Faculty Resources
The Office of Services for Students with Disabilities (OSSD) offers services for students with physical and learning disabilities. The OSSD is designed to assist students in making a successful transition to college life. We take a proactive stance that encourages students to understand their needs and strengths in order to best advocate for themselves.
At West Chester University, we recognize that some students with disabilities want minimal assistance while others require the full range of support and services. To facilitate successful transition, we recommend a comprehensive assessment of needs through this office. The office provides advocacy with faculty for classroom accommodations and substitution of courses for foreign language.
The OSSD is a part of the Academic Affairs Division of West Chester University and services the entire institution in matters regarding students with disabilities at WCU. OSSD provides services and programs that ensure compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (1990). All programs and services are in keeping with the University's mission to provide equal education for all qualified students. It is the goal of the OSSD to maximize student success, self-advocacy, and independence in an accessible academic environment.
Faculty Guide to Accessibility Resources
- Concussion Protocol
- Modified Attendance as an Accommodation Information
- OSSD Modified Attendance Agreement Form (to be initiated by classroom instructor
Information and Resources
- Digital Accessibility Video Series from the U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights
- ADA Module
- West Chester University's Closed Caption Policy
- Specific Disabilities
- Student Learning Outcomes
- Faculty Implementation of Universal Design for Learning
- Closed Captioning - for information, please refer to the Accessible Software Applications dropdown link on the Information Technology Accessibility webpage.
- Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Center
- Students with Disabilities in the College Classroom: What do college faculty need to know?" Online module by the HEATH Resource Center at George Washington University.
- "Hidden/Invisible Disabilities" Online faculty instructional module offered by the University of Hawaii's Students with Disabilities as Diverse Learners (SDDL) project.
- OSSD Student Responsibilities Pertaining to a Letter of Accommodation
Legal Responsibilities
What is my legal responsibility to students with disabilities in my class?
How can I help students who I think have learning problems get help?
Should I put anything on my syllabus for students with disabilities?
West Chester University strongly encourages the inclusion of a syllabus statement that invites students with disabilities to come forward early in the semester with requests for accommodations and services. Such a statement is one of the most basic ways faculty members can demonstrate that they are making a good faith effort to teach in compliance with the law. The following syllabus statement may be used as is by faculty or varied to suit individual style:
"If you have a disability that requires accommodations under the American' with Disabilities Act (ADA), please present your letter of accommodations and meet with me as soon as possible so that I can support your success in an informed manner. If you would like to know more about West Chester University's services for students with disabilities, please contact the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities at ext. 3217."
President Fiorentino Message to West Chester University
