*New* SDS Homepage

Welcome to the Office of Student Disability Services!

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The University of Maryland, Baltimore County’s Office of Student Disability Services (SDS) coordinates accommodations for UMBC students with documented disabilities, as well as those with temporarily disabling conditions and injuries, who experience barriers that may require accommodations in order to have equal access and participation in the University’s classes, activities, and housing. SDS is within the Accessibility & Disability Services (ADS) unit under the Division of Institutional Equity (DoIE). 

We are guided by principles of inclusion, equity, and universal design, and all members of our diverse campus community are welcome here.  The first step towards success is creating access.

SDS LOOKS FORWARD TO WORKING WITH YOU!

Report Campus Accessibility Concerns

To report a campus access barrier, such as an electronic door opener not working, or ideas for projects and improvements, you may use our online reporting form at

https://accessibility.umbc.edu/report-campus-accessibility-concern/

*For prompt service repair/requests such as a broken door or elevator, call Facilities Work Control at (410) 455-2550 (Website link is https://fm.umbc.edu/work-request/).

*For Residential Life repairs, submit a report at “Submit a FXIT” https://reslife.umbc.edu/.

**To address personal accommodation-related concerns, please contact SDS staff or use the SDS student appeal and grievance process. Do not use the general “report campus accessibility concerns” Google form link.

Reminders

SDS REGISTRATION & ACCOMMODATION LETTERS:

  1. NEW STUDENTS:
    Request accommodations by registering with the SDS online. Disability documentation can be attached securely. An email message to schedule an intake appointment will follow the registration submission. Read this for more information about registering with the SDS.
  2. RETURNING SDS STUDENTS (already registered):
    Submit your Semester Request for accommodations in Accommodate every semester you are enrolled to have your letters sent to your instructors/faculty.

This is a photo of four student workers at the SDS standing in front of the Office of Accessibility and Disability Services sign.

Front desk with SDS staff member

Student Disability Services (SDS) Operations Overview

SDS staff work both in-person and in virtual modalities to ensure that disability access and accommodation assistance is provided for students in an environment that fits their needs.

  • Meetings with SDS staff are held in person in the SDS offices, via the online Webex platform provided by UMBC, or via telephone call if that is the only access modality available to them.
  • SDS-registered students will log into their online Accommodate student account to schedule meetings with staff and for self-service tasks such as scheduling accommodated tests/quizzes.
  • If you need a meeting time outside of business hours, please contact a staff member directly via email to request an alternative time be arranged. Evening hours can be scheduled on request.
  • NEW student accommodation requests require registration, submission of disability-identifying documentation, and an INTAKE appointment. Register online at Student Disability Services Registration Form.
  • If you do not have your disability documentation and would like to consult with a staff member, please call or email. You will be connected to a staff resource person to assist you in brainstorming solutions. We can also assist with connecting to local health providers that have prompt availability and who take the University insurance.
  • Plan to allow for up to two weeks of processing time for staff to review new registrations and to respond to the high volume of new student intake requests. We try to accommodate all urgent situations, however next-day service for accommodation implementation is not always possible. This is important to consider when requesting access support related to testing as the process to schedule test appointments and to obtain tests from faculty takes a couple of days to arrange.
  • Please check your UMBC email for all communications from the SDS office.

 

HELPFUL CAMPUS SUPPORTS: 

  • STUDENTS: Visit Do-IT’s page on Student Technology Resources at  https://doit.umbc.edu/students/,
  • The Academic Success Center is an excellent source of academic support and assists with tutoring, online learning tips, academic policy questions, academic success planning meetings, and academic advocacy.
  • The Student Affairs Resources webpage also lists a number of offices and services that support student health, well-being, and community connection. Check out I3B, RIH, and Campus Life!
  • The Office of Equity and Civil Rights (ECR) is the campus resource for reporting and seeking support related to sexual misconduct, discrimination, and hate or bias incidents.
  • FACULTY: Please review our SDS recommended guidelines for providing accommodations found under the SDS Resources menu -> “Information for Faculty” webpage.

*Are you a UMBC EMPLOYEE seeking a disability-related accommodation?

  • To start an employee accommodation inquiry/request, use the online form found on the Accessibility and Disability Services ADS website specifically for employees.
  • For questions about the employee accommodation process, contact UMBC’s Accessibility Manager & ADA Coordinator Stephanie Lazarus by email at slazar@umbc.edu or by phone at (410) 455-5745.
  • Employee disability-based accommodations for staff, faculty, student workers/GA/TA/RAs are managed through ADS at UMBC. ADS works in collaboration with HR to ensure resource information is connected. For questions related to leave benefits, such as FMLA, please contact HR.

 

UMBC is committed to creating an accessible, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all students, staff, and visitors.

If you have difficulties accessing any of the information on our websites, please contact us via email or phone so we can provide an alternative format and remedy any accessibility challenges or barriers.