Disability Services Information

In accordance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, Ashford University prohibits discrimination on the basis of a disability. You can rely on the University to provide an equal opportunity to access a full educational experience and reasonable accommodations to students who qualify. Students are responsible for disclosing disability information and requesting such accommodation, in accordance with University requirements. Students who need assistance, even on a temporary basis, are encouraged to utilize the services available through the Disability Services Office. For further information please contact the Disability Services Coordinator at disabilityservices@ashford.edu or by phone at 858-513-9240 x 2589.

What is Disability Services?
How do I request accommodations?
What kinds of disabilities are served?
What services are available to both online and campus students who qualify?
What services are available only to campus students who qualify?
How are accommodations determined?
Who do I contact?
What forms do I use?
What is State Vocational Rehabilitation?

What is Disability Services?

Disability Services is committed to supporting the mission of Ashford University which includes the principles of access and innovation in learning and an understanding of the diverse needs of its learners.

Disability Services is dedicated to fostering equal opportunities to student success through accessible educational programs, disability related advocacy, faculty and staff education, and an enhanced awareness of individual abilities and contributions.

Ashford University is committed to providing an equal opportunity to access a full educational experience and reasonable accommodations will be granted to students who qualify.

In accordance with the Title IV, Part 34 of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, the University prohibits discrimination on the basis of a disability.

How do I request accommodations?

If you are requesting accommodation based on a disability, please make your requests in writing using the Disability Disclosure & Service Request Form and disclose your disability in accordance with University requirements. Current documentation of the disability must be provided by a qualified health care professional and contain the requirements for documentation as outlined on the Disability Service Documentation Verification Form. Please understand that accommodations are not retroactive and the determination of reasonable accommodation resides with the Disability Services Coordinator..

What kinds of disabilities are served?

• Permanently visually impaired (legally blind, with progressive vision loss, etc.)
• Deaf or hard of hearing
• Psychological / psychiatric disorders (bipolar, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), personality disorders, schizophrenia, etc.)
• Learning disabilities
• Acquired or traumatic brain injuries, epilepsy
• Autism, Asperger's Syndrome
• Mobility (including paraplegia, quadriplegia, post-polio, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy or atrophy, spina bifida, etc.)
• Other (including cancer, diabetes, ADD / ADHD, etc.)

This list is not exhaustive. If you have a disability that you feel would qualify you for services, or if you need assistance in determining if you may qualify, please contact disabilityservices@ashford.edu.

What services are available to both online and campus students who qualify?

• Disability-related advocacy and advising
• Additional time on unit assignments and postings
• Advance copy of syllabus / course information
• Textbooks in electronic format (E-Text)
• Additional tutoring time
• Community referral and liaison

This list is not exhaustive. If you have a disability that you feel would qualify you for services, or if you need assistance in determining if you may qualify, please contact disabilityservices@ashford.edu

What services are available only to campus students who qualify?

• On-campus housing coordination
• Ergonomic physical adjustments, i.e. adjustable tables / chairs
• Assistive technology (software / hardware)
• Enlarged-type documents
• Mobility assistance
• Sound amplification

This list is not exhaustive. If you have a disability that warrants a particular accommodation not listed above, contact disabilityservices@ashford.edu to discuss this request with the Disability Services Coordinator.

How are accommodations determined?

Please click here to view the process flow chart.

Who do I contact?

Poppy Fitch, MA, Disability Services Coordinator
Caroline Ulle, MA, Disability Services Coordinator
email at disabilityservices@ashford.edu
phone at 866.685.0149
fax at 866.251.5407

What forms do I use?

Disability Service Disclosure & Service Request Form
Disability Service Documentation Verification Form
Disability Service Student Alternate Media Request Form

What is State Vocational Rehabilitation?

Under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, States receive Federal grants to operate a comprehensive Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program. This State-operated program is designed to assess, plan, develop and provide VR services to eligible individuals with disabilities, consistent with their strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests and informed choice. By providing services in this way, the VR program enables individuals with disabilities to prepare for and engage in gainful employment. Vocational Rehabilitation services are funded by state government and are not affiliated with Ashford University.
Click here to read the Vocational Rehabilitation Fact Sheet.

Find the Vocational Rehabilitation Office in your area by visiting
http://www.disabilityinfo.gov