The mission of the Office of Student Disability Services (SDS) at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), is to ensure that UMBC students with disabilities are afforded an equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from the programs, services, and activities of the University through the provision of accommodations and reasonable modifications that result in equal access and full inclusion. We are committed to co-creating an accessible and inclusive environment for our UMBC community and seek to eliminate the barriers that may hinder student success in the academic environment.
Student Disability Services’ goals are:
- To coordinate accommodations that will allow students equal access and participation in all University courses, programs, and activities;
- To provide a welcoming and inclusion-focused environment for students with disabilities who are navigating disability-based barriers;
- To foster an institutional climate supportive of success for students with disabilities where all students are recognized for their abilities, strengths, and
- To increase retention and graduation rates for students with disabilities through creating accessible opportunities.
Who does SDS serve, and what services are provided?
- Reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities are provided for all students “qualified” under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA and ADAA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 who request and are eligible for services.
- Examples of accommodations coordinated by SDS to assist students with disabilities in reaching their academic goals by eliminating access barriers may include proctored exams outside of the classroom, note-taking assistance, sign language interpreters, transcription, lab assistance, adaptive and assistive technologies, and classroom access solutions.
- Although students with disabilities are not required to register with the Office of Student Disability Services (SDS), those who would like to use accommodations in classes or housing (Residential Life) must be registered with the SDS office.