Disabilities and Accommodations

Penn State World Campus Student Disability Services works with the Penn State Student Disability Resources office to ensure that each student receives the support they need to succeed in their courses. If you have general questions regarding our disability services, please complete the Student Disability Services General Inquiry Form.

  1. If you are currently enrolled at Penn State World Campus and want to register with Student Disability Services, complete the Student Disability Services registration form.
  2. Review the accommodation documentation guidelines to become familiar with them before speaking with a disability specialist.
  3. Attend your registration appointment with your disability specialist.
  4. Complete the Release of Information form and the Rights and Responsibilities of Students Registered with Student Disability Resources at Penn State University form, and submit both forms via email to [email protected].
  5. Submit any additional required documentation according to the directions provided by your disability specialist.
  6. Request textbooks in an alternative format (if needed).

Documents will be reviewed by Student Disability Services, and responses will be sent within seven to ten business days of submitting your documentation.

Common accommodations routinely approved for students include:

  • extended time for tests
  • assistive technology
  • electronic textbooks or books in alternative formats
  • adjustment of nonessential course requirements

Eligibility for accommodations can be the result of a wide variety of conditions and situations. Students are often surprised to learn that their circumstances may meet the criteria. Eligible conditions include:

  • chronic and lifelong conditions, including long-term or permanent conditions such as hearing impairment, blindness, mobility issues, asthma, heart conditions, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD), and migraines
  • temporary or short-term conditions, including situations such as pregnancy, a broken bone, or recovery from surgery

If you are concerned with the outcome of a request for accommodations or if you have been approved for an accommodation by Student Disability Services that has not been met in your course or program, please submit our Disability Accommodations Complaint Form. Staff will review your complaint and work to provide a resolution.

Learn more about our Student Disability Services team. If you need to contact a disability coordinator at another Penn State campus, please review Penn State’s list of Campus Disability Coordinators.

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