The staff of the Services for Students with Disabilities Office (SSD) coordinates support services for students with temporary or permanent disabilities. Staff members also assist in providing access to successful educational experiences at Columbia College Chicago.
Our goal is to:
- Provide the most integrated and appropriate accommodations in classes, programs, and activities for students with disabilities.
- Empower students’ personal and academic access, thereby encouraging them to become independent and self-reliant.
- Create and facilitate customized workshops regarding disability issues for the entire College community.
When should you refer a student?
- If a student discloses that he or she has a disability.
- Or, if the student mentions that they received disability-related services or accommodations in the past, such as extended time on tests, class notes, class breaks, classroom aide, etc.
How do you make a referral?
Be prepared to provide:
- The student’s name.
- Reason for the referral to SSD.
- Your name.
- Course name.
How do you contact Services for Students with Disabilities?
623 S Wabash, Suite 311
Monday - Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
312-369-8296
ssd@colum.edu
Laws
In accordance with federal law, all students with disabilities are guaranteed a learning environment that provides reasonable accommodation of their disability.
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 states:
“No otherwise qualified individual with a disability, shall, solely by reason of her/his disability, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.”
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 further states:
“No recipient of federal funding may discriminate against a qualified individual with a disability solely by reason of that disability.”
Therefore, students with documented disabilities qualify for reasonable accommodations that will enable them to participate in and benefit from all educational programs and activities at Columbia College Chicago.