The Student Disability Resources (SDR) office provides students with disability accommodations to minimize the effects of their disabilities. SDR is responsible for coordinating support services, reasonable academic accommodations, and promoting disability awareness and education in the university community.

Visit the SDR homepage for location, hours of service, and contact information.

How do I know if I am eligible for services?

To be eligible for services from SDR, you must have a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 2008 (ADAAA) and Section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973. ADAAA and Section 504 define a person with a disability as anyone who has a physical or mental impairment (diagnosis) which substantially limits one or more major life activities. To learn more, please read our eligibility webpage.

I am not sure if my disability qualifies, what should I do?

Schedule a meeting with Student Disability Resources! A Disability Coordinator can meet with you in person or virtually to discuss eligibility, documentation guidelines, and services.

Does an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or a 504 plan get automatically transferred and implemented in college?

No! Students must self-disclose their disability to a member of the Student Disability Resource team. Students must reach out to SDR to schedule an intake to meet with their Disability Coordinator, discuss eligibility, review documentation and eligibility for services at Penn State Harrisburg.

What accommodations are available to me?

Academic accommodations are designed to ensure access to course content and programming while mitigating disability-related functional limitations that may adversely impact a student’s ability to fully participate in a course or show mastery of content during routine course work and examinations. The Disability Coordinator engages students in an interactive process and reviews requests for accommodations on an individualized, case-by-case basis.

When can I schedule an intake meeting?

As soon as possible! We encourage students to contact SDR early in the semester, but we are available at any point to meet with students to discuss eligibility, documentation guidelines, and services.

Can I get my emotional support animal approved for campus housing?

Once the student has signed a housing contract with Penn State Harrisburg, they will need to complete the “Request for Emotional Support Animal in University Housing Form” and schedule an appointment with Student Disability Resources to review all necessary documentation prior to approval. Student Disability Resources cannot serve as an approved provider for acquiring an emotional support animal.

Will my information be kept confidential?

The Student Disability Resources (SDR) Office is committed to ensuring that all information regarding a student is maintained confidentially as required or permitted by law. Any information collected is used for the benefit of the student. This information may include psychoeducational or neuro/psychological testing, grades, biographical history, disability information, and case notes.

Students are informed of their confidentiality rights during their first meeting with the Disability Coordinator. Read more about confidentiality.