Disability Services
The Office of Disability Services (ODS) ensures that students with special needs receive the academic accommodations they need in their courses of study. Our goal is to guarantee that all students have equal opportunity in the pursuit of their educational objectives.
Soni Hill, Senior Director of Student Success & Development
Karen Gaines, Disability Services Assistant
Monday / Wednesday – 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday / Thursday / Friday – 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Clifton Campus, Main Building, Room 169
Phone: (513) 569-1775
Fax: (513) 569-4744
Email: disabilities@cincinnatistate.edu
Eligibility for Services
Any otherwise qualified student or prospective student who states that he or she has a disability, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 or the guidelines for section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, may register with the Office of Disability Services.
Getting started is easy to do using the following steps. Download the steps here.
Step One – Disability Documentation
Students seeking accommodations in their coursework or any other testing (TEAS, Accuplacer, etc.) may submit current documentation of their disability (within the past 5 years) to the Office of Disability Services (ODS) via fax at (513) 569-4744, email (pdf file format only), or postal mail.
Acceptable forms of documentation include:
- IEP (Individualized Education Plan)
- ETR (Evaluation Team Report)
- 504 Plans
- Disability Verification Form
Step Two – Confirmation of Documentation Receipt
After documentation is received, ODS will send a confirmation email along with next steps to the student’s Cincinnati State email account (Surge Mail).
Step Three – Advising & Registering for Classes
Students should see an academic advisor for assistance in selecting the appropriate courses.
Academic Offices:
Business Technologies: (513) 569-1620
Engineering & Information Technologies: (513) 569-1743
Health & Public Safety: (513) 569-1670
Humanities & Sciences: (513) 569-1700
Middletown Campus: (513) 217-3700
Step Four – Schedule Intake Meeting with ODS Manager
Students should contact ODS to schedule an appointment to discuss accommodation for their classes. A semester verification of accommodations letter is generated and sent via email to the student’s instructors, with the student copied shortly thereafter. The student is now fully registered with the Office of Disability Services.
College Credit Plus (CCP) students click on CCP Disability Documentation and Next Steps to get started with new step-by-step instructions.
Transitioning to College
The Transition Guide for Students with Disabilities assists you in navigating the differences in Disability Services in high school and in college.
Disability Forms
Disability Verification Form: Use to submit input from the student’s healthcare professional for accommodation consideration.
Interpreter Services Request: Use to make an interpreter request for a specific event or meeting.
Accommodations Letter Request: Use to submit request for semester accommodation letter
DS Consent to Release Form: Allows a parent or other interested party designated by the student to reach out on their behalf regarding their academic accommodations at CState.
Accommodated Testing
Accommodated testing is available by appointment to eligible ODS registered students during office hours. Appointments may be scheduled by phone or e-mail a minimum of 5 days in advance at a designated testing location.
| Location | Telephone | Office Hours | |
| Clifton Campus Disability Services Main Bldg, Room 169 | 513-569-1775 | disabilities@cincinnatistate.edu | Mon./Wed.: 9AM to 5:30PM Tues./Thurs./Fri.: 8AM to 4PM |
| Middletown Campus Testing Center | 513-217-3722 | CSMTest@cincinnatistate.edu | Mon. – Fri.: 9:00AM to 4:00PM |
| Harrison Campus Front Desk (front entrance) | 513-569-4970 | John.thomas@cincinnatistate.edu | Mon. – Fri.: 8:30AM to 4:30PM |
To explore accommodated test proctoring options outside of the hours of operation, call or email the request to the designated testing location a minimum of 5 days in advance.
Who is eligible for Disability Services?
Individuals with a documented disability, permanent or provisional. If the disability is visible and the need for accommodation can easily be established, documentation may not be needed.
What type of disability documentation is needed for accommodation consideration?
Eligible forms for disability documentation include a 504 Plan, IEP, ETR, or Disability Verification form. All submitted documents must be from the past 5 years.
Does Disability Services update IEPs or provide testing for disabilities and/or ADD/ADHD?
No. These are not services provided by the College. Students are responsible for obtaining and providing disability documentation, including necessary testing/psychological evaluations at their own expense.
Who falls into the healthcare professional category?
They are professionals generally trained, certified, or licensed to diagnose and/or treat medical conditions. Examples include: a medical doctor, clinical psychologist, licensed clinical social worker, optometrist, audiologist or other qualified professional/organization.
Will my health care professional’s recommendation for accommodations be implemented?
It is important to realize that although the diagnostician may recommend specific accommodations, the determination for providing appropriate and reasonable accommodations and/or academic adjustments rests with the College.
I am a Deaf student. What services are available to me?
Interpreter Services strive to create inclusive and accessible experiences for our Deaf/Hard of Hearing students by providing skilled interpreters to meet any communication need–interpreters/PT interpreters/CART provided for classroom instruction, tutoring sessions, group work, and faculty/staff appointments.
Will I need to provide new disability documentation every semester to use my accommodations?
New paperwork is not required unless there’s been a change in your disability that you would like considered for possible changes in your accommodations.
I’m currently registered with ODS. How do I request my accommodation letter for the semester?
You may request your accommodations letter for the semester via e-form (Accommodations Letter Request), email or telephone.
Can I use the same accommodation letter for every semester?
No. The accommodation letter is semester-specific so you’ll need to request a new one each semester.
Will ODS send my accommodation letter to my instructors?
Yes. Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions, once processed, ODS will send the accommodation letter directly to the student’s instructor via email and include the student in the copy.
I have a student who is struggling in class but hasn’t presented me with an accommodation letter or mentioned anything about having a disability. How should I handle this?
If you have a student in your class who you believe is struggling due to disability issues, our office recommends the following:
- If the student mentioned they have a disability, please make them aware that ODS may be a helpful resource for them and provide them with our contact information.
- If the student has not disclosed any disability issues you might ask them some exploratory questions such as:
- I’ve noticed you… (call out the specific behavior… are struggling with general concepts in class, absences, know the course work but do poorly on tests) and ask “Is everything okay?”
- It would not be appropriate to directly ask the student, “Do you have a disability?” because some students might not want to disclose personal information or feel pressured to do so. Other students might not identify with the term “disability.”
- If the student does not reveal any disability issues, it might be appropriate to make a general referral to the Counseling Services area by pointing out the school provides assistance with math tutoring, writing and study skills.
I just received an accommodation letter for one of my students. Are the accommodations retroactive?
No. Accommodations are not retroactive
Do I need to sign and return the accommodation letter to ODS?
No. With our new format, no signatures are required.
Who do I contact if I disagree with an accommodation?
If you disagree with an accommodation or have questions, continue to provide the accommodations and contact your Program Chair or Department Chair, who will work with Disability Services on obtaining a prompt solution.
Should I keep a copy of the accommodations letter?
Yes. Instructors are encouraged to keep a copy of the letter for reference during the semester, as needed.
The tests for my class are all online. How is an extended time accommodation handled?
If the test is online, once you are notified of this accommodation, set the extended time for the test(s) for the entire semester. If the student desires otherwise, they must inform you.
How does the College provide reader assistance to students with this accommodation?
Reader support is provided through text-to-speech software such as, Read&Write, Jaws, NVDA, VoiceOver, and the like. ODS will work directly with the student to determine an appropriate action plan. For more information, contact the Office of Disability Services.
Should I provide all accommodations asked for by the student?
Only provide the accommodation if the student’s Verification of Accommodation Letter indicates it is approved through ODS.
These organizations and resources in Greater Cincinnati and online may be helpful to those in need of additional information and/or support.