University of Miami Parent Guide
Office of Disability Services at Miami
Office of Disability Services (ODS)
Send an email
(305) 284-2374
The Office of Disability Services (ODS) is the primary university office responsible for the coordination of auxiliary aids and services for students with disabilities (Please also see information listed under the Camner Academic Resource Center (ARC). Information is available to prospective and enrolled students, their parents and/or sponsors.
The Office of Disability Services (ODS) is located in the Camner Academic Resource Center in Whitten University Center N201. ODS staff can be reached at (305) 284-2374 (Voice), (305) 284-3401 (TDD) or (305) 284-1999 (Fax). Office hours are 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Individuals may email the office staff for quick responses to questions.
The Americans with Disabilities Act defines an individual with a disability as a person who has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more of the person’s major life activities:
- has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more of the person’s major life activities,
- has a record of such an impairment or
- is regarded as having such an impairment.
Students requesting services must submit current documentation to the Office of Disability Services along with a written request for services. The Office of Disability Services requires that documentation be current (within 3 years) and describe the nature of the disability, include a diagnosis by professionals in the field, outline the history of the disability and the treatment. Documentation should include a description of how the disability relates to the need for services.
Auxiliary aids and services are provided on an individual basis, and may include, but are not limited to: letters to instructors outlining accommodation needs, note takers, testing accommodations and assistance with accessibility issues. Students should submit documentation at least one month prior to the start of classes to ensure time for the coordination of services. Academic accommodations are not applied retroactively and may only be provided to students officially registered with the Office of Disability Services.
Confidentiality of records is maintained by the Office of Disability Services. Students seeking services should contact the Office of Disability Services to discuss individual needs and obtain documentation guidelines specific to their disability.
The Office of Disability Services also reviews documentation for University housing accommodations. Students are required to complete all the necessary applications, pay all deposits, and meet all deadlines set forth by University Housing.
Students must then submit documentation to the Office of Disability Services along with a written request for housing accommodations. Students are encouraged to submit requests early or prior to regular housing registration. Requests received after housing assignments have been published may not be considered until the following semester due to availability. Documentation will only be reviewed once it is complete.
Students are notified in writing of the decision. Documentation guidelines may be obtained by contacting the office or visiting our website. Services of a personal nature (for example, readers for personal use or assistance in eating or dressing) are not provided through ODS. However, ODS counselors may make referrals, where possible, to other offices or agencies that may assist in providing nonacademic or personal services.
