Disability and Support Services
The Office of Disability and Support Services (DSS) seeks to promote equal opportunity within the context of Vassar’s diverse campus community and educational mission, and through its core values as a residential liberal arts college. In compliance with federal legislation, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008, DSS has facilitated and coordinated access to reasonable accommodations, auxiliary aids, and services for self-identified students since 1996. Disabilities may include, but are not necessarily limited to, learning disabilities, attention deficit disorder, psychological disorders, chronic health impairments, visual impairments, mobility and orthopedic impairments, hearing impairments, and substance abuse and recovery as well as temporary impairments.
Students with disabilities in need of academic or residential accommodations are encouraged to register with DSS during the summer prior to their arrival at Vassar (preferably by June 1). Students must provide comprehensive documentation of their disability or disabilities, which describes the nature of their disorder and how their disability substantially limits one or more major life activities. Guidelines for documentation of a disability can be found on the office’s website.
DSS professional staff work with the student and necessary faculty or campus departments to identify accommodations and services that are appropriate to the student’s needs, academic program, and residential life experience. All accommodation and service decisions are based on the nature of the student’s disability, supporting documentation and current needs as they relate to the specific requirements of the course, program, or activity. For the accommodation process to be effective and timely, students must be actively involved in the process and work closely with DSS staff throughout their four years.
Commonly offered accommodations and support services include:
- exam accommodations (e.g. extended time, private room, or use of a computer or other assistive technology)
- alternative print format (e.g., audio files, e-text, reader software)
- notetaker service
- pre-registration course assistance
- modified course load
- housing and meal plan accommodations
- academic coaching
- reader, scribe, and transcription services
- sign language interpreters/remote closed captioning
Please contact the Office of Disability and Support Services to inform us about your accommodation needs, or to learn more about available services. The office is open Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm during the academic year and by appointment during the summer. For more information call (845) 437-7584 or visit our website.