Disability Support Services

Education Access

Empowering Access to Education for All Students

At Alaska Pacific University, we believe education should be accessible to everyone. The Disability Support Services (DSS) Office is dedicated to supporting and advocating for students with disabilities, ensuring equal opportunities for academic success in a welcoming and inclusive environment.

Our office works closely with students to coordinate support services and reasonable accommodations tailored to individual needs. Whether you require classroom adjustments, access to assistive technologies, or guidance navigating resources, DSS is here to provide personalized assistance. We also serve as a resource for faculty, staff, and the greater APU community, fostering awareness and understanding of accessibility and inclusion. 

DSS Office Location and Contact Information
Find us at the Atwood Center, First Floor, Room 116. If you have questions or need support, please reach out:

Contact DSS

Arranging for Accommodations

An accommodation is a modification or service designed to ensure that students with documented disabilities have an equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from the educational process. Reasonable accommodations include adjustments or modifications that maintain the integrity and standards of the instructional program without fundamentally altering them.

Accommodations include: 

  • Housing Accommodations 
  •  ESA and Service Animal
  • Classroom Accommodations 
  • Adaptive Technology 

Reach out to DSS to discuss further.

  • Submit DSS Registration Form and documentation.
  • Request accommodation approval meeting.

We encourage all students to take an active role in advocating for their needs. Under the ADA, accommodations in a post-secondary setting are always student-initiated. Disability Support Services (DSS) determines eligibility on an individualized basis by reviewing diagnostic reports, engaging in dialogue with the student, and applying a best-practices approach.

Students interested in exploring accommodation options are encouraged to schedule a meeting with DSS. Meetings can be held in person, by phone, or via Teams. Our team is here to guide you through the process of submitting current diagnostic and evaluative reports and requesting reasonable accommodations supported by your documentation.

It is the student’s responsibility to arrange for certain services which are outside the scope of Disability Support Services. These services include attendant care, mobility training, and sources of financial aid.

Find us at the Atwood Center, First Floor, Room 116.

Students must provide documentation to the DSS Coordinator to determine eligibility for accommodations. All evaluations, test results, and medical records are kept strictly confidential and are used solely to assess eligibility for support services. Information regarding the nature of a disability or temporary condition will not be shared with any other party without the student’s written consent. Alaska Pacific University adheres to the best practices for disability documentation established by the Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD).

Advanced planning is strongly encouraged. Students may request accommodations at any point during their time at APU. However, they should provide DSS with as much notice as possible, preferably 72+ hours. It’s understood that short notice is sometimes unavoidable. The DSS Office will make a good faith effort to determine eligibility as soon as the request is received and provide reasonable accommodation, if approved.

Faculty and staff hold a crucial role in helping the University meet our responsibility to provide access for students. If faculty or staff have any questions regarding accessibility or student accommodations, they are encouraged to contact DSS as soon as possible.

Contact DSS