NOTE: If you know of any resources or links that should be included, or if you have a question that you feel should be answered on this page, please contact us.
On-Campus Resources
Academic Advising Center
133 South Hall
(570) 662-4825
E-mail: Deb Rotella, Director, drotella@mansfield.edu
Office of Services for Students with Disabilities
MU Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator
(570) 662-4052
Student Activities
Third floor, Alumni Hall Student Center
(570) 662-4980
E-mail: Steve Plesac, Director, splesac@mansfield.edu
Summer Courses
Office of the Registrar,
224 South Hall
(570) 662-4873
E-mail: Lori Cass, Registrar, lcass@mansfield.edu
Admissions Office
Ground floor, South Hall
(570) 662-4243
University Counseling Center
144 South Hall
(570) 662-4798
E-mail: Jolene Meisner, Coordinator, jmeisner@mansfield.edu
University Police and Safety
Doane Center
(570) 662-4900
University Telephone for the Deaf (TDD)
(570) 662-4800
In-State Resources
Learning Disabilities Association of America
4156 Library Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15234
(412) 341-1515
PA Coalition for Citizens with Disabilities
101 South Second Street
Suite 4
Harrisburg, PA 17102
(800) 432-3060
(717) 238-0172
PA Department of Public Welfare
P.O. Box 2675
Harrisburg, PA 17105-2675
(800) 692-7462
TriCounty Association for the Blind
1800 N Second Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110
(717) 238 - 2531
info@tricountyblind.org
Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
Grit Building
Suite 102
208 W. Third Street
Williamsport, PA 17701-6401
(800) 442-6359
PA Council for the Blind
919 Walnut Street, 10th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 238-1410
Office of Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Department of Labor and Industry
1308 Labor and Industry Building
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 783-4912 (TTY/Voice)
(800) 233-3008 (TTU/Voice)
Out of State Resources
ADDult Support Network
c/o Mary Jane Johnson
2620 Ivy Avenue
Toledo, OH 43613
Association of Higher Education And Disability (AHEAD)
107 Commerce Center Drive, Suite 204
Huntersville, NC 28078 USA
(704) 947-7779
Attention Deficit Disorder Association
15000 Commerce Parkway, Suite C
Mount Laurel, NJ 08054
Children and Adults with ADD (CHADD)
499 NW 70th Avenue #308
Plantation, FL 33317
(305)587-3700
Council for Exceptional Children
1920 Association Drive
Reston, VA 20191-1589
(800)845-6232
(703)620-3660
Council for Learning Disabilities
11184 Antioch Road
Box 405
Overland Park, KS 66210
Disability Rights Education & Defense Funds
2212 6th Street
Berkeley, CA 94710
(510)644-2555
(800)466-4232 (TDD)
HEATH Resource Center
(Higher Education for the Handicapped)
1 Dupont Circle, Suite 800
Washington, DC 20036-1193
(800)544-3284
National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled
Library of Congress
1291 Taylor Street, NW,
Washington, DC 20542
(800)222-3123
(202)707-9275
Orton Dyslexia Society
Chester Building, Suite 382
8600 LaSalle Road
Baltimore, MD 21286-2044
(800)222-3123
(410)296-0232
President's Committee on Employment of Citizens with Disabilities
1331 F. Street, NW
Washington, DC 20004-1107
(202)376-6200 (Voice)
(202)376-6205 (TDD)
Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic
20 Roszel Road
Princeton, NJ 08540
(609)452-0606
Social Security Office
200 Civic Center Plaza
Corning, NY 14830
(607)936-3743
Social Security
info: (800)772-1213
U.S. Department of Justice Office on the Americans with Disabilities Act
Civil Rights Division
Disability Rights Section
P.O. Box 66738
Washington, DC 2035-6738
(800)514-0301
(800)514-0383 (TDD)
(202)514-6193 (Electronic Bulletin Board)
Related Sites
General Information Sites
- American Association of People with Disabilities
- Council for Exceptional Children
- Disabled Peoples' International
- Index of Additional Sites
- National Library Service
- People with Disabilities
Specific Information Sites
- American Council of the Blind
- Attention Deficit Disorder Association
- Council for Learning Disabilities
- Learning Disabilities Association of America
- National Center for Learning Disabilities
- National Federation for the Blind
- Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic
Education Resources Sites
- Association of Higher Education and Disability
- Disability Rights Education and Defense Funds
- Financial Aid for Disabled Students
- HEATH Resource Center
- Special Education Resources on the Internet
Legal Information Sites
- ABA Commission on Mental and Physical Disability Law
- Government/Legislative Resources
- U.S. Department of Justice Office on the ADA
Assistive Technology & Resources
- Susquehanna Service Dogs
- Assistive Technology Resources
- Resources for Students and Adults with LD
- AbleData
- WebABLE - disability-related internet resources
Support Group Sites
- Ask NOAH About Support Groups (Specific to Conditions)
- Children and Adults with ADD
FAQs
We have provided answers to some of the more commonly asked questions. If you have additional questions or need more specific answers please contact us.
What constitutes a disability?
A disability is defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act 0f 1973 as a mental or physical impairment which substantially limits one or more life activities. Learning is an example of a major life activity. If you have a mental or physical condition, a history of such a condition, or a condition which may be considered by others as substantially limiting, you may have a legally defined disability.
What does substantially limiting mean?
According to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, substantially limiting is defined as being unable to perform a major life activity, or being significantly restricted as to the condition, manner or duration under which a major life activity can be performed (in comparison to the average person or to most people).
What is a major life activity?
According to Section 504, a major life activity is defined as caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working.
What are academic adjustments?
Appropriate academic adjustments create an equal access to education, as long as it doesn't require a substantial change in an essential element of the curriculum. This is determined by the institution. Such modifications may include an adjustment in the amount of time allowed to complete a degree, substitution of degree requirements, and adaptation of the manner in which specific courses are conducted.
If I register for services, will it show up on my permanent record?
No, it won't. What is considered a student's permanent record, which is maintained by the registrar's office, is completely separate from the record maintained in this office.
What arrangements should be made for testing for a disability and what is 'appropriate documentation'?
The checklist provided below is intended to assist you in finding a qualified evaluator to assess for a disability and to inform you as to what documentation is required by our office in order for you to receive services.
Qualifications of Evaluator
- Qualified Evaluator:
- Learning disabilities: licensed or certified psychologist or neuro-psychologist
- All other disabilities: appropriate per the specific disability (e.g., licensed or certified psychologist, neuropsychologist, medical doctor, psychiatrist)
- Assessment report should be typed on letterhead and must be dated, signed and legible
- The name, title and professional credentials of the evaluator must be clearly stated
- The evaluator should be experienced working with adolescents/adults with the particular disability being assessed
Documentation:
The assessment report must be recent and appropriate (i.e., it includes current deficits and their effect(s) on academic functioning).
- Learning disability assessments should include:
- a complete intellectual assessment with all subtests and standard scores reported;
- a comprehensive academic achievement battery with all subtests and standard scores reported;
- an assessment of specific areas of information processing (memory, auditory/visual perception, processing speed, executive functioning, motor ability);
- a statement of the specific diagnosis; and
- a profile of strengths and weaknesses
- Assessments of all other disabilities should include:
- a description of relevant physical or sensory deficits;
- medical diagnosis;
- a medical history of condition and current medication regimen (if any); and
- a psychiatric assessment, if relevant
For further information contact:
- Center of Services for Students with Disabilities at (570) 662-4695, OR
- State System office of social equity at (717) 720-4040
I am a high school senior and I want to attend Mansfield University. I have a learning disability. What do I need to do to register with your office?
Our office is not a direct participant in the admissions process. Prospective students with or without disabilities need to work with the Admissions Office and follow their guidelines. Contact Admissions: (570) 662-4243 or 1-800-577-6825
After a student is admitted to Mansfield University, an appointment can be made with the SSD Coordinator. The student with a learning disability should be prepared to provide a copy of his/her documentation which will be evaluated by our Coordinator. Documentation Guidelines
My transfer GPA is not high enough to get into Mansfield University, but I have a disability that affected my grades. Is there anything your office can do to help me get admitted?
A student in this particular situation is always encouraged to write a letter of explanation and/or appeal (if admission has been denied) detailing his/her academic record. This letter should be sent to the Transfer Admissions Office where it will be reviewed by an admissions committee. Our office is not involved in the admissions process; however, it is used (on occasion) as a resource by the Admissions Office.
I am not doing very well in school this semester, and I believe that I have a learning disability. Can I get tested in your office for that?
Educational testing is not administered in our office. However, the Learning Center does provide a preliminary LD/ADD assessment for Mansfield University students. This screening can indicate the advisability of more specialized assessment. Our office can assist students in finding assessment sources outside the University community.
I am on crutches for a temporary injury. Can I get a special parking permit?
The Mountie Express is available each day for transportation on campus and in the Mansfield community . View the Mountie Express Schedule (pdf). When the Mountie is not running, University Police can provide assistance, call 570-662-4900.
Special Permits (University Issued): If you suffer from illness or injuries that inhibit or significantly limit your mobility and you need a SPECIAL permit, you must obtain a medical excuse from a physician. A letter from your physician must describe the medical condition, the length of time that the permit will be required, and the extent to which the illness or injury significantly inhibits mobility.
View the DMV website for information about state issued Persons with Disabilities Placard.
I have a hand/arm injury. How can I take my tests?
If you feel assistance is necessary, please contact our office. Volunteer scribes may be available for testing and other tasks (such as typing).
I am on crutches/in a wheelchair -- is there any service to help me get to my classes?
Regretfully, there is no special transit on campus for students (or anyone else) with mobility difficulties. However, our staff is adept at problem solving. Give us a call.