Welcome to the Office of Disability Services

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Rights & Responsibilities | Policies, Procedures & Resources Manual | Confidentiality | Concerns & Reporting Procedures | Forms
ADD/ADHD | Hearing Impairments | Invisible Disabilities | Learning Disabilities
Physical Impairments | Psychological Disabilities | Visual Impairments
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Confidentiality & Release of Information

The Office of Disability Services (ODS) is committed to ensuring that all information regarding a student is maintained as confidential as required or permitted by law. Any information collected is used for the benefit of the student. This information may include test data, grades, biographical history, disability information, performance reviews, and case notes. Procedures about the treatment of such information have been adopted by Office of Disability Services and are rigorously followed and shared with students.

No one has immediate access to student files at the Office of Disability Services except ODS staff. Any information regarding disability gained from medical examinations shall be considered confidential and shall be shared with others within the institution on a need-to-know basis only. Disability-related information is to be treated as medical information is treated. For example, University faculty and staff members do not have a right or a need to access diagnostic or other information regarding a student's disability; they need only to know what accommodations are necessary or appropriate to meet the student's disability-related needs. If a student has requested an accommodation, the student will be informed as to what information is being provided to the faculty or staff regarding the request.

Information in the aforementioned files will not be released except in the following circumstances:

• The student states the intent to harm himself/herself or others.
• A student's file may be released pursuant to a court order or subpoena.
• A student may give written authorization for the release of information when (s)he wishes to share it with others. Before giving such authorization, the student should understand the information being released, the purpose of the release, and to whom the information is being released. Information will not be released without consent unless federal or state law requires it.
• Office of Disability Services will retain a copy of all information provided for a minimum of 7 years. If a student wishes to have a record expunged, (s)he must make a written request to the director who will decide whether it is necessary for the office to retain the record.
• A student has the right to review his or her own file.

 

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