UMBC’s Accessibility & Disability Services (ADS) department is committed to ensuring equitable access, opportunity, and participation for all UMBC community members with disabilities. We advance equity by removing barriers, promoting inclusive practices, and supporting the implementation of universal design across campus. Through education, training, accommodation coordination, and advocacy, we strive to create a welcoming and supportive environment where all students, faculty, staff, and visitors with disabilities can fully engage and thrive. We serve as a resource and partner to foster inclusive excellence and to ensure that the ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act are upheld.
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 by creating accessible opportunity.
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.