Student Disability Services

The University of San Francisco is committed to the full participation of all students. Student Disability Services (SDS) recognizes disability as a valued aspect of diversity and works to facilitate equal access and an inclusive environment for students with disabilities.

What Services Does USF Offer Students with Disabilities?

The university offers many services to its students with disabilities. Student Disability Services (SDS) arranges these accommodations on an individual basis for each eligible student during the intake/eligibility process:

Admissions and Registration: Pre-admission counseling, new student orientation, and priority registration and scheduling.

Academics: Academic guidance, alternative testing, auxiliary aides and services, alternative formats for printed material, and assistive technology.

Campus Life: Residential accommodations, transportation and parking services, referral and liaison services and outside agencies, and information and referral source to all various university and community programs and services.

Manage the Transition from High School to College

We'll work with you to manage changes in:

Student role: With more responsibility and independence in college, you must self-identity to SDS and take a primary role in arranging for accommodations.
Parental role: Parents will step into a supporting role, as you will be your own main advocate. You may also choose whether you want your parents to have access to your records.
Faculty's role: Faculty may or may not use a multi-sensory approach in their classes. They may also decide on the frequency and types of assignments and tests.
Applicable laws: Students with disabilities are defined under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Subpart E, the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) and the Fair Housing Act (FHA) instead of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Documentation: Required documentation for services varies depending on the disability. It is the student's responsibility to provide documentation verifying the disability.

Getting Started at SDS

Once you decide to come to USF, you can initiate the intake and eligibility process through our office. Once your eligibility has been determined, you and your disability specialist will collaborate on possible accommodations and services.

Confidentiality

Student SDS files are confidential and are not part of a student’s educational record (as defined by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)) at USF. Information about a student’s disability is not shared with anyone without the student’s written consent, except on a need-to-know basis as defined by FERPA.

Darwin Velasquez

Global Studies, BA

A Supportive Community

I was born blind and have limited eyesight. USF has a supportive community to help students with disabilities thrive academically. My professors went above and beyond to make class materials easily accessible.”