1. The Office of Disability Support Services

2. Contact Information
127 Pryz
dss.cua.edu

3. Who we serve ADHD Learning Disabilities
Physical / mobility Impairments
Health Impairments
Autism Spectrum Disorders
Psychological / Psychiatric
DSS provided services for 480 undergraduate, graduate, and law school students in , a 3% increase of students served the previous year
ADHD: ADHD, ADD, Executive Functioning Deficits
Learning Disabilities: Processing Speed Disorder, Math, Reading Comprehension, Written Expression, Dyslexia, Dysgraphia
Physical / mobility impairments: symptoms of chronic health impairment, amputees, spinal cord injury
Health Impairments: Arthritis, Cystic Fibrosis, Epilepsy, Migraines, Chronic Health Issues
Autism Spectrum Disorders: PDD-NOS, Aspergers, ASD
Psychological/ Psychiatric: anxiety, panic attacks, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar, PTSD
Visually Impaired / Blind
Hearing Impaired / Deaf
Temporary Disabilities: broken limb, concussion, surgery, complications from pregancy
Head Injury: concussion, post-concussion syndrome, TBI
Visually
Impaired
Hearing Impaired
Temporary Disabilities
Head
Injury

4. Staff Members Dr. Phil Magalong - Director
Caitlin Rothwell - Assistant Director
Paul Fontaine - Technology Coordinator
Santana DeJesus - Administrative Assistant
Michelle Garrard - Braille Transcriptionist
Danielle Gillon- Testing Administrator
Natalie Ridgely, Amanda McCleary, Joey Garnett, Merry Baronas, Caroline Van Kampen, Maria Andronicou, & Tanisha Jarvis- Learning Specialists

5. Eligibility Abroad
Students registered with DSS who have classroom and testing accommodations at Catholic U are also eligible for overseas accommodation when it can be arranged.
Before departure, students are encouraged to speak with DSS to identify the reasonable accommodations they may need overseas.
Students should always request a letter of accommodation before they leave. Accommodations are not retroactive

6. Accessibility Overseas
Just as cultures differ, so do disability accommodations and perceptions. The key for any study abroad participant is flexibility. Always ask programs about their accessibility before committing to the program.
It is important to communicate your needs before you go abroad and consider alternative ways to meet them. DSS and CUAbroad are here to assist you before and during your trip abroad.

7. Students with mobility and sensory impairments
For students with mobility and sensory impairments, they should work with DSS and CUAborad to ensure that potential programs are accessible to them.
For supplemental information, students are encouraged to contact Mobility International for assistance in finding programs and overseas support services.

8. Mental Health
Living in a new community and new culture can be difficult to any student, and especially for students with mental health issues
Students should work with their clinician at home to get clearance for studying abroad, as well as understanding how they can receive support while abroad
Perceptions of mental health differ around the world; research the culture(s) you are going to and plan a few answers to typical questions.

9. Quick Tips for students with disabilities going overseas
Inform program staff that you are working with DSS, so appropriate arrangements and reasonable accommodations can be made in advance.
Remember that other cultures may provide disability access in a different way. Learn about what types of accommodation are typically provided in your host country, and be flexible and open to different ways to accommodate you.
Before you go, find out as much as you can about your host culture and how they view disability by reading, talking to other students, and attending pre-departure orientation sessions. The more you know, the better prepared you will be for the interaction between your disability and the new environment.
Think about how you will answer questions about your disability in the language of your host country—look up key vocabulary words ahead of time.

10. Questions