NOVA’s Disability Support Services Gets a New Name: Accommodations and Accessibility Services

Disability Support Services is now called Accommodations and Accessibility Services.This is a name change to reflect the mission and work of the office more appropriately. NOVA remains committed to ensuring all students have an opportunity to pursue a college education regardless of the presence or absence of a disability. NOVA makes reasonable accommodations in providing course, program and building modification and/or auxiliary aids and services in compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008. No academically qualified student with a disability will be denied access to or participation in the services, programs and activities of the College.

Disability Support Services Counselors will now be referred to as Accommodations and Accessibility Counselors. They will continue to serve as your primary campus point of contact for questions and concerns regarding student accommodations. Concerned faculty members regularly contact Accommodations and Accessibility Services with questions about a student that they feel may have a disability. While we desire that all students with disabilities receive the necessary accommodations, it is the responsibility of the student to initiate contact with Accommodations and Accessibility Services.

Also, please note that starting this month the Memorandum or Accommodation (MOA) will reflect the department name change. However, all fall 2021 MOAs should be accepted whether they indicate the office name of Disability Support Services or Accommodations and Accessibility Services. We are not requiring students to resubmit their MOAs. Both office names should be accepted if the “term” states fall 2021.

You may visit the Accommodations and Accessibility Services webpage for more information on services and resources for students with disabilities.

Submitted by:
Richmond Hill, AVP Student Support Services, RHill@nvcc.edu