Prospective Students
Introduction to the Office for Disability & Access
Academic adjustments and accommodations are determined on a case-by-case basis. We've provided general information to help in your transition to Oberlin. The Office for Disability & Access (ODA) is organized to ensure students equal access without altering the fundamental nature or goals of a program, the pedagogy of a course, or the institution.
Browse our guidelines, policies, and useful tips designed to welcome you to and familiarize you with the Oberlin community.
Admission to Oberlin College
By law, a student need not disclose their disability either before or after admission to college. However, a student may choose to disclose a disability during the admissions process or after enrollment.
The student with a disability must be 'otherwise qualified' and meet the same academic standards for admission as any other student. In order to receive accommodations as a student with a disability, the student must contact ODA to self-identify and complete the registration process.
While there are many resources available to all Oberlin College students, the ODA provides accommodations specifically for students with disabilities. Our office does not provide personal services such as transportation or personal aides.
Transitioning to Higher Education
Different rules govern disability resources in college than in K-12 programs (IDEA no longer applies and college students have no IEP); therefore, accommodations at Oberlin may vary from those previously received in high school. In college, it is the student’s right and responsibility to request accommodations as privacy laws actually restrict the sharing of certain types of information with others (including parents) without the student's expressed, written consent.
The ODA staff is available to assist students during their transition to Oberlin and throughout their college experience.