Office of Accessibility Services
At Simmons University, we are committed to the full participation of all students in our programs and activities. Simmons University is mandated by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 to provide equal access to facilities, educational and co-curricular programs, campus activities and employment opportunities to qualified individuals with disabilities.
The Office of Accessibility Services (OAS), located in the Center for Student Success, is a strategy-based service that supports students both on the ground and online. All students with a documented diagnosis that substantially limits a major life activity, such as learning, hearing, seeing, reading, walking, and speaking are eligible to register with the OAS and request academic, field and clinical accommodations.
The information located on the OAS website will help you to learn how to register with the OAS; and request accommodations; as well as access to other important information such as referral support offices the OAS partners with. Students must be fully registered and receive confirmation of eligibility before requests for academic, field or clinical accommodations can be made.
- Students who are exploring a diagnosis or who are considering use of services are also welcome to visit the OAS to review the offerings and services available as well as registration requirements.
- Students registered with OAS are expected to adhere to the same academic and behavioral standards as the rest of the University.
- A student’s initial connection and ongoing interaction with OAS is self- propelled.
- Accommodations are applied on a prospective basis - students are not entitled to have accommodations applied on a retroactive basis.
- Documentation of a diagnosis/disability is not required when applying to the University and is submitted to OAS after the student accepts their place at the University.
- Accommodations are not intended to guarantee success; they are intended to provide equal access to the educational experience (classroom, field, clinical, field trips) to ensure that students may display their level of learning.
- Following a student’s first meeting with an OAS staff member, the student may make their own appointments, which are recommended, but never required.
- Outreach by OAS staff to faculty and parents is generated ONLY by a student’s written request.Diagnosis/disability-related information is confidential and is not shared without a student’s permission.
- OAS is not a comprehensive special education program. Students’ coursework is not shared with or linked to the OAS.
- OAS does not offer special education tutors or life coaches for social skills and acclimation.
Students are welcome to make an appointment to visit us in the Center for Student Success, on the Ground Floor of Lefavour Hall or arrange for a Zoom meeting if reaching us remotely. Please contact the Office of Accessibility Services at access@simmons.edu to schedule an appointment or to review any questions or concerns.