WELCOME TO THE OFFICE FOR ACCESSIBLE EDUCATION (OAE)
The OAE coordinates reasonable accommodations for qualified students with documented disabilities to ensure equal access to the university’s programs, services, and activities. All approved accommodations are provided in compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Subpart E) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA). Regulations under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), as well as guidance from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), are also followed when relevant, particularly in matters related to housing accommodations.
If you are not sure whether you qualify for accommodations, please do not hesitate to contact us at accessibilityservices@usao.edu or 405-574-1326.
Definition of Disability
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008, a disability is defined as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. Major life activities include, but are not limited to, caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, seeing, hearing, eating, sleeping, walking, standing, lifting, speaking, breathing, learning, reading, concentrating, thinking, communicating, and working.
Common conditions that may be eligible for reasonable accommodation include, but are not limited to:
- Psychological conditions such as depression or anxiety
- Sensory impairments (e.g., hearing or vision loss)
- Mobility impairments
- Chronic health conditions (e.g., diabetes, epilepsy, or autoimmune disorders)
- Learning disabilities and ADHD
- Autism spectrum disorder
Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Confidentiality of Disability Records
All disability-related documentation submitted to the Office for Accessible Education (OAE) is considered confidential and is maintained separately from academic records in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Disability documentation is used solely to determine eligibility for accommodations and is only shared on a need-to-know basis with university officials directly involved in the accommodation process. Students may be asked to sign a release form if information needs to be shared outside of the university or with individuals not directly involved in providing accommodations.
Accommodation Services
Academic Accomodations
(For the classroom)
Housing Accomodations
(For university housing)
ESA Policy
(For ESAs and service animals)
Registration and Appointments
How to Register
Schedule an Appointment
Policies, Resources, and Appeals
Forms and Policies
Additional Resources
(For students, parents, faculty, and staff)
Grievance/Appeals Process
(For students, faculty, and staff)
Additional Resources
- Counseling Services
- HIPAA Policy
- FERPA Policy
- Web Accessibility
- All Voices
- Resources and Offices