Disabilities Services
SSA strives to create an accessible learning environment which values the diversity of our community. Together with the University's office of Student Disability Services, SSA collaborates to:
- Nurture a community in which students with disabilities can fully participate in all areas of academic life.
- Provide direct support to students with disabilities through assistive technology, testing accommodations, advising, sign language interpretation and other services.
- Partner with students, faculty and administrative and academic units to coordinate accommodations and respond to needs on an individual basis.
- Promote greater access to University of Chicago events, programs and facilities.
- Promote awareness of disability pride and culture on campus.
Getting Started
Services
University Statement of Non-Discrimination
Transportation
Parking
Housing
Safety
Health
Students seeking services should contact the Dean of Students (773.702.1126) and the University Coordinator for Student Disability Services (773.834.4469) to begin the accommodations process.
The student will be asked to provide information to the University, including detailed and current documentation – within the last 3 years - from an appropriate professional on the nature and severity of the impairment and a description of the student's functional limitations. For students with learning disabilities and attention deficit disorders, the coordinator for Student Disability Services in the University will provide a listing of required tests. Once complete documentation has been received, the University may have a consultant review the assessment and any recommended accommodations. Reasonable efforts are to be made both by the student requesting accommodation and the representative of the coordinator for Student Disability Services in the University to complete the disability determination process and consideration of reasonable accommodation as expeditiously as possible. This process may require up to ten weeks.
SSA partners with Information Technology, the University Coordinator for Student Disability Services and other departments to facilitate equal access for students with disabilities. Services include, but are not limited to:
- Adaptive technology
- Alternative text format
- Advocacy
- Classroom relocation
- Notetaking
- Library assistance
- Priority seating
- Sign language interpretation
- Testing accommodations
SSA collaborates with students to meet challenges by providing support, advocacy and resource referral throughout their academic program.
University Statement of Non-Discrimination
In keeping with its long-standing traditions and policies, the University of Chicago, in admissions, employment, and access to programs, considers students on the basis of individual merit and without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, or other factors irrelevant to participation in the programs of the University. The Affirmative Action Officer (773.702.5671) is the University's official responsible for coordinating its adherence to this policy and the related federal and state laws and regulations (including Section 5604 of Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended).
Campus
The University of Chicago offers accessible, evening shuttle service for students in the Kenwood and Hyde Park neighborhoods. During the day, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) operates three accessible bus routes serving campus and community residents.
Transportation & Parking Services
Campus Map
City of Chicago
All CTA bus routes are fully accessible to individuals with disabilities and include auditory and visual "realtime" travel announcements, Braille signage and hydraulic lifts or ramps. To find out about accessible "el" routes, either call CTA, 773.836.7000, or select the "Trip Planner" function on the CTA website. If unable to use fixed "el" or bus routes, individuals should apply for ADA paratransit services to qualify for door-to-door transportation. To request an application, contact RTA ADA paratransit at 312.663.HELP (VOICE) or 312.913.3122 (TTY).
Accessible Taxi
Call 800.281.4466 to reserve wheel-chair accessible taxi service in Chicago.
Campus
SSA offers reserved parking for students with disabilities. Contact the Dean of Students Office at 773.702.1135 to register for parking permits.
City of Chicago
Contact the Department of Revenue (312.744.PARK) to apply for reserved parking on residential streets.
Residential Disabled Parking Signs
Campus
For information about accessible housing, contact the University of Chicago Residential Services (773.753.2218).
City of Chicago
The Mayors Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD) maintains an updated listing of accessible housing units in the city of Chicago. Upon request, MOPD will link individuals with available, accessible housing or assist individuals to obtain funding and modify existing apartments or homes.
Campus
The University of Chicago Police Department (UCPD) operates the largest private police force in the country. UCPD services include 24 hour emergency response, community alerts, umbrella coverage and over 300 emergency phones. "Common Sense," an online guide to safe urban living is available on the UCPD website.
City of Chicago
In case of emergency, dial 9-1-1 for immediate services. For all other non-emergencies, dial 3-1-1.
The University of Chicago offers exceptional health care through the Student Primary Care Service and the Student Counseling Service. Services include physician and nurse practitioner appointments, "Womancare," nutritional counseling, physician-on-call, sports medicine and more. Student Counseling Service provides students with a range of mental health services. Based on the student's individual needs and concerns, the intake counselor will recommend appropriate services including counseling, medication management, support groups, ADHD services and academic skills assessment.
Nikel Bailey, AM '12
"I've been able to achieve my accomplishments by not just waiting for things to come to me. Seek and ye shall find," says Nikel Bailey, AM '12.