Accessible Education Services
ADVISING & COUNSELING
ACCESSIBLE EDUCATION SERVICES
TESTING SERVICES
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Accessible Education Office
Monday-Friday 8 am – 5 pm
(Closed on Fridays during the summer)
Office: Dellwood Hall 7A
Phone: 541-888-1578
Email
Common Concerns: Real Talk About Academic Accommodations
Feeling unsure about requesting accessibility services? You’re not alone. Below are common concerns we hear from students, along with information that may help put you at ease.
"No one really uses accessibility services."
Actually, 1 in 4 undergraduates at our college are registered with the Office of Accessible Education (OAE). You’re far from alone. A reasonable accommodation is a normal, common part of the college experience for thousands of students. If you’re struggling in class, it’s okay to ask for help. That’s what we’re here for.
"I'm not disabled ENOUGH to qualify."
The truth? More than 80% of students registered with our office and have conditions that aren’t visible to others.
We support students with:
- Anxiety & Depression
- ADHD
- Asthma & Allergies
- Chronic pain or illness
- Learning differences
- And so much more
If you’re unsure whether you qualify for a reasonable accommodation, just ask. You don’t need a diagnosis to start the conversation.
"Won't this show up on my transcript or record?"
Nope. Your registration with our office is completely confidential. Nothing goes on your transcript, diploma, or any part of your official academic record. Only Office of Accessible Education staff and the instructors you choose to notify will know about your accommodations, and even they won’t know why you’re registered.
"People in my community don't do therapy or ask for help."
We hear this a lot. Mental health stigma is real! especially for students from underrepresented or tight-knit cultural communities. But getting help doesn’t mean you’re weak. It means you’re taking care of yourself in a way that works for you. A reasonable accommodation isn’t about changing who you are; it’s about making sure the system doesn’t hold you back.
"I don't have time to deal with this."
We get it, college is busy. But registering with our office is quick and low stress–simply scroll down to follow the “steps to get started.”
- One short intake form
- Submit documentation
- One 45-minute Zoom or in-person meeting
That’s it. You could be set up for the whole year. Don’t wait until finals to get the support you need now.
"Accommodations are just special treatment."
Nope! they’re not favors, and they’re not giving anyone a leg up. Accommodations are about equal access, not extra advantages. Everyone deserves a fair shot to succeed, and accommodations level the playing field when disability or health conditions get in the way.
"People in my program will judge me."
Our office doesn’t report your condition or accommodations to your department or program. Our role is to help you access your education! Not to judge or evaluate your ability. Many students in demanding programs like Nursing, STEM, and Health Sciences use accommodations.
Remember: You’re not the first, and you’re not alone!
Accessibility-Related Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Thinking about accommodations at Southwestern? Here’s what you need to know before starting your journey with us…
Can I visit the Office of Accessible Education (OAE) as a prospective student?
Absolutely! We’d love to meet with you. If you’re thinking about attending SWOCC, you’re welcome to stop by our office for an overview of our services and to ask any questions.
Just a heads up: we can only officially determine your accommodations after you’re admitted. But visiting us early is a great way to get a feel for how we can support you.
Pro Tip: Plan your visit to the OAE during a campus tour or info session! Click here to book a campus tour.
Can I register with your office and get accommodations before I’m admitted?
Not quite. You’ll need to be officially admitted to Southwestern (have completed your application for admission and have a Student ID number) before we can set up accommodations. Accommodations start once your term officially begins.
Is there a separate admissions process for students with disabilities?
Nope! All students with or without disabilities apply through the same admissions process and are reviewed the same way.
To start your journey at Southwestern, go to our Become a Student page and follow the instructions. After completing these steps, check back on this page to get set-up with accommodations.
Should I send my disability documentation to Admissions when I apply?
Please don’t! Medical or psychological documentation should only be submitted here to us in the Office of Accessible Education and only after you’ve been admitted to Southwestern. Admissions staff do not need it.
Depending on your needs, our office might help you set up:
- Extended time on exams and homework
- Note-taking support
- Textbooks in alternate formats (like audio, large print, or digital)
- Housing adjustments
We’ll work with you to figure out what’s most helpful based on your specific situation.
Are there any deadlines I should know about?
Yes! It is recommended you submit your documentation and complete the steps to get started (scroll below) as early as possible after being admitted to Southwestern.
IMPORTANT – Housing Accommodations: For housing accommodations pertaining to Emotional Support Animals (ESAs), there are deadlines to adhere to for completing these steps. If you’ll need housing accommodations it’s always better to reach out early so we can support you without delays, you must submit your request by:
- Fall Term: Last Friday in August
-
Winter Term: Friday before Thanksgiving Day
- Spring Term: Last Friday of February
Still have questions?
After reviewing the information on this page, if you still have specific questions about Accessible Education Services, we’re here to help! Email accessibility@socc.edu, call 541-888-1578, or schedule an appointment .
Please note: If booking an appointment to request accommodations, you will need to first submit documentation. Review the steps below about how to get started!
Need A Reasonable Accommodation? To Get Started…
Carefully read and follow instructions below. Questions or feeling overwhelmed? Contact us at accessibility@socc.edu or call 541-888-1578. We’re here to help at every step.
Gather Your Documentation
First, you’ll want to gather the appropriate documentation needed from a licensed medical or mental health care provider. This will be a letter from your provider about your diagnosis and what they’re recommending for accommodations.
Include the following information as part of your documentation:
- How long they’ve worked with you and what kind of care
- Your diagnosis (with diagnostic codes if available)
- How your condition impacts your daily life and learning
- Any treatments, meds, or side effects you’re managing
- Recommended accommodations and how they’ll help you in college
Applying with a 504 Plan or IEP? Make sure it includes:
- A diagnosis letter based on a psychoeducational eval
- Must be based on DSM-5 criteria
- Docs should be less than 5 years old
Not sure what to submit? You can use our Provider Accommodation Form, just have your doctor or therapist fill it out. To request this form, please email accessibility@socc.edu.
No provider right now? No problem, reach out to us at accessibility@socc.edu and we’ll help you figure it out.
Complete a Reasonable Accommodation Request Form for Academics
NOTE: If you are only seeking dietary accommodations, please SKIP TO STEP 4.
Now that you have documentation ready, please complete the Reasonable Accommodation Request Form using your Southwestern student email. This gets the ball rolling and lets us know you’re interested in support!
IMPORTANT: You will need a Southwestern student ID and email to complete this. This is generated when you your application for admission to attend Southwestern is approved.
Not yet a student? No problem! If you’re thinking about attending Southwestern, you’re welcome to meet with us for an overview of our services and ask any questions. We can only officially determine your accommodations after you’re admitted. Visiting us early is a great way to get a feel for how we can support you!
Request Housing Accommodations or Animals – IF MEDICALLY SUPPORTED
NOTE: If you do NOT need medically supported Housing Accommodations, an Emotional Support Animal or Service Animal, please SKIP TO STEP 4.
If you’re planning to bring a Service Animal or Emotional Support Animal (ESA) to student housing, here’s what needs to happen:
- You must qualify under disability guidelines
- Know only one animal can be approved
- You need to have an assigned space in Student Housing
- Complete the Student Housing ADA Accommodation Request Form (button below) by the deadline
IMPORTANT! Housing and ESA requests have early deadlines–be sure to apply in time:
- Fall Term: Last Friday in August
-
Winter Term: Friday before Thanksgiving Day
- Spring Term: Last Friday of February
Schedule Your Intake Meeting
Once you’ve submitted your forms, you will need to schedule a short intake appointment either in-person or virtually to talk about what you need.
Final Approval
Once everything’s in and you’ve completed your intake appointment, you will receive an email at your Southwestern student email account letting you know you are officially approved for accommodations.
That’s it! You’re ready to go. If you have questions once the term starts, know you may always reach out to our office for support.
Accommodation Concerns & Complaints
If you have concerns about accessibility services or accommodations, you may review the College’s Complaint Procedures.
