The Office of Disability Support Services

Contact Information 127 Pryz 202-319-5211 cua-dss@cua.edu dss.cua.edu

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 2016-2017, 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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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