Shippensburg University is committed to inclusion, belonging, and social equity, and that includes serving students with disabilities. You belong at Shippensburg University.
The Office of Accessibility Resources (OAR) works with departments across the university and students to lay the foundation of equal educational access to otherwise qualified individuals.
Examples of disabilities include, but are not limited to:
- Learning Disabilities (e.g. reading, writing, math, language)
- Chronic health conditions (e.g. diabetes, seizure disorders, autoimmune disorders, arthritis, cancer, POTS, Crohn's disease, etc)
- ADHD
- Physical disabilities and mobility-related conditions (e.g. use of mobility aids, wheelchair, or adaptive furniture)
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
- Mental health conditions (e.g. anxiety disorders, major depressive disorder, PTSD, Bipolar disorder, etc.)
- Blindness and low vision
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and concussion-related conditions
- Deafness and hard of hearing
- Temporary disabilities - disabilities existing only for a short period of time (6-months or less) as a result of injuries, or short-term medical conditions.
The Office of Accessibility Resources coordinates accommodations and services for students with documented disabilities in compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008.
Request Accomodations
Step 1: Complete an Accommodation Request
The first step in requesting accommodations is to self-identify as a student with a disability. Please complete the request form below to begin this process.
Visit this page for more information about the Accommodate software.
Step 2: Provide Documentation
Please note that there is an option to upload documentation with a completed Accommodation Request Form. If a digital copy of documentation is not available, documentation can be hand delivered, faxed, or emailed (before the Intake Meeting) to the Office of Accessibility Resources at:
Mowrey Hall, Room 252
Fax: (717) 477-4094
Step 3: Intake Meeting
After the request and documentation are submitted and reviewed by our professional staff, the student will receive an email (student's Ship email address) with instructions on scheduling an Intake Meeting in our office.
Log Into Accommodate
Available Services
Accommodations are approved on a case-by-case basis. This may include, but is not limited to:
- Extended time for tests
- Distraction Reduced Testing Environment
- Note-taking services
- Audio Recording of Lecture
- Reader/scribe/laptop for exams
- Housing accommodations
Housing Accommodations
Housing Accommodations are reserved for individuals whose documentation illustrates clear and substantial need for a particular living environment or location due to a disability. Students with specific housing needs due to a disability must complete an Accommodation Request Form and submit documentation of their disability.
Housing accommodations are approved on a case-by-case basis after a review of documentation and current availability. After the request and documentation are submitted and reviewed by our professional staff, the student will receive an email to schedule an intake meeting.
- For Incoming Students: If the request for an accommodation is made after the established deadline for housing applications has lapsed, the Office of Accessibility Resources cannot guarantee the requested accommodation during the first term of occupancy.
- For Current Students: If the need for a housing accommodation arises when an individual already resides in university housing, the student should contact the Office of Accessibility Resources as soon as possible. Due to housing assignments and the administrative needs associated with processing requests for accommodations, Shippensburg University cannot guarantee that it will be able to meet the accommodation needs during the semester or term in which the request is received.
Housing accommodations are established on an annual basis. A request for housing accommodations must be resubmitted each year. A specific residence hall or roommate(s) cannot be guaranteed. The Housing Agreement must be signed before housing accommodations can be assigned.
Scholarships
There are three scholarships through the Shippensburg University Foundation specifically for students registered with the Office of Accessibility Resources.
Student Lounge
This lounge is designed to provide a comfortable and welcoming environment for OAR students to relax, connect, and recharge between classes.
Honor Society
Delta Alpha Pi is an international honor society that recognizes high-achieving students with disabilities who are pursuing post-secondary education.
Advisory Board
The OAR Advisory Board members share feedback and ideas, help inform OAR initiatives and services, and act as OAR representatives at campus events. Through their involvement, students help promote equal access, inclusion, and a more accessible campus community.
Office of Accessibility Resources Staff
Shelbie D’Annibale, M.S.
Mowrey 269
swdannibale@ship.edu
Shelbie received her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Master’s degree in Organizational Development and Leadership here at Ship. She has been working with college students with disabilities for over a decade including at a community college, a private liberal arts college and now at her alma mater. She lives close to campus with her husband, three daughters, and many pets.
Alex Coombs
Alex is the Assistant Director the Office of Accessibility Resources and a Ship alum. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and his Master’s degree in Organizational Development & Leadership - both right here at Ship. He also worked here at Ship when he was a student as a Team Lead in the University Bookstore and as a Graduate Assistant for the Sociology/Anthropology department. He is married and has five pets, all of whom he loves very much.
Brandy Linn
Mowrey 252
Office: (717) 477-1364
Fax: (717) 477-4094
bjlinn@ship.edu
Brandy attended Franklin County Career and Technology Center (Marketing) and Hagerstown Community College (Education). She married her high school sweetheart and has three beautiful daughters. She is on the Tuscarora School District School Board and she loves to serve and give back to her family, church, and community.