The Office of Special Services (OSS), is committed to providing support and reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities who have met the entrance requirements of the University.

OSS serves as a resource for students, faculty and the University at large, in developing and implementing the most appropriate strategies to ensure equal access to all university programs. Admitted students are highly encouraged to register with the director, as early as possible, to secure timely and effective modifications.

Dominican University makes every effort to achieve and exceed expectations of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act, in providing the most effective learning environment for all students, while maintaining the academic standards and integrity of the mission of the University.

Office Hours

Monday to Thursday:
9 am to 5 pm

Friday:
By appointment

Location:
Casey Hall
Virtual appointments available via Zoom or Microsoft Teams

Contact
Margaret Giuliano
Director of Special Services
(845) 848-4035
margaret.giuliano@duny.edu

Residence Life
Counseling Services


Who is Eligible?

To receive services and accommodations, students must identify themselves to Special Services and present official documentation of their disability. In general, a disability is defined as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, e.g., walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, working, caring for oneself, or performing manual tasks.

The Office supports students who have disabilities such as, but not limited to, the following:

  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
  • Autism Spectrum
  • Blindness or vision loss
  • Chronic illness
  • Deafness or hearing loss
  • Epilepsy or seizure disorders
  • Learning disabilities
  • Psychiatric conditions
  • Orthopedic limitations
  • Speech disorders
  • Traumatic brain injury

Steps to the Accommodations Process

Step 1: Gather documentation from a qualified professional which provides recommendations for appropriate accommodations. Documentation may include an IEP or 504 Plan from high school with psychoeducational testing. Download Guidelines for Documentation

Step 2: Review your documentation to be sure you understand which accommodations you will need at university.

Step 3: Before classes begin, send your documentation to Special Services by email, margaret.giuliano@duny.edu or postage mail to:

Dominican University New York
Office of Special Services
Casey Hall
470 Western Highway
Orangeburg, NY 10962

Step 4: Schedule a meeting with the director to discuss your needs and to complete letters of accommodation for your professors. It is important to note that identifying necessary accommodations is an individualized process and involves maintaining open communication with the director. You may schedule a meeting by email, margaret.giuliano@duny.edu or phone, 845-848-4035.

Step 5: Meet with your professors to review your letter of accommodation.

Student Privacy and FERPA

The Office of Special Services prioritizes student privacy. Disability documentation submitted to Special Services is kept separate from student academic records and is not available to anyone outside Special Services. When information beyond what is necessary for legitimate educational interest must be shared, written consent from the student is generally required. Disability documentation does not become part of a student’s transcript or permanent record.

Family Education Rights and Privacy Act
The Office of Special Services adheres to the guidance of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). FERPA is a federal privacy law that safeguards the privacy of student records and restricts disclosure without consent. Students may choose to grant specific individuals such as parents or guardians, access to their records by signing a FERPA release. Students who have signed a FERPA release consenting to disclosure of private information are expected to be actively involved in the process.