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ABOUT THE OFFICE

Welcome to the Office of Disability Services! The Office of Disability Services was established to facilitate equal access for students, faculty, staff, and visitors with disabilities to all programs and activities at Smith College. The efforts of the Office of Disability Services are part of Smith's commitment to diversity and to assuring equal access.

The Office of Disability Services coordinates and provides accommodations and support services to persons with all types of disabilities. Approximately 280 undergraduate and graduate students with documented disabilities are registered with the office. The high level of commitment needed to provide accommodations and services is balanced with a humanistic approach that seeks to enhance independence and recognize the uniqueness of each Smith student. Our goal is for each person to acquire the skills and to achieve the level of personal growth required to develop an independent lifestyle, which is essential in meeting individual, career, and life objectives.

Under the leadership of the Office of Institutional Diversity and the Office of Disability Services, Smith College also engages in proactive institutional planning efforts to assure access to services, programs, and events at the college. The college has a Disability Access Advisory Committee comprised of students, staff, and faculty that facilitates coordination across departments and advises about areas where improvements can be made.

	ASSETS Program (PDF) ASSETS provides structured support for entering students with learning disabilities or ADD/ADHD to smooth the transition from high school to college and to help them develop the independence, self-confidence and skills for academic success. The brochure includes a registration form.
	Disability Access Report (PDF) A report prepared by the Smith Disability Access Advisory Committee to advance an understanding of disability access and to help provide a framework for progress toward the Mission of Access and Inclusion. The report, Disability Access and Inclusion at Smith College: Mission, Principles, Overview, and Priority Recommendations, is available in PDF format.
	Information for School for Social Work Students Disability information for students from the School for Social Work.
	Disability Services Director—Open Hours Laura Rauscher, Disability Services Director has established open hours when students, staff, or faculty may drop in without an appointment.
	Accommodations and Service Request Form If you need accommodations please turn in the Accommodations and Service Request Form as soon as you can. Copies are available outside of the office or at the above link.
	ADA Quiz Take our new quiz on rights and accommodations for Americans with Disabilities! Also available in PDF format.

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