The Office of Disability Resources (ODR) is the custodian of student and employee disability documentation obtained for the purpose of providing disability related accommodations. Disability documentation is kept secure within a confidential database and separate from other records, including a student's general academic file, transcript, or an employee’s personnel/employment file. ODR records and information (including eligibility for accommodations, diagnosis, etc.) are confidential and fall under the provisions of the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act and Americans with Disabilities Act Title I Confidentiality.
Once an individual is determined eligible for reasonable accommodations, ODR communicates approvals to relevant constituents. ODR can communicate with university officials on a relevant need-to-know basis only, concerning information, accommodations and or resources.
Confidentiality is of utmost importance in handling disability related information and in discussing access to accommodations. Some individuals choose to disclose disability related information to other University officials; however, they are not required to do so. Any disability information which is disclosed must be treated confidentially. Conversations pertaining to disability should be held in private, rather than in the presence of peers or co-workers. This includes situations where the individual’s disability is obvious.