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Student Disability Access Office (SDAO)

The Student Disability Access Office (SDAO) recognizes disability as an aspect of diversity that is integral to society and to our campus community. Accessibility is an essential feature of the Duke campus, and we strive to create an inclusive community for our students. We strive to ensure that students with disabilities are provided the tools they need to fully access all aspects of student life inside and outside of the classroom.

Core Functions of SDAO

  • Partner with students with disabilities to establish services for their access and inclusion on campus

  • Manage, coordinate, implement and evaluate accommodation/service programs

  • Serve as a resource to students/faculty/staff to ensure effective provision of services

  • Provide educational and resource support to the campus community to increase awareness regarding how to create and sustain access and inclusion for students with disabilities in all aspects of the university

  • Provide resource and referral information to the campus community and prospective student and their families

SDAO works with each student individually to establish academic adjustments and auxiliary aids and services, more frequently referred to as academic accommodations for the purpose of eliminating the environmental barriers impacting the student’s equitable access to the campus facilities, programs and activities. To find out more information about how to establish services with SDAO you can contact us in the following ways.

In order to receive consideration for reasonable accommodations under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008, a student must have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. Students requesting accommodations under the provisions of the ADA, ADA Amendments Act of 2008, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (e.g., academic, accessibility, housing) must contact the Student Disability Access Office to explore possible coverage. Students with medical conditions not covered under the provisions of the ADA and the ADA Amendments Act may wish to contact Duke Student Health Service. Additional information and requests for accommodations may be found on the SDAO website.

For more information, visit access.duke.edu/students.

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