NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University’s Office of Accessibility and Disability Support welcomed guests to a newly renovated space where students are more comfortable and staff better able to meet their needs.
OADS serves students with disabilities by providing the accommodations they need to thrive academically and personally. Director Crissey Smith said the OADS staff helped 315 students this semester, up from 275 last semester.
The center offers accommodations for testing, coursework and technology for qualified students. Staff also includes Administrative Coordinator Rachel Cunningham and Test Coordinator Laura Hogg.
“The newly renovated space and staff will enable us to continue to expand our services to reach more students here at NSU,” Smith said. “With increased size, the facility offers enhanced privacy and a more tranquil environment, better supporting student needs. In the fall semester, we observed a rise in students signed up for services, serving 350 students compared to 300 during the previous fall. This growth underscores the critical role of the Office of Accessibility and Disability Support in providing essential resources. Beyond virtual communication, our office is committed to delivering support through a warm, welcoming and inclusive in-person environment.”
“This space is meeting our ever changing and diverse population of students, letting every student know they are supported and encouraged,” said Reatha Cox, vice president for the Student Experience and dean of Students. “OADS plays a vital role in ensuring that our students have equitable access to the opportunities and experiences that NSU provides.”
The center is located in Room 111 of Eugene P. Watson Memorial Library, formerly the Louisiana Documents room, where almost 500 shelving units were removed, walls repainted with assistance from the NSU football team and art by Professor Corbin Covher added. It’s just around the corner from NSU’s Academic Success Center and students can test quietly in a multifunctional space with adjustable height tables and moveable furniture that can be reconfigured as needed. The renovation was made possible with input from Cox, Administrative Assistant Sonya Fair, Director of Student Affairs Dr. Yonna Pasch, Executive Vice President and Provost Dr. Greg Handel, Director of University Affairs Jen Kelly and Director of Libraries Dr. Megan Lowe.
Information on NSU’s Office of Accessibility and Disability Support is available at
https://www.nsula.edu/student-resources/office-of-accessibility-and-disability-support/.