Yale University has set a mandate for inclusivity and accessibility for all members of its community. To that end, there are many resources available to meet the diverse needs of faculty, staff and students.
Yale’s Resource Office on Disabilities is the central and primary point of contact for all university assistance needs. This office works university-wide so that all students can be supported with course accommodations, transportation resources, dietary restriction support and much more. The Student Information page on their website provides a good overview of the resources available to you. If you anticipate having accessibility needs while at Yale, we strongly recommend that you register with them as soon as possible. They can often be flooded at the beginning of the year.
The university also provides targeted resources to address the needs of our digital age. Earlier this year, Yale adopted a new Web Accessibility policy. Check out the web page on Usability and Accessibility at Yale to learn how Yale is working to make all websites and online platforms accessible for people with disabilities.
The Office for Equal Opportunity Programs is the most important contact for policy inquiries. They are the ones who keep track of the university’s compliance with large-scale programs that ensure equal opportunity in the case of students as well as employees and applications for admissions. There is also a Provost Advisory Committee on Resources for Students and Employees with Disabilities appointed each year by the provost, which allows members of the university community to advise on disability issues more directly.
Within the Divinity School, the staff of the Office of Student Affairs, whom you met on the blog earlier this week, are available to support each YDS student with their accessibility needs. Each member of this office is dedicated to helping you navigate your personal, academic, professional, and spiritual identities with one-on-one support and connection to resources within the Yale community. Their goal is to make sure you have the tools to flourish while you are in school. Get to know them online, and look for them around the quad during BTFO!