Office of Access and Equity: Disability Resources

ODR Role & Staff

Role

Appalachian State University is committed to non-discrimination on the basis of disability and is responsible for adhering to disability compliance requirements.

The Office of Access & Equity: Disability Resources (ODR) is the designated office at Appalachian for the promotion of equity, access, and civil rights on the basis of a disability. Consistent with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) in addition to other federal, state, and local civil rights laws related to disability, ODR works diligently to provide an inclusive experience and equal opportunity at Appalachian to individuals with disabilities.

ODR determines access needs, applicable University resources/supports and eligibility of appropriate accommodations (adjustments, auxiliary aids/services and reasonable modifications) on the basis of disability at Appalachian for students and visitors.

ODR is responsible for oversight of accessibility of programs, services and activities; disability compliance requirements; eligibility of appropriate academic adjustments or modifications, auxiliary aids, services; facilitation of the removal of existing disability related barriers within the built environment; and addressing disability related concerns.

ODR maintains a working knowledge of changing regulations and policies regarding persons with disabilities, including: FERPA, Section 504, and the ADA, including ADA standards and regulations for Accessible Design; Fair Housing Act; Equal Employment Opportunity and other disability related civil rights law and regulations.

Andrew Lail Ph.D.

As the Associate Director,  Andrew assists in providing leadership and oversight within the office. Andrew oversees the interactive process and evaluation of requests for accommodations and coordination of approved academic adjustments, auxiliary aids & services with appropriate University personnel to maintain compliance with Section 504 and the ADA.  

Andrew is responsible for reviewing requests for accommodations and evaluating disability documentation, determining eligibility of accommodations and access needs. Andrew also serves as a consultant to campus regarding visitor accommodations, the provision of approved accommodations, program, facility and course accessibility and inclusion for individuals with disabilities.

Andrew began working at App State in 2020 and joined the ODR Team in 2023.

Matt Sauthoff

As the Assistant Director for Accessible Technology & Digital Accessibility, Matt provides the University with leadership, education, training, and resources to promote and ensure the accessibility of web-based resources, content development, and learning technologies, etc. Matt provides primary oversight for alternate format accommodations, assistive technologies and ODR review of IT acquisitions.

Matt is responsible for reviewing requests for accommodations and evaluating disability documentation, determining eligibility for accommodations and access needs, assists individuals in identifying appropriate University resources/supports. Matt serves as a consultant to campus regarding digital, content accessibility and resources, the provision of approved accommodations and the inclusion for individuals with disabilities.

Matt joined the ODR Team in 2020.

 Ellen Bunn

The Assistant Director of Disability Resources is responsible for reviewing student requests for accommodations and evaluating disability documentation, determining eligibility of accommodations and access needs, assisting individuals in identifying appropriate University resources/supports. This position also serves as a consultant to faculty regarding the provision of approved accommodations.

Ellen also coordinates ODR's outreach and education efforts across campus.

Ellen joined the ODR Team in 2021.

VACANT

VACANT

Christina Day

This position serves as the central administrator for client file management and primary office contact for individuals initially connecting with the office, requesting accommodations, or for general office inquiries.  Additionally she is responsible for office management of departmental budget and oversight of data analytics.

Christina joined the ODR team in 2023.

• Bailey Murray, Lead Test Proctor, Marriage & Family Therapy Program
• Lindsey Faison, Reading Education Program
• Allison Michaels, Professional School Counseling Program