Burton Tower after a snow storm

Overview of the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD)

The mission of the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) is to support the University’s commitment to equity and diversity by providing support services and academic accommodations to students with disabilities. Students with visual, mobility, and hearing impairments; learning disabilities; ADHD; and mental health, chronic health or temporary conditions are encouraged to register with SSD.

The SSD office provides accommodations and services free of charge to students that register with us. Depending on the type and severity of the disability, the SSD office makes every effort to provide the appropriate accommodation for academic success and access. We also promote awareness of disability issues, facilitate accessible campus transportation (Paratransit), offer assistive technology services, and provide support of a decentralized system of access for students within the University community.

Other Resources and Support Available through SSD

Academic Coaching is a working partnership that focuses on the process of learning. With an academic coach, students examine their learning styles, habits of working, and current difficulties or barriers to success. Together this team (coach and student) works to create and implement effective strategies. Students registered with SSD should see an academic coach for help with individualized learning strategies, study habits, time management, project management, task breakdown, goal setting, and self-advocacy.

Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) are also available weekly. Through PASS, students work collaboratively during sessions that are designed to develop learning strategies, establish healthy study habits, and cultivate self-advocacy.

College Navigation Workshops are available through SSD and focus on organization, time management, self-efficacy and campus resources. Registered SSD students are encouraged to participate in sessions throughout the year.

Please visit the SSD website for more information regarding academic coaching, PASS or workshops.

In addition to these resources, the Knox Center is a quiet, accessible computer lab for use by registered SSD students. Assistive computer software is available on most public machines, and SSD can provide or fund some types of personal digital technology. Due to COVID-19, the Knox Center is currently closed until further notice. However, the consultation staff can be contacted at Sites.Knox@umich.edu.

Academic Accommodations

If your student had academic accommodations in school before (such as an IEP) or has a condition or an injury where they may need support in classes, we encourage them to register with SSD to get support that can help them be successful at Michigan. Step-by-step instructions for registering can be found online.