Through individualized support and compliance with the ADA and Section 504, OADS helps minimize barriers by providing reasonable accommodations tailored to each student’s needs. From your first intake appointment to using your approved accommodations, we’re here to empower your success every step of the way.
At Northwestern State University, we believe every student deserves equal access to opportunity—and that includes full participation in all programs, services, and campus life. The Office of Accessibility and Disability Support (OADS) ensures that students with disabilities have the support and accommodations they need to thrive, both academically and personally.
Register for Services
You must first complete an application related to your disability. Once completed you may begin the intake process in which you will complete the form and attach your application as supporting documentation. If you have an IEP or 504 plan from high school, you may complete the intake form and attach your plan as supporting documentation.
- Please complete the form associated with your diagnosis below.
- ADD/ADHD, Psychological, and Learning Disabilities Form
- Physical and Medical Impairment
- Voter Declaration Form (Submit with Application)
- Voter Registration Form (Optional)
- Release of Information (Optional)
If you are not currently registered with OADS, please go to the following page to start the intake process.
- Once the intake application is completed and submitted, Mrs. Crissey Smith will contact you to schedule your consultation.
- Finally, the OADS Director will prepare Accommodation Letters for qualified students. ALL students enrolled in face-to-face and online courses will have Accommodation Letters emailed to their assigned instructors.
- Please be aware that OADS may take up to 2 weeks to process new accommodation requests.
Academic Accommodations
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Testing Support: Extended time, reduced-distraction locations, readers, scribes (including Scantron help), and use of word processors for essays.
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Coursework Support: Note-taking assistance, flexibility with spelling/grammar, lecture recording (with permissions), and materials in alternate formats.
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Technology Access: Magnifiers, digital recorders, captioning via Microsoft Stream, laptops with visual aids, and large screens in student computer labs.
Accessible Facilities & Resources
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Open Book Scanning available at Watson Library
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Modified Seating with accessible tables and chairs
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Textbooks in digital formats (when available)
Priority Registration
Students registered with OADS may receive early course registration to ensure time for arranging services like alternative textbooks or captioning. This benefit won’t override account holds or guarantee enrollment in full classes.
Learn more: Registrar’s Office
Housing Accommodations
Accessible housing is available through Campus Living Villages. OADS will work with you and housing staff to make sure your living space meets your needs.
Explore options: Campus Housing
Campus Transportation
Shuttle services are available for students with permanent or temporary disabilities. To schedule rides, contact OADS at (318) 357-4460 or Campus Police at (318) 357-5431.
Parking
Accessible parking spaces are available to students with a valid NSU parking permit and a state-issued placard, both of which must be registered with Campus Police.
Service Animals
Service animals are welcome on campus and in university buildings. Owners are responsible for their care and control at all times. NSU reserves the right to remove animals that pose a safety risk.
Note Takers
Peer note-takers can be arranged based on need and class type. OADS works with faculty to identify volunteers—student identity will only be shared with consent.
Exam Requests
The OADS office provides for testing environments accessible to all people, while working toward the goal of full inclusion. Accommodations are provided on an individual basis. The OADS office works with instructors to determine ways to developed alternatives for students in order to guarantee that access and equality are achieved during testing, while academic rigor is preserved. OADS offers extended time, distraction free environments, modifies and alternate format-converting from computerized test to pen and paper, calculators, access to spellcheck, scribes and readers, and oral exams.
Student Responsibility and Procedures for Testing Accommodations:
- OADS registered students must deliver the Accommodation Letter to all face-to-face instructors before testing begins. For online classes, an email from the OADS director is sent to the instructor.
- Notify the instructor and OADS office 48 hours, at least two business days, before the test. OADS registered students should complete this form Request OADS Exam. Completion and submission of the form will inform OADS staff and your instructor of your request. Final exams request forms MUST be submitted at least 5 business days prior to your exam.
- The instructor will deliver the test to the OADS office. If the test will be taken on Moodle, the instructor will contact an Electronic Learning’s Support Specialist to make accommodation arrangements.
- Students must arrive on time, which is strictly during your actual class testing period, at the OADS office in order to take the test.
- Please call (318) 357-4460 or email oads@nsula.edu if you have questions about the test taking procedures.
*When you schedule an exam please remember OADS hours of operation are:
- Monday – Thursday 8am – 5pm
- Friday 8 am – 12pm
When scheduling your exams, please ensure that you allow enough time to finish before OADS closes for the day. For example, if you are allotted two hours for an exam, you should begin no later than 3:00 p.m. The only exception to this policy is during Finals Week.
