Announcements:

Fall '26 Accommodation Requests 

Students seeking accommodations for the Fall 2026 semester should submit their request by November 20, 2026 by 5 p.m. EST. Requests received after this date may not be reviewed and implemented before the end of the Fall 2026 semester.

Fall '26 Finals Week

Due to the high volume of exams during Finals Week, all requests to test with ODS must be submitted in Accommodate within the reservation window opening in November in order to be scheduled. Registered students will receive an email prior to Finals Week with detailed instructions once the seats are available to schedule in Accommodate.

Not adhering to this timeframe increases the possibility that ODS will be unable to proctor the student's exam. We strongly encourage student to plan ahead and submit their requests early. 

Mission

The Office of Disability Services (ODS) collaborates with the JMU community providing programs and support services that promote and advocate for accessible learning environments that value disability. 

Vision

To be a strategic campus partner in leading and uniting the JMU community in creating a culture of systemic access through intentional holistic design.

Values

• Access: We view access as a direct and urgent need to help dismantle current and historical barriers faced by marginalized groups, including people with disabilities. 
• Universal Design: We promote this intentional philosophy to support design of accessible experiences and learning spaces for all. 
• Ethical Integrity: We hold ourselves to a high standard of ethical reasoning and support for academic integrity as a foundation for building and maintaining trusting relationships. 
• Innovation: We explore new ways to solve problems and create accessibility solutions.  
• Collaboration: We partner with the university community to protect both academic quality and accessibility.
• Self-determination: We support the autonomy of students and promote the development of self-advocacy. 
• Student-focus: We center our services around students to best support their needs and rights. 

Confidentiality Statement

All information obtained in diagnostic and medical reports will be maintained and used in accordance with applicable confidentiality requirements. All contact information and documentation received in Disability Services is kept in separate confidential files within the office.