructors to discuss their accommodations within each course
Students requesting accommodations should complete the following:
1. SUBMIT A PRE-INTAKE FORM for any housing and academic accommodations being requested.
2. PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION: Students will need to upload documentation that substantiates the need for accommodations. Documentation must include a diagnosis, functional limitations, and recommendations from a qualified medical provider.
3. SCHEDULE AN INTAKE MEETING: Students can book an initial meeting or a OAS staff member will reach out. The meeting will discuss educational history, accommodation needs, and other resources available.
4. DETERMINATION: Reasonable accommodations will be determined based on documentation and intake. An Accommodation Letter (for academic accommodations) will be sent to the student and instructors. Please note that students must renew their Accommodation Letter each semester.
Documentation of a student’s disability is required to determine reasonable accommodations. Documentation must show a direct link between the disability and the requested accommodation.
Appropriate types of documentation include:
- An evaluation including diagnostic and testing information from the student’s school district,
- A Neuro-psychoeducational Evaluation or Psychoeducational Evaluation Report from a licensed Psychiatrist, Neuropsychologist or neurologist
- A letter provided by a licensed and credentialed provider, unrelated to the student, on the practitioner's letterhead that states the 1) diagnosis 2) functional limitations, and 3) recommendations for support.
Please see the following appendices/guidelines to accommodations:
The big difference between high school and college is that students must self-disclose their disability and advocate for themselves upon entrance and throughout their college experience. The Office of Accessibility Services provides support, referrals, and resources to help students build life-long self-advocacy skills.
Differences between High School and College for Students with Disabilities
The Office of Accessibility Services works closely with faculty to help implement accommodation in the classroom. The Office of Accessibility Services has created a new Faculty Guide with resources for support. Please contact Kelly Deasy, Director of OAS for additional information or questions about course access.