Disability Services

Welcome to Baldwin Wallace University! 

As students embarking on a new and exciting journey, Disability Services for Students (DSS) wants to assist you with your preparation in becoming a compassionate citizens of an increasingly global society.  We also encourage students in their pursuit of personal and professional excellence by providing support services and appropriate academic accommodations for those students with documented disabilities.  

We recognize students with disabilities as an aspect of diversity that is integral to society and to the campus community. To this end, the DSS collaborates with students, faculty, staff and community members to create usable, equitable, inclusive and sustainable learning environments.

To be eligible for services, students must self-disclose information about their disability(ies) to Disability Services for Students.  Students must also provide documentation of their disability as defined by the ADA Amendments Act (ADAA) of 2009, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.  In an effort to embrace best practices, we request the documentation include seven elements. 

PLEASE NOTE: IEP's and 504 PLANS ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE FORMS OF DOCUMENTATION.  The IDEA and its Individualized Education Plan (IEP) provisions do not apply to post secondary schools.  Although an individualized education program (IEP) or Section 504 plan may help identify services that have been effective for you, it generally is not sufficient documentation.  This is because post secondary education presents different demands than high school education, and what you need to meet these new demands may be different.  Also in some cases, the nature of a disability may change.  For more information on the differences between disability services in high school versus that of college please see the link on the right of this page entitled, "Preparing for Post Secondary-Education" authored by the Office of Civil Rights. 

Verification forms are available and should be provided to your physician, healthcare provider or diagnostician.  Upon receipt of the documentation and appropriate forms, the Director of Disability Services for Students will review the information and schedule an intake appointment.  After accommodations are determined, the student is responsible for observing the policies and procedures of Disability Services for Students.   

PLEASE NOTE: A student with a disability must follow the university procedures to receive accommodations: (1) Self-disclose to the Director of Disability Services for Students or the Disability Specialist; (2) provide appropriate documentation; (3) complete the DSS Application (4) schedule an intake appointment and (5) follow policies and procedures of Disability Services for Students.