Disability Services

Ursuline provides accommodations – and support, inspiration, and welcome – for students who have documented physical, psychological or learning disabilities.

Students with documented disabilities, including those with documented physical, psychological and learning disabilities, may be eligible for reasonable accommodations. Students who would like to request disability-related accommodations should contact the Director of Disability Services. Students may schedule an appointment to discuss the accommodation process and their requests by emailing Beth Thompson.

Accommodations

Accommodations for students with disabilities are determined on an individual basis. The accommodation process is an interactive process between the student, their healthcare provider(s) and the Director of Disability Services. To find out more about the documentation required in order to evaluate an accommodation request, please contact Beth Thompson. Students are responsible for initiating accommodation requests.

FOCUS Program for Students with Disabilities

The FOCUS program provides students with documented disabilities a comprehensive support program while at Ursuline College. The FOCUS program is aimed at:

• Helping students make the transition into college life.
• Guiding students to the appropriate campus resources and using them effectively.
• Working with students on self-advocacy.
• Developing strategies with students to apply to academic success. Examples include: time management, organization, and study skills.

All Stages of FOCUS

• Individual orientation into the program and review of schedule
• Priority registration for classes and co-advising
• Assistance navigating and connecting to resources like a personal librarian, supplemental or peer tutoring, and counseling services
• Support with executive functioning
• Support with social connections
• Mid-term progress monitoring and support with communication with faculty/staff
• Self-advocacy education
• Connections to appropriate community resources

FOCUS Stage 1: ($800/semester)

30 minutes once a week with disability specialist OR 1 hour every other week with disability specialist

FOCUS Stage 2: ($1,600/semester)

1 hour once a week with disability specialist

FOCUS Stage 3: ($4,000/semester)*

2 hours once a week with disability specialist and 1 hour of professional tutoring per week

FOCUS Stage 4: ($4,800/semester)*

2 hours a week with disability specialist and 2 hours of professional tutoring per week

* Tier 3 and 4 are for students who want intensive academic support or those who want extra accountability and assistance

What is required to be in the FOCUS program?

To be eligible to participate in the FOCUS program, students must first meet the admissions requirements of Ursuline College and be accepted to the college. Students must also have a diagnosed disability and provide the Director of Disability Services with supporting documentation of their disability. Please contact the Director of Disability Services for more details regarding documentation.

How do I apply to be part of the FOCUS program?

Students interested in enrolling in FOCUS should contact the Director of Disability Services to schedule a meeting to discuss their interest in the program. Phone conferences can be scheduled if the student is not able to meet on campus.

Can students use any financial aid they may be awarded towards the cost of the FOCUS program?

Yes, students who are awarded financial aid may apply their aid towards the cost of the program. Your local Rehabilitation Service Commission may be able to provide financial assistance. If in Ohio, contact Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities for more information https://ood.ohio.gov/information-for-individuals

Do students in the FOCUS program take the same classes as other Ursuline students?

Yes, students enrolled in FOCUS take the same classes and have the same program requirements and expectations as students who are not enrolled in FOCUS.

If I participate in the FOCUS program my first semester at Ursuline do I have to remain in the program the whole time I am enrolled at Ursuline?

No, students are under no obligation to remain in FOCUS. Eligible students may fluctuate between different stages of the FOCUS program each semester according to the number of credit hours they have and other personal factors. The Director of Disability Services can help eligible students choose the stage that is best for them. Students may also choose to step out of the FOCUS program and then return provided they still meet the eligibility requirements.

Can student athletes participate in the program?

Yes, students athletes who meet the eligibility requirements of the program may enroll. The Director of Disability Services will schedule FOCUS meetings that do not conflict with the student athlete’s athletic schedule.

Can students with disabilities request academic and housing accommodations without being in the FOCUS program?

Yes, students with disabilities may request disability-related accommodations without being in FOCUS. Students with disabilities should connect with the Director of Disability Services to initiate the accommodation request process. All accommodations are evaluated on an individual basis.

I do not have a diagnosed disability, can I still have the support of the FOCUS program?

Only students with documented disabilities are eligible for the program. Student who suspect they may have an undiagnosed disability may contact the Disability Specialist for referrals to community resources that can do neuropsychological assessments and other evaluations.

How do I find out more about the FOCUS program?

Students and families can find out more about the program by contacting Beth Thompson or calling 440.449.2046.

FOCUS FACT SHEET