Office of Student Life

Disability Services

Orientation

Navigation Links:

SLDS Overview

Student Life Disability Services (SLDS) collaborates with the university community to create an accessible educational experience for students with disabilities.  “Disability” in this context is a broad term that includes mental health conditions, ADHD, chronic health issues, learning disabilities, temporary injuries and sensory/physical disabilities. We partner with students, faculty and staff to design accessible environments and to provide academic accommodations and support services.

Overview Resources:

Connecting with SLDS over the Summer 

SLDS is open Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. During Summer 2024, we offer phone calls and virtual appointments, but we also have staff on-site if you would like to visit our space. Students and their families are welcome to call our office during operating hours for a call-in consult. Many students find it helpful to call our office prior to their orientation dates in order to prepare for scheduling classes. During your call, you can discuss any questions or concerns you may have with an Access Specialist.

Getting Registered with SLDS

SLDS encourages incoming students to complete their registration over the summer so that they can start autumn term fully registered and beat the beginning-of-semester rush. The registration process involves three steps: (1) submitting an online application (click here) and uploading disability documentation, (2) receiving a "Schedule Your Welcome Meeting" email to your Buckeyemail account, and (3) completing your Welcome Meeting with your assigned Access Specialist.

Your Welcome Meeting does not have to occur during your assigned orientation dates, though we do encourage you to schedule your Welcome Meeting for sometime over the summer. That way, you can start autumn term fully registered with approved accommodations in place. Unlike our 10-15 minute call-ins for brief consults, Welcome Meetings must be scheduled in advance.

Please visit our Registration Process page for more information.

Requesting Accommodations for Orientation

Students and/or family members who need disability-related accommodations (e.g. alternative text format,  interpreting/transcribing, etc.) during orientation should contact Orientation or visit go.osu.edu/orientationdisabilityrequest to fill out the Disability Request Form at least two weeks in advance. 

Orientation accommodations point-of-contact: Jenny Osborn (Osborn.21@osu.edu / 614-292-3324).

Requesting Placement Test Accommodations

Incoming Ohio State students may take placement tests for English, foreign language and mathematics courses. SLDS wants to ensure that you have equal access to your placement test experience. In order to get setup with placement exam accommodations, please complete the following steps:

  1. Begin by submitting a New Student Application.
  2. Once you have received a "Schedule Your Welcome Meeting" email (sent to your Buckeyemail account), please call the office (Phone: 614-292-3307; VP: 614-500-4445) to speak with the drop-in Access Specialist. They will process your request.

In order to receive any future accommodations at Ohio State, you will still need to complete the registration process (by scheduling and attending a Welcome Meeting with your assigned Access Specialist). We encourage you to schedule your Welcome Meeting over the summer.

 

Connect with the College2Careers Program (State of Ohio Vocational Rehabilitation)

Ohio College2Careers, a partnership between The Ohio State University and Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities, aims for students with disabilities to have the support they need to complete their degree and/or credential, earn higher wages, and meet the demands of tomorrow’s labor market.

The College2Careers Counselors embedded at Ohio State are Shelby Kohler (Shelby.koehler@ood.ohio.gov) and Tiffany Smith (Tiffany.smith@ood.ohio.gov).

Some of the services available through Ohio College2Careers include:

  • Career exploration and counseling
  • Scholarship support opportunities
  • Assistive technology
  • Resume and interview preparation
  • Internships and permanent employment
  • Assistance navigating OhioMeansJobs resources
  • Connection to an expansive employer partner network

To find out if you are eligible for services, visit www.OODWorks.com.

Want to learn more about OOD? It’s the state agency that helps individuals with disabilities get careers and keep careers.  OOD serves individuals with physical, intellectual, and sensory disabilities as well as mental health disorders.  Further information about OOD and its services is available at www.ood.ohio.gov.