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The
Office of Student Disability Services
Providing Students with Documented Disabilities Access to Campus
Wide Services
A Vital Message for Incoming and Current USC Students with Disabilities
In College….It’s All About YOU
The Staff of
the Office of Student Disability Services at the University of
South Carolina is guided by a model of student empowerment. In
this we are part of a team of faculty and staff that recognizes
that college is a time of transition from late adolescence into
adulthood for all students. We know that students with
disabilities face the same challenges as every college bound
young adult plus the challenges related to limitations imposed
by disabilities. Even so, a successful transition into an
independent adult life is every college student’s goal.
Therefore…
- “We do nothing about you, without you”. –
Any action regarding access to services, seeking special
assistance or providing reasonable accommodation must be
initiated by you.
- “We speak with you, not about you” – All
communication in any matter related to you flows through you.
- “No one speaks for you, or acts for you but
you.” – We look to you to express your needs, provide us
with information that will help us assist you, and keep in
contact with us.
Federal Law requires this. University policies require this. But
most importantly, our desire to provide you with the best
service in this time of transition requires this.
Such a
philosophy marks a major change for all students leaving high
school and entering college. Those who assist you, support you,
and care for you will also be making significant adjustments.
The time for dependence is coming to a close.
In particular
students need the support, but not the control of parents and
other family members. Appropriate parental involvement must take
place within the boundaries set by law, by good sense and by
keeping the long term best interest of the emerging young adult
in mind. Such involvement as it relates to University life most
often involves advising and encouraging the college life from
the sidelines. Only the most extreme circumstances, such as
those that seriously threaten the health of the student, allow
for direct parental involvement.
You have
already taken an enormous step into the world of adult
independence and responsibility. You have applied to and been
accepted by USC. What is your next step?
Start the registration process NOW. The process is lengthy and complex for many reasons. The registration process can take 4
or more weeks to complete.
Services and
support are available on campus for students who have a
documented disability significantly affecting major life
functions. You should consider applying for registration with
the Office of Student Disability Services if:
- You have a
documented disability that significantly affects major life
functions
- You had an
IEP in high school
- You are a
client of Vocational Rehabilitation, Commission for the Blind,
or other related agency
- You were
registered with Disability Services at another college
USC has many
services for students, offered by various offices. Although
decisions regarding disability specific accommodations are made
on a case by case basis, view the
Accommodations Link for information on services most often provided, in
general, for each type of disability.
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