Specialized Services

The Office of Disability Services (ODS) is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities so that equal access is achieved inside the classroom. For students with autism, blindness, and/or deafness, the supports that provide access are unique to the student’s sensory needs.

To request support from ODS for autism, blindness, and/or deafness, please complete the same process as any other student who wishes to request accommodations, using the steps below:

Complete an Accommodation Request using a valid student ID number and SRU email address.
Upload documentation with your Accommodation Request following our Documentation Guidelines, if available. If you do not have a digital copy of documentation, please fax, email or send it to us using the following contact information:
- Slippery Rock University, 1 Morrow Way, Attn: Office of Disability Services, 220 Bailey Library, Slippery Rock, PA 16057
- Fax: 724.738.4399
- Email:disabilityservices@sru.edu
Schedule a Welcome Meeting. Contact our office after you receive an email notification that we have received your request to schedule your first initial meeting with our office.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to the extended time that is needed to process braille and/or captioning requests, it is highly recommended to connect with our office in advance of your first semester on campus or as soon as possible so that we can provide these needed supports in a timely manner.

Attend a Welcome Meeting to provide ODS with your self-report, review documentation, and discuss your needs. Supports and services are provided dependent upon sufficient documentation and self-report on a case-by-case basis.

PLEASE NOTE: ODS will offer accommodations and support to students. However, ODS will not be responsible for ensuring a student passes their courses. Accommodations are available to ensure equal access to education.

ATLAS Program

Autism Transitions for Learning Achievement and Support

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The ATLAS Program provides Slippery Rock University students with autism a wide variety of support to ensure a successful transition into, through and out of their college experience. This is accomplished through five components of the ATLAS program which are individual coaching, inclusive campus events, a connection to ATLAS peers, resources, and general support. All students in the program will have access to the online ATLAS Desire to Learn (D2L) shell for updates and communication about the program.

COMPONENT DESCRIPTION

INDIVIDUAL COACHING
Students in the ATLAS program will have the opportunity to set up scheduled ongoing meetings with our staff for support. Meetings are centered around the student to assist with academic planning, monitoring, execution of tasks, time management, organization, and social skills support. Staff may also be available for impromptu meetings as needed during our business hours. Disability Services/ATLAS staff are not available evenings, weekends, or in emergencies. However, the residence halls are staffed, and we have a 24/7 campus police force. Many campus personnel are trained to work with students connected to our office.

INCLUSIVE CAMPUS EVENTS
There are a lot of amazing opportunities for engagement within our on-campus community. ATLAS program students will have the chance to share their interests with our staff and once shared, our staff will highlight campus events on our ATLAS Desire to Learn (D2L) page. Students can access all campus events through the CORE website or app as well as find clubs and organizations to consider.

CONNECTION TO ATLAS PEERS
Student participants with have an opportunity to connect with other students in the program. They are provided with a link to the Discord app to chat with other students in the program. Discord is a popular free social networking app that allows users to communicate with others through group chats, text, voice, and video calls. It is a commonly used app for gamers, anime fans, TV show enthusiasts, and music fans to connect. In addition, ATLAS staff will host group Zoom and in-person sessions with students with a focus on the components of the program.

RESOURCES
As part of our ATLAS program’s D2L shell, resources and helpful tips will be available to students to access support in one place. Examples of some of the resources available include academic support like the tutoring and writing centers, student counseling center, helpful information about social cues and communication, ATLAS monthly newsletters, assignment calculator, study techniques, and more.

GENERAL SUPPORT
Our ATLAS staff are available for scheduled meetings during the semester; if a student needs an immediate meeting, we can connect the student with various campus resources/campus partners. Students will also be encouraged to reach out via email with questions or concerns.

PROCESS

When a student discloses autism and is approved for accommodations through Disability Services, the student will immediately be invited to participate in the ATLAS program. There is no charge for the ATLAS program and students are free to choose what their participation looks like. Our program encourages student independence and the development of social skills.

If interested, the student will be added to the ATLAS D2L shell and immediately be eligible for emails, notifications, invitations, and access to engage in all components of the program. Students are encouraged to participate in all components of the program during the fall and spring semesters, when the program is active. Participation is not required but encouraged.

For more information about the ATLAS program, please send an email to atlas@sru.edu.

Blind Services

In keeping with its mission, the Office of Disability Services (ODS) strives to provide every student registered with our office the tools they need to break down barriers and access educational materials. We know students with visual impairments have a unique set of needs as they complete their degree at SRU.

ODS has a Certified Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments (TVI) and Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS) staff member who supports students who require extensive assistance to ensure appropriate academic access. This staff member will work one on one with each student to ensure all accommodations are in place as well as problem-solve any challenges that arise during the semester.

Components of support with use of Blind Services:

Orientation and familiarization to campus by a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist including on going lessons and guide dog readiness if requested
Access to Kurzweil reading software
Braille embosser housed in ODS; Juliet 120 double-sided braille embosser
Braille materials/textbooks gained through Georgia Tech
Certified TVI/COMS in ODS who:
- Serves as a liaison between the student and faculty members
- Provides individual weekly support to address any access needs including continued instruction in Expanded Core Curriculum areas of need
- Serves as a reader for quizzes and exams, as needed
- Communicates regularly with our office director to address any student concerns
- Helps arrange lab assistance in classes where sight is required

For more information about Blind Services at SRU, please contact us at disabilityservices@sru.edu.

Deaf/Hard of Hearing Services

In keeping with its mission, the Office of Disability Services (ODS) strives to provide every student registered with our office the tools they need to break down barriers and access educational materials. We know students with deafness/hard of hearing have a unique set of needs as they complete their degree at SRU.

ODS works with students who have deafness/hard of hearing to offer supports necessary for access to lectures, videos, and other sound output that would require more extensive support.

Components of support with use of Deaf/Hard of Hearing Services:

Captioning services through 3 Play Media, upon completion of a captioning request form
Live transcription software through Otter
Interpreting services through SLIP(Sign Language Interpreting Professionals)
Dedicated staff member(s) in ODS who:

o Serves as a liaison between the student and faculty member to gain audio or video recordings for captioning, as needed

o Coordinates interpreting services for registered courses, as needed

o Provides support to address any access needs

o Communicates regularly with our office director to address any student concerns

o Helps arrange lab assistance in classes where hearing is required

For more information about Deaf/Hard of Hearing Services at SRU, please contact us at disabilityservices@sru.edu.

Services for Students with Disabilities

Specialized Services

Services for Students with Disabilities

Contact Information