Support Students through Referrals to the Office of Disability Resource

This message was shared with faculty and professional staff members on March 11, 2026.

Dear Colleagues,

As partners in advancing student success, we want to remind you of an important pathway for supporting students who may benefit from disability accommodations. Many students navigate these conversations for the first time in college, and your response, whether in office hours, after class, or via email, can make a meaningful difference in accessing the resources they need.

If a student requests an accommodation or discloses a disability

Please refer them to the Office of Disability Resources (ODR) and follow up with a brief email that includes ODR's contact information. Written referrals are required by ODR policy, even after in-person conversations. Examples of referral email language can be found on the ODR website.

To ensure students receive appropriate, individualized support, ODR asks faculty to avoid suggesting specific accommodations in their referrals. ODR will work directly with the student to review requests and determine next steps through a formal review process. As a reminder, it is not appropriate to ask someone whether they have a disability.

If a student appears to be experiencing challenges but has not disclosed a disability

You're encouraged to share information about the range of supportive services available across campus. Offering resource information in a general and welcoming way empowers students to explore options independently while maintaining their privacy.

For more information or specific guidance, visit the ODR referrals page or contact ODR directly at disability@drexel.edu.

Thank you for helping foster an inclusive and supportive community.

Sincerely,

Leslie Ashburn-Nardo, PhD
Vice Provost for Faculty Excellence & Academic Culture

Kate Chiumento, EdD
Director, Office of Disability Resources