UVA is dedicated to helping all students with disabilities, and its Student Disability Access Center (SDAC) is committed to promoting a culture of access and inclusion for all students and all academic programs and University resources. Their goal is to ensure that all students at UVA can participate fully in UVA programming and opportunities across Grounds through the provision of academic accommodations, support services, advocacy, and educational training throughout the University community.
Whether you are a high school student in the early stages of considering colleges, a student at another college considering transfer, an applicant who has been offered admission, or even the parent/guardian of a prospective student, you can contact the SDAC (434-243-5180 or sdac@virginia.edu) if there is any issue you would like to discuss.
Members of the SDAC staff are available to meet with prospective students and their families regarding disability accommodations and support services available through SDAC and through other University agencies. The SDAC regularly acts as a liaison between students with disabilities and other University offices, including Housing, Parking & Transportation and the Registrar. Every incoming student with a disability is invited to have a consult appointment at the SDAC. Even if you are not planning on using accommodations, it can be useful to review needs and available services and resources. SDAC staff members are also present at every session of the University Summer Orientation programs to answer questions and provide information.
SDAC’s offerings include:
- Exam accommodations (such as extra time, reduced-distraction environment, etc.)
- Alternative course materials (e-text)
- Assistive Technology
- Screenings for ADHD and/or Learning Disabilities
- ASL-English interpreting
- Real-time captioning
- Reasonable Modification of Assignment Deadlines
- Reasonable Modification of Course Attendance Policy
- Housing accommodations
- Meal Plan modifications
- Foreign Language accommodations
- Permission to Audio Record Lectures
- Consultations with prospective and incoming students
- Assistance Animals on University Property
The SDAC also offers the Peer Notetaking Program, in which students have the opportunity to take notes for students with disabilities. The Peer Notetaking Program is a valuable accommodation/resource for students who may have difficulty taking notes while listening to class lecture or have a physical disability prohibiting writing. With these difficulties, provision of class notes may be considered a reasonable accommodation or auxiliary aid under the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Notetaking is not a substitute for the student’s own attendance and participation in class.
If you need help to do your best at UVA, please don’t hesitate to reach out and ask.