blue static

SDAC: Faculty and Staff

Normal Operating Hours
Monday - Friday: 8am-5pm
Schedule Online
After Hours & Emergencies
Location & Hours

SDAC is not only here to support students with disabilities on Grounds, but we also act as a liaison and support for UVA faculty and staff. As always, SDAC staff members are always available to answer questions or address any concerns.

SDAC Faculty Portal

Faculty Tutorials

If faculty and staff are new to working with SDAC, please start by reviewing the Online Guide to Student Accommodations.

Working with SDAC and Accommodations

Confidentiality

SDAC advises instructors that disability matters are confidential and should not be shared with others, and that discussion and implementation of academic accommodations should be handled in a discreet manner.

Disability Disclosure
  • Students who wish to receive disability accommodations and services are encouraged to initially disclose their disability status directly to SDAC.
  • Students need not disclose the specific nature of their disability to their instructor, nor does SDAC encourage the instructor to inquire about a potential disability. Students are advised against sharing documentation of their disability directly with their instructor, as instructors are not responsible for interpreting, evaluating, or responding to disability documentation. 
  • When the student discloses their disability status to their instructor rather than SDAC, instructors should immediately refer the student to SDAC to determine the student’s eligibility to receive accommodations.
Referring Students to SDAC

If you are working with a student whom you believe would benefit from our services, then feel free to suggest that they contact SDAC. You could also send them the direct link to submit an application for SDAC services.

Syllabus Statements

Faculty are required to incorporate information for students with disabilities in their syllabi. We have provided sample wording for statements below:

Syllabi Statement Option 1

UVA is committed to creating a learning environment that meets the needs of its diverse student body. If you anticipate or experience any barriers to learning in this course, please feel welcome to discuss your concerns with me. If you have a disability, or think you may have a disability, you may also want to meet with the Student Disability Access Center (SDAC), to request an official accommodation. You can find more information about SDAC, including how to apply online, through their website at www.studenthealth.virginia.edu/SDAC. If you have already been approved for accommodations through SDAC, please make sure to send me your accommodation letter and meet with me so we can develop an implementation plan together.

Syllabi Statement Option 2

It is my goal to create a learning experience that is as accessible as possible. If you anticipate any issues related to the format, materials, or requirements of this course, please meet with me outside of class so we can explore potential options. Students with disabilities may also wish to work with the Student Disability Access Center to discuss a range of options to removing barriers in this course, including official accommodations. Please visit their website for information on this process and to apply for services online: www.studenthealth.virginia.edu/SDAC. If you have already been approved for accommodations through SDAC, please send me your accommodation letter and meet with me so we can develop an implementation plan together.

Syllabi Statement Option 3

I am committed to creating a course that is inclusive in its design. If you encounter barriers, please let me know immediately so we can determine if there is a design adjustment that can be made. I am happy to consider creative solutions as long as they do not compromise the intent of the assessment or learning activity. If you are a student with a disability, or think you may have a disability, you are also welcome to initiate this conversation with the Student Disability Access Center (SDAC). SDAC works with students with disabilities and faculty members/TAs to identify reasonable accommodations. Please visit their website for information and start the application process online: www.studenthealth.virginia.edu/SDAC.  If you have already been approved for accommodations through SDAC, please send me your accommodation letter and meet with me so we can develop an implementation plan together.

Additional Resources

Faculty/Staff Disability-Related Accommodations

If you are a staff or faculty and would like to request accommodations due to a disability, then please visit the Equal Opportunity and Civil Right Program's website for the procedure and forms to initiate the process.

Policies and Guidance
Departments and Offices
Other Resources