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 spectrum diagnosis a wide variety of support, resources and events to ensure a successful transition into, through and out of their college experience.

This is accomplished through academic, social, communication, career and general life-skill assistance. This involves individual and group events throughout the week focused on fostering experiences and building skills that will create a road map for a student's time at SRU and ultimately into a successful career.

The ATLAS Program consists of individual coaching, group meal times, study hours available in a reserved space in the library, connection to peers using the GroupMe app, group events, and general support as needed.

COMPONENT DESCRIPTION

INDIVIDUAL COACHING
Each week, the student will meet with an Office of Disability Services staff member to discuss how the program is working for them. Whether it involves a visit in to our office, working together at a club meeting, visiting with another professional on campus or something completely different, the meeting is centered around the student. Potential outcome of these meetings could include advocacy training, positive coping skills, self-care skills, career preparation, time management or communication techniques.

GROUP MEALS
Student participants in the ATLAS program will have the opportunity to share a lunch together once a week. ATLAS students will meet at a designated place on campus, walk to the dining hall together, and each will receive a complimentary meal ticket. An inclusive environment within Boozel Dining Hall where all students can socialize with one another will be utilized.

GROUP FITNESS DAYS
Student participants in the ATLAS program may have the opportunity to engage in group fitness activities, should the interest be communicated by the students. Students can access the Aebersold Recreation Center or take advantage of the other opportunities for physical activity in a relaxed setting with the group or on their own.

OPEN STUDY SESSIONS
Having a place to study quietly or relax is vital to a student's academic success. Our program aims to provide a study space for students in the ATLAS program to feel comfortable. The space will be flexible to their needs and will change with their ideas about what works for them.

GROUP EVENTS
There are a lot of great opportunities on campus, in the Slippery Rock community and beyond. We want to connect students to events that will provide them a variety of settings to practice the skills they are learning. In addition, all students in the ATLAS program will receive a monthly calendar of events to encourage participation that include, but are not limited to: game night, pop-up talks, special interest night, group meals, study hour, social skills discussions, and any other events or activities that focus on the interest of the students in the program.

GENERAL SUPPORT
Our mission is to help our students succeed, but there are unexpected factors that may occur. With that in mind, we are available to assist students in the ATLAS program when those situations occur.

PROCESS

When a student discloses a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder and is approved for accommodations through the Office of Disability Services, he/she will immediately be invited to participate in the ATLAS program.

If interested, the student will be asked to schedule a Navigation Meeting with our ATLAS staff to see how we can best support the student's needs. You must be a registered student in the Office of Disability Services to participate in the ATLAS Program.

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