Office of Academic Empowerment and Accessibility

At the Office of Academic Empowerment and Accessibility (OAEA), we aim to ensure a secure and hospitable setting for students with disabilities to excel in their academic and personal pursuits. Our primary mission is to provide unwavering support to these students in every possible way by:

  • Ensuring equal access in the classroom and throughout the University campus.
  • Determining accommodations that are appropriate and consistent with sufficient documentation and the overall needs of students.
  • Connecting students to learning strategies and assistive technology.
  • Empowering students toward self-advocacy.
  • Providing support and consultation to faculty and staff regarding accommodations and legal compliance responsibilities.
  • Increasing University-wide disability awareness and sensitivity.

The OAEA supports students with temporary and permanent visible or invisible disabilities that may include but are not limited to learning; ADD/ADHD; autism spectrum disorder; physical; visual; mental health; deaf or hard of hearing; speech; chronic health conditions; and asthma and allergies.

Central State University is committed to providing equal access to its programs, courses, activities, events, and services. As required by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Central State will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified students with disabilities.

  • Students who self-identify with the OAEA can access various services and programs including, but not limited to, the following:

    • Qualification and determination support for accommodations
    • Learning strategy coaching sessions
    • Student self-advocacy support
    • Accessibility resources
    • Workforce Recruitment Program
    • Ohio College2Careers Program 
    • Temporary accommodations for Conditions due to physical injury, short-term impairments, or pregnancy

  • Accommodations are legitimate, legal, and determined on a voluntary and individual basis. Common accommodations at Central State University include but are not limited to extended time for exams and assignments; testing in a distraction-reduced environment; proctoring support; Flexibility in the Attendance Policy; advanced access to instructional content; recording of lectures; note-taking assistance; access to adaptive equipment; preferential seating; priority registration; housing; emotional support animals; and meal plan/food allergy.

Guidelines for submitting documentation

The OAEA requires current and relevant documentation in order to determine reasonable accommodations that qualify under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA defines a disability as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.

Review the guidelines

Steps to request services

The process for requesting services through the OAEA is simple. Students who need continuing accommodations after their initial intake semester must request their accommodations every semester of enrollment. Accommodations are not retroactive, and they do not carry over from semester to semester.

  • Students may voluntarily self-identify at any time before admission or after enrollment at Central State.

    1. Complete the Self-Disclosure Intake form and Release of Information form. Depending on the type of request, other forms may be required. During this step, gather sufficient documentation and information identifying the functional limitations of one's disability or medical condition. Examples of documentation include the following:

      • Individualized Education Program (IEP)
      • Evaluation Team Report (ETR)
      • 504 plan
      • Educational, psychological, or medical records
      • Verification Form of a Disability (provided by the OAEA based upon disability)

    2. Before your intake appointment, completed forms and documents may be emailed to oaea@centralstate.edu, faxed to 937-376-6647, or dropped off at the Health Center on Brush Row Road. 

    3. Your intake meeting may take place virtually or in person. Upon receiving forms and documentation, the ADA compliance coordinator will schedule a meeting to determine qualification of services. An intake meeting may take up to two hours.

    4. Receive a determination on the request for services and create an accommodation plan. 

    Contact us

    Health Center
    1400 Brush Row Road
    Wilberforce, Ohio 45384
    O: 937-376-6479
    F: 937-376-6647
    E: oaea@centralstate.edu