Columbia University Health Services

The Office of Disability Services (ODS) empowers students with disabilities to realize their academic and personal potential by facilitating equal access and coordinating reasonable accommodations and support services for eligible students. This approach is consistent with the spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act and places an emphasis on a student’s ability and independence. 

Reasonable Accommodations are adjustments to policy, practice, and programs that “level the playing field” for students with disabilities and provide equal access to Columbia’s programs and activities. Examples include services such as note-taking, sign language interpreters, assistive technology, and coordination of accessible housing needs. Accommodation plans and services are customized to match the disability-related needs of each student and are determined according to documentation and the student’s program requirements.

Registration includes submission of both the Application for Accommodations and Services and disability documentation. There are separate application forms for Undergraduate and Graduate students. Disability documentation guidelines have been established based on disability type.

General Documentation Guidelines (PDF)

Learning Disability Documentation Guidelines (PDF)

ADD/ADHD Documentation Guidelines (PDF)

Psychiatric Disability Documentation Guidelines (PDF)

Sensory Disability Documentation Guidelines (PDF)

After review of a student’s documentation and application, ODS will coordinate services and accommodations based on eligibility and an appointment will be set up for an orientation session. ODS works with students with various types of disabilities including learning, physical, hearing, visual, psychological, and chronic medical conditions.

Disability Services Liaisons are representatives from the student’s respective school who assist ODS in coordinating the provision of reasonable accommodations. A complete list of the liaisons for each school is available online or at the ODS office.

2920 Broadway, Mail Code 2605
Alfred Lerner Hall, Room 802
New York, NY 10027

212 854 2388
212 854 2378 (TTY)
disability@columbia.edu

Office Hours
Monday - Friday 9am to 5pm