Office of Disability Services
ODS is the central contact point for students with disabilities at UA. Services for students focus upon providing accommodations and services to help meet University demands, while promoting student responsibility and self-advocacy.
Students who choose not to self-identify when they enter UA do not forfeit their right to identify themselves and to receive accommodations at a later date. However, UA is not obligated to provide accommodations or services for students with disabilities until students are registered with ODS. Students must also make known their need for accommodations each semester.
ODS is located at 133B Martha Parham East. ODS can be reached at (205) 348-4285 (Voice) or (205) 348-3081 (TTY). Documentation can be faxed to ODS at (205) 348-0804. ODS is open Monday through Friday (except University holidays), from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.
Vocational Rehabilitation
The Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services (ADRS) assists eligible students with disabilities in their pursuit of employment goals. Services provided by ADRS may include vocational evaluation and counseling, tuition assistance, and job placement assistance. Beginning mid-fall 2002, the ADRS counselor at UA will be located at 133A Martha Parham East (in the ODS building). Vocational rehabilitation clients should maintain regular contact with the counselor in their hometown, the counselor on campus, and ODS personnel.
Although ADRS provides services for residents of the state of Alabama only, students from out of state should note that vocational rehabilitation programs are mandated by the Federal government and each state must have such a program. Out of state students are encouraged to contact their local vocational rehabilitation offices to see if they are eligible for assistance while pursuing their degree at UA. In other states, the program may be called by different names, including Office of Rehabilitation Services, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, or others. For assistance in locating your state's program, contact ODS.
Student Support Services
Student Support Services, 225 Osband Hall, is a Federally-funded program which provides academic assistance to students who fall within any of three eligibility categories: financial need, first-generation college student, or students with disabilities. Reading and study skills classes, academic counseling and tutoring, and assistance with financial aid applications are provided for eligible students.
Russell Student Health Center
The Russell Student Health Center (RSHC) serves all students with routine medical needs. Students may be able to receive certain treatments related to a disability at RSHC. Students should note that RSHC has stringent requirements for documentation of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) which must be met before medications for this disorder can be prescribed by RSHC physicians.
Adaptive Computer Technology
Adaptive technology labs are located at ODS, Bruno Business Library, Gorgas Library, Graves Hall, Rodgers Library for Science and Engineering, Morgan Hall, Nott Hall, and the Seebeck Computer Center. These labs are wheelchair accessible and contain adaptive equipment such as screen readers, magnifiers, voice synthesizers, voice-to-text and text-to-voice software.
Library Access and Assistance
The Library Administration Office in Gorgas Library may be contacted during business hours to ensure access to library collections and services. Special services include telephone reference, retrieval of materials, photocopying assistance, library orientation, special check-out arrangements, and extended loan periods for reserved materials.
Parking
Special blue zone parking areas are available for students who are certified as eligible for accessible parking by their home state. Students with disabilities may obtain a blue zone parking permit by presenting a copy of their state certification to the Parking Services Office in the Student Services Building.
Residential Life
The Office of Residential Life provides a variety of double and single rooms in residence halls and on-campus apartments for students with disabilities. Some rooms are equipped for students with hearing, vision, or mobility impairments. Other adaptations may be arranged if adequate notice is given. Students should contact the Office of Residential Life as early as possible if they have disability-related housing needs.
Campus Accessibility
Classes are scheduled in accessible locations whenever possible. If a classroom, activity, or program is not accessible to a student who needs access to that classroom, activity or program, the student is responsible for notifying ODS. ODS is responsible for rescheduling the class or activity, or arranging for some other reasonable accommodation.
Seating for Athletic Events
Wheelchair seating areas are available at Bryant-Denny Stadium and Coleman Coliseum. Also, FM amplification systems are available for patrons with hearing impairments. Contact the Athletic Ticket Office in Coleman Coliseum for information.
