Graduate and Professional Students
SLDS is proud to support Graduate and Professional students and would like to assist in making your advanced academic endeavors as smooth as possible.
Because every student and every program is unique, we work with you, your professors, and your program staff to make sure your accommodations fit your specific academic path. We are here to help you from your very first day all the way through major exams, clinical work, and your final defense.
SLDS works with assigned access specialists for each college, and we partner closely with liaisons in professional schools. Connecting with us early helps ensure your accommodations are ready for classes, labs, clinicals, fieldwork, and anything else your program requires.
The Graduate Student Handbook Addendum also includes necessary contact points and detailed information for Graduate and Professional students regarding specific accommodations.
Use the links below to learn more about our our office, policies, and services provided:
Graduate & Professional Student FAQs
Do I need to register with SLDS? Can't I just work out my accommodations with my advisor & faculty?
While your faculty and advisors may be open to offering you flexibility, we highly recommend registering with our office. Faculty are not required to offer accommodations without approval from our office and we offer services and resources that may not be available to your program. Since accommodations cannot be applied after the fact, having your accommodations approved in advance protects your right to this access. SLDS can advocate for access to your approved accommodations if differences of opinion about accommodation parameters arise.
If I register with SLDS, will you tell my faculty/advisor?
You decide which, if any, of your faculty or program administration are notified of your registration status by way of submitting Course Accessibility Letters requesting accommodations.
Will my instructors know what my disability is?
No. SLDS never shares your diagnosis, only that you are approved for accommodations.
What if I don’t have tests in my program?
We also support accommodations for labs, clinicals, internships, practicals, candidacy exams, and defenses.
Can I register later if I want to try without accommodations first?
You can register at any time, but accommodations can not be applied retroactively. Registering early gives you options if challenges come up.
Can SLDS provide accommodations for my teaching or research assistantship?
Workplace accommodations are handled by Integrated Absence Management and Vocational Services (IAMVS). SLDS can help you connect with them. Contact hr-integrateddisability@osu.edu or 614-292-3439 to share any questions you have or visit the IAMVS website
What about field placements?
Your field placement coordinator and the ADA Coordinator’s Office help with placement‑related accommodations. You can contact the ADA Coordinator’s Office at ADA-OSU@osu.edu or 614-292-6207.
What about my thesis, dissertation, or defense?
Yes. Contact your SLDS access specialist early so accommodations can be arranged with your program.
Is there any cost for your services?
No. SLDS services are included in your tuition. Personal use assistive technologies may not be covered.
Can you help with my career development?
Yes. Our office has an embedded career vocational counselor through the Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities College2Careers program. They can help with internships, jobs, and questions about disability disclosure in the workplace.