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Services for Students with Disabilities

Apply for Services

Student walking from library

The office of Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) requires Fresno State students to follow the outlined procedures below to establish academic accommodations and services. More information is provided below on Applying for Services with SSD, please contact the SSD office by email at ssdstaff@mail.fresnostate.edu or by phone at 559-278-2811 for more information.

Apply for Services at SSD and at SSSD-TRIO

It is the responsibility of the student to make their disability status and need for accommodation known to the university.  The following are the steps students can take in order to receive accommodations while at Fresno State.

  • Students must complete an mySSD Online Application.  Documentation or information regarding the disability from a doctor, practitioner, or other qualified individual should be uploaded to the application.  IEP/504 plan documents may be considered based on content.
  • Make an appointment for an initial interview with an Access Specialist (AS). When you meet with the AS, you will discuss the functional limitations you may experience while on campus and different accommodations that may be helpful to you.
  • Additional appointments may be necessary for training and orientation in using specific accommodations to best serve the student.

Student Support Services for Students with Disabilities (SSSD) - TRIO

Fresno State was awarded a grant to establish a new Student Support Services Program for students with disabilities; TRiO - SSSD. The program will be coordinated as part of our existing Services for Students with Disabilities program. For the first time on our campus, disabled college students who are also first-generation and low-income will benefit from a sizable grant awarded to Fresno State by the U.S. Department of Education's TRiO Student Support Services program. 

To access the TRiO - Student Support Services Application for Services, please visit SSD's Forms page.

For more information on the TRiO please visit the TRiO - Student Support Services website.

SSD Virtual Transfer Orientation Day is May 5, 2022! 

SSD Transfer Orientation Day happens each Spring.  It’s a day to celebrate our incoming first time and transfer students, who will be eligible to utilize SSD services when they arrive at Fresno State.  SSD will be hosting the first ever Virtual Transfer Orientation Day in 2022!

Date:  Thursday, May 5, 2022

  • Session Time: 9:00am-11:00am

Join us virtually and meet our SSD and TRiO-SSSD Staff, learn about the process to set up services with Fresno State SSD, and learn more about the ways our team and campus can support you!  

Registration: Coming soon!!

If you plan on virtually attending the Transfer Orientation Day, please complete the registration form at the link above.  If you need assistance with the registration form, or if you have any questions please contact us at ssdstaff@mail.fresnostate.edu.



Prospective Students: First-Time Freshman and Transfer Students

  • The student should make sure to sign up for the University DOG DAYS new student orientation program. For more information on DOG DAYS please visit the DOG DAYS website.
  • Once the student has registered for Dog Days orientation, they should complete an SSD online application. Documentation or information regarding the disability from a doctor, practitioner, or other qualified individual should be uploaded to the application. IEP/504 plan documents may be considered based on content.
  • Make an appointment for an initial interview with an Access Specialist (AS). When you meet with the AS, you will discuss the functional limitations you may experience while on campus and different accommodations that may be helpful to you.
  • Additional appointments may be necessary for training and orientation in using specific accommodations to best serve the student.
  • Please Note: If the student has a visual impairment or learning disability that requires textbooks in alternate formats, they should schedule an appointment with an Access Specialist soon after attending Dog DaysDays so textbook arrangements can be made prior to the start of the semester.

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Description Secondary Education Postsecondary Education
Federal Laws
  • Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
  • Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
  • The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA).
  • Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
  • The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA).
Purpose of Legislation
  • To ensure that all eligible students with disabilities have available free and appropriate public education (FAPE).
  • To ensure that no otherwise qualified person with a disability be denied access to, or the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination by any program or activity provided by any public institution or entity (504/ADA) *Also secondary.
Eligibility
  • For special education services
  • All infants, children, and youth (0 through 21 years) with disabilities (as defined by the state Administrative Rules for Special Education, and/or the ADA.
  • For disability services
  • Anyone who meets the entry level-age criteria of the college and who can document the existence of a disability as defined by Section 504 and ADA.
Documentation
(Please note: For certain national or standardized exams at the collegiate level, an IEP from High school may not be sufficient documentation.)
  • School districts are responsible for providing trained personnel to assess eligibility and plan educational services.
  • Students are responsible for obtaining disability documentation from a professional who is qualified to assess their particular disability.
Receiving Services
  • School districts are responsible for identifying students with disabilities, designing special instruction, and/or providing accommodations.
  • Students are responsible for telling Disability Services staff that they have a disability, and for requesting accommodations for each class. Accommodations (not special education) are provided so students with disabilities can access the educational programs or courses used by other students.
Self-Advocacy
  • Students with disabilities learn about their disability, the importance of self-advocacy, the accommodations they need, and how to be a competent self-advocate.
  • Students must be able to describe their disability, identify strengths and weaknesses, and identify any accommodations needed and how to be a competent self-advocate.

For more information, please visit SSD’s Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) or contact the SSD office by email at ssdstaff@mail.fresnostate.edu or by phone at 559-278-2811 for more information.