Students with Visual Impairments

There are a variety of visual impairments that may affect a student's academic functioning while in college. Depending on the severity and functional limitations caused by the condition, the student may be eligible for services through the Office for Disability Services, ODS. In order for a visual impairment to be considered a disability, the student must demonstrate through documentation that their condition meets the definition of a disability under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 1990. According to these laws, the definition of a disability is a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. ODS requires specific information from both the student and the student's provider to determine if the student's condition is considered a disability under these laws and if the student is eligible to receive academic adjustments, auxiliary aids and/or services.

Students requesting services for a visual impairment through ODS should refer to the following links in this web site:

• Academic Adjustments

• Eligibility for Services

• Penn State's Documentation Guidelines for Visual Impairments

• Verification Form for Visual Impairments

For further information regarding the above links, please contact ODS at 814-863-1807 (V/TTY). ODS encourages a student's health care provider to contact the office regarding Penn State's guidelines. This will assist the student in providing ODS with the appropriate documentation.

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Office for Disability Services
The Pennsylvania State University
116 Boucke Building • University Park, PA 16802
Phone: 814 863-1807 (V/TTY) • Fax: 814 863-3217
Copyright 2006-2007 ODS

Web page last modified October 9, 2006