Disability Support Services (DSS)

What do we do?

At Lesley University, we’re committed to providing equal or equally effective alternative access to academic, social, cultural, and recreational programs for all qualified individuals with disabilities.

Our Disability Services team works with faculty, staff, community, and students in all degree-granting programs to make appropriate adjustments to provide this access. Educational access includes the provision of accommodations, supports, and services.

When are we available?

Support staff is generally available Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. If you need to schedule an appointment outside of that time, please don't hesitate to contact the appropriate professional staff member.

Where can you find us?

All of our support services are available virtually via Zoom, Teams, or a platform that is convenient for you. Our website contains links to our policies and our various forms.

Why would you contact us?

If you have or believe you have a disability, we work with you through a collaborative and interactive process to determine appropriate accommodations that fit your unique needs.

How do you contact us?

Disability Support Services is like two branches of the same tree.

If you are a student with learning differences (Learning Disabilities, Attention Disorders, Autism/Asperger’s), please contact Kim Johnson at kjohnso7@lesley.edu.
If you are a student with Physical, Sensory, Medical, and Psychiatric Disabilities, please contact Dan Newman at dnewman@lesley.edu.
If you‘re a student with multiple types of disabilities, please feel free to contact either Dan or Kim and we will coordinate your supports.

Questions

What steps should students take to initiate the accommodations and supports process?

We invite you to contact us directly to learn about services and get the ball rolling by emailing us.

Who will know about a student’s disability or diagnosis?

Unlike K-12 schools, colleges and universities are only required to provide accommodations when a student chooses to disclose a disability. Please note that student diagnostic information and use of supports provided by Disability Support Services is confidential and not disclosed without the student’s permission.

What should someone do if they think they might have a disability?

Students with a wide range of disabilities, both temporary and long term, benefit from supports and accommodations. A student may be eligible even if they have not previously received services. The Disability Support Services staff is pleased to be available to all students and may make referrals to appropriate professionals.