Office of Services for Students with Disabilities

The Office of Services for Students with Disabilities (OSSD) offers services for all students with disabilities. The OSSD is here to support students in making a successful transition to the University and to provide support during their WCU career. The office takes a proactive, restorative approach that encourages students to understand their needs and strengths in order to best advocate for themselves.

West Chester University recognizes that students are their own best advocates and experts on their own needs. The staff of the OSSD supports students as they become more self-reliant by emphasizing their knowledge and communication skills and the understanding of their rights and obligations under the laws. OSSD engages each student in an interactive, iterative process to determine not only the accommodations appropriate to each individual based on their impairment but also those accommodations that are most reasonable and appropriate in a given situation.

The OSSD provides advocacy and consultation with regard to classroom accommodations under the requirements of Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Final Rule of 2016. OSSD follows the documentation guidelines established by the Association for Higher Education and Disability; therefore, documentation requirements will vary depending on a student's unique situation.  No student should delay in reaching out to OSSD due to concerns over a lack of documentation. 

The OSSD is located within the University College and coordinates provision of direct services for students with disabilities through faculty and support staff in all areas of the University. The office also advocates in the readmission procedure, with the offices of Financial Aid and the Registrar, course substitution, and WCU Housing. Students are encouraged to reach out to OSSD early in their academic career to ensure they have access to their accommodations throughout their time at WCU.

Office of Services for Students with Disabilities
223 Lawrence Center
West Chester University
West Chester, PA 19383
610-436-2564

Services Provided for Students with Disabilities

  • Central documentation file
  • Optional comprehensive needs assessment
  • Advocacy with faculty
  • Alternative test-taking arrangements
  • Note-taking support
  • Assistance with alternate format materials
  • Adaptive technology
  • Readers for visually impaired students
  • Interpreters for deaf students