Office of Student Accessibility

The Office of Student Accessibility (OSA) was created in order to assist in equal access of education, programs and activities for enrolled students (undergraduate and graduate) at Sacred Heart University.

In addition to compliance with The Americans with Disabilities Act (1990), its 2008 amendment and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (1973), the OSA assists Sacred Heart University in upholding one of its core values- the dignity and worth of each individual.

The Office of Student Accessibility (OSA) coordinates and provides reasonable accommodations, auxiliary aids and services to students who disclose a disability to the university, assisting in the provision of equal access across university programs. Accommodations are intended to allow for equal access to an individual with a disability, while also ensuring the integrity of the university’s programs of study. Accommodations are determined individually for each student through an interactive process. As needed, the OSA collaborates with offices and individuals from across the university in order to assist in meeting the needs of students with disabilities in an equal manner. It is important to note that accommodations may not necessarily provide the same or similar results. Instead, an accommodation must provide the individual with a disability equal access to the same service, program or activity.

When the University determines that an academic accommodation or modification of physical space could result in a fundamental alteration of a program or an undue burden, the Office of Student Accessibility will consult with required university personnel (such as department chairs, deans, executive directors and/or vice presidents).