Southern Oregon University
Disability Resources at Southern Oregon University
Southern Oregon University is an inclusive campus environment. Disability Resources is here to ensure equal access for students with disabilities to all of SOU’s great classes and programs. We provide academic accommodations for students with documented disabilities and information and resources for all segments of SOU.
Whether you’re a prospective student or you’ve been at SOU for a while, whether you’ve been on an IEP since second grade or you’ve just been diagnosed, whether you have a temporary disability or a permanent one, Disability Resources (DR) can assist you with classroom accommodations. If you are sending documentation to SOU for disability accommodation purposes, DR is the place to send it.
Disability Resources closely collaborates with both our University Coaching & Academic Mentoring program, as well as Success at Southern TRiO.
Prospective and Incoming Students
We know coming to college can be intimidating, so let us partner with you and help answer some questions. Check out our accessible booklet Tailored to Student Experiences for more information. At SOU, we definitely support the Americans With Disabilities Act and would do our best to accommodate you.
Currently, there are approximately 450 students registered with Disability Resources. Students are receiving accommodations for disabilities that include vision, hearing, traumatic brain injury, mobility, chronic health, psychological/psychiatric, ADD/ADHD, and learning disabilities. Accommodations are an interactive process between you and SOU, so communication is key!
How to Get Started
- Register and request services! You can even upload documentation securely to our database.
- Email us at dr@sou.edu for appointments to meet with one of our staff via phone appointments, video conferencing, or in person. We’ll walk through the accommodations process at SOU and work with you to determine what supports will be best for you.
- OR directly schedule an inquiry appointment with one of our staff via YouCanBookMe.
- We still ask that you complete a new student information application prior to any appointment with our office.
- Attend your DR Initial Appointment. If possible, plan to provide appropriate documentation of your disability during this appointment.
- If you do not yet have documentation, expect to receive referral information for testing or other clinician resources. Plan to discuss your eligibility for services, and learn how to request services each term.
Documentation Guidelines
Qualified students with disabilities are guaranteed civil rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), as amended, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The following information, along with the student’s self-report, will help us to determine what accommodations are needed to ensure access to SOU’s classes, programs, and activities.
Some Common Documentation Types:
- IEP from high school, including evaluation scores
- Psychoeducational evaluation from a psychologist
- Veterans: Rating Decision Letter (including explanations)
- Our Accommodation Request Form PDF icon is a quick way to get the information we need from your clinician, regardless of the disability type.
Documentation Requirements
Documentation is comprehensive and current (current depends upon the diagnosis*) includes a clearly stated specific diagnosis and subtype, with diagnostic code (when appropriate), including symptoms or criteria on which the diagnosis is based provides actual evaluation scores/criteria, as well as procedures used to make the diagnosis, and uses technically sound tests and/or evaluations to describe the duration and severity of the condition indicate how the disability substantially limits a major life activity of the individual, and/or provides evidence of current impairment, as well as functional impact describes current and past accommodations, services, or medications, as known, and suggests accommodations, academic adjustments, and/or auxiliary aids including a rationale indicates current treatments, typical progression, prognosis, and/or stability, when relevant is conducted by a properly credentialed, qualified evaluator, appropriate to the disability, that does not have a personal relationship with the student or student’s family, and includes contact information and relevant credentials of the diagnosing evaluator. *for example: ADD, ADHD, and Learning Disabilities should be evaluated every three years for high school students. Chronic Medical/Health disabilities depend upon the diagnosis and prognosis.
View Documentation Guidelines document for more information.
Fax number for documentation: 541.552.8462.
How To find our Office
Directions and Parking Map
DR and UCAM are housed in a newly renovated space, located on the Garden Level of Central Hall (CE 034). There are signs directing you to our main entrance, next to parking lot 27 and the elevators can be accessed from the exterior of the building.
We are also sharing our floor with two other campus departments– Writing Composition and ROTC.
Elevator access is available. Check the campus map for accessible parking, routes, and doors on campus, or here where you can find our specific location at Central Hall 034 (CE 034).
Lost? Please call our front desk at 541-552-6213. We will be glad to assist you.
Accessibility
Southern Oregon University is committed to ensuring digital accessibility for people with disabilities. We are continually improving the user experience and applying the relevant accessibility standards.
Accommodations
Disability Resources provides academic accommodations for students with disabilities and acts as a resource to all of SOU in creating an inclusive and accessible learning environment.
Accommodations are individually determined with the student in an interactive process.
Faculty & Staff Resources
Faculty and staff work with students every day and have an enormous impact on students’ experience with education. We offer these resources to assist you in ensuring that all students have equal access to the educational opportunities here at Southern Oregon University.
Getting Started
Whether you are a new or returning student there are a few steps you will need to complete in order to get access to our full range of accommodations each term.
Student Resources
Disability Resources offers a range of student resources designed to support academic success and inclusion. These resources include personalized accommodations, adaptive technology, and specialized advising to ensure that students with disabilities have equal access to educational opportunities.
Recognition and Awards
- #13 on Best College’s 50 Best Disability-Friendly Online Colleges for Students with ADHD (The only University in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest ranked)
- KJK’s Top 7 College Bound: The Best Universities for Students with Autism (The only University in Oregon ranked)
- #12 of 20 Colleges With Great Inclusion Programs for Students With Disabilities (The only University in Oregon & PNW ranked)
- #6 on 2022’s “Best Value Schools for students with ADHD” (The only University in Oregon & PNW ranked)
- #13 from 2019-2023 “Best Disability Friendly Online College” (The only University in Oregon & 1 of 2 on the PNW ranked)
- #39 from 2020-2023 College Choice’s”50 Best Disability Friendly Colleges and Universities” (The only University in Oregon & 1 of 2 on the PNW ranked)
