Office of Academic Empowerment & Accessibility

Central State University is committed to including students with disabilities as full participants in all programs, services, and activities through compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADAAA) of 1990. A student with a disability cannot be denied admission exclusively because of a disability.

The mission of Central State University's Office for Academic Empowerment & Accessibility (OAE&A) is to ensure that students with qualifying conditions receive the academic supports needed to achieve their academic goals; have equitable access to educational opportunities to meet the University's effective performance outcomes, and to effectively participate in all aspects of university life while at Central State University. Additionally, the OAE&A serves as a resource to all members of the University community by assisting all employees and visitors with disabilities to freely and actively participate in all facets of the University.

The OAE&A offers a variety of services and academic supports to students with disabilities based on the nature of the student's disability and academic need. Students with disabilities must register at the OAE&A, with the ADA Compliance Coordinator, upon their acceptance to the university if they desire to receive services and academic supports. All services and academic supports must be approved by the ADA Compliance Coordinator.

If a student has been diagnosed with a disability and received disability services while in high school, the student should be re-evaluated during their senior year because documentation must be current when transitioning to the college environment. Documentation must be completed by a physician, a psychiatrist, a licensed psychologist, or a rehabilitation specialist. Additionally, the documentation should describe functional limitations and should include recommendations for academic supports appropriate to the disability.

Students with disabilities are expected to meet with the Coordinator of ADA Compliance each semester as a part of their transition plan to determine the academic adjustments for the classes in which they are enrolled.

Some referral services to assist students with disabilities in their academic progress may include the following:

  • Tutorial Support for Classes
  • Study Group Assignments
  • Student Support Services
  • Career Planning Workshops
  • Counseling Services Workshops
  • Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD)

Office for Academic Empowerment & Accessibility
Harry M. Lackey / Benjamin F. Lee Health Center

P: 937-376-6479