The Office of Disabilities and Accessibility Services
Woodbury University is committed to providing students with disabilities with equal access to all university programs, services, and activities as required by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. To make this possible, the Office of Disabilities and Accessibility Services (ODAS) grants reasonable accommodations to qualified students with disabilities. ODAS also works to ensure compliance with Section 504, including investigating and resolving any issues related to disability discrimination.
ODAS’s Mission
Through the provision of academic support services focused on promoting self-advocacy, resourcefulness, and independence, Woodbury’s Office of Disabilities and Accessibility Services strives to support, empower, and integrate students with disabilities into all aspects of campus life to help provide access to a comprehensive university experience.
Statement of Non-Discrimination and Equal Access for Students with Disabilities
Under Section 504 and the ADA, qualified individuals cannot be refused admission or participation in educational programs and activities because of their disability. ODAS’s procedures, governed by Woodbury University's policies, guarantee that students with disabilities will have full and fair access to academic and co-curricular activities and programs, regardless of their disability status. Additionally, these students have the right to be free from discrimination or harassment based on their disability.
Reasonable Accommodations and Services for Students with Disabilities
Accommodations are adjustments that allow students with disabilities equal access to educational opportunities without fundamentally altering the program standards or content. Both academic accommodations and housing accommodations are determined by ODAS based on an individualized interactive process. Students with disabilities also have the right to seek accommodations as necessary to participate in other activities of the University, including in the conduct process and in on campus activities. Students seeking accommodations should contact ODAS at Disabilities@woodbury.edu or complete the online accommodations request form on the Woodbury website at https://woodbury.edu/student-life/student-support-services/disabilities/
As a part of Academic Affairs, ODAS also works with University administration, faculty, and staff to foster campus-wide awareness and understanding disability, accessibility, and equity. Additionally, ODAS works collaboratively with the campus community to remove barriers and promote an engaging learning environment where students with disabilities can utilize their skills to pursue and attain their academic and personal goals. ODAS collaborates with other campus resources, including Academic Advisors, Tutoring Services, Career Services and Student Affairs. Through a wide range of programming and supports, ODAS endeavors to provide innovative, student-centered services in order to ensure student success and retention.
Overview of ODAS’s Interactive Process for the Determination of Accommodations
During the interactive process, the Director of ODAS seeks to gain an in-depth understanding of the functional impact of the disability and to determine the appropriate reasonable accommodations to support the student’s access. The Director makes a determination on a case-by-case basis as to the accommodations necessary and appropriate for the individual student. This interactive process applies to academic accommodations, housing accommodations, or any other accommodations based on a disability sought to gain access to activities or functions of the University. The following flowchart explains the steps in the interactive process.
Further Information about ODAS
Students are encouraged to visit ODAS’s SharePoint site to explore additional information about disability-related accommodations, supports, and ODAS policies and procedures. ODAS is located in the Whitten Student Center, and students may make an appointment or come in for drop-in appointments. Students are welcome to reach out directly to ODAS at any time for assistance or support. To file a complaint related to possible disability discrimination, students should contact the Director of ODAS directly.
The ODAS SharePoint is located at: https://woodburyedu.sharepoint.com/sites/ODAS
ODAS may be contacted via email at disabilities@woodbury.edu or phone at 818.394.3345.