Equity, Access & Universal Design

Student Accessibility Services (SAS)

Empowering qualified students with disabilities to achieve full educational access, academic autonomy, and equal participation in university life through individualized accommodations and universal design.

Our Commitment to Inclusion & Universal Access

In compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), University of Bridgeport is dedicated to eliminating barriers to education. Student Accessibility Services collaborates with scholars, faculty, and campus partners to establish reasonable accommodations that foster academic independence.

How to Register

Individualized Support

Comprehensive Accommodation Categories

Tailored adjustments structured around your documented functional limitations.

Testing Accommodations

Extended exam time (1.5x / 2.0x), distraction-reduced private testing cubicles, reader/scribe assistance, and computer-based testing.

Classroom & Instructional Access

Permission to audio record lectures, smartpen technology, peer note-taking assistance, accessible digital textbooks, and captioning.

Residential & Housing Needs

Wheelchair-accessible dorm suites, visual fire strobe alarms, private room single accommodations for medical conditions, and emotional support animals.

Campus Mobility & Physical Access

Elevator keycard access, accessible campus shuttle transport, automatic door openers, and prioritized ground-floor lecture assignments.

Digital Empowerment

Assistive Technologies & Software Tools

Access industry-leading hardware and software tools available across campus.

Screen Reader

JAWS & NVDA Software

Full screen reading applications loaded on all Wahlstrom Library public computing terminals for visually impaired scholars.

Library Computing

Note-Taking

Glean & Livescribe Smartpens

Audio recording software and synchronized smartpens that link spoken lecture audio directly to your digital notes.

Request Software

Text-to-Speech

Kurzweil 3000 & Read&Write

Comprehensive reading, writing, and study software for students with learning disabilities, dyslexia, or executive function challenges.

Schedule Demo

Proctored Examinations

The Distraction-Reduced Testing Center

Located in the Heckman Learning Commons on the 2nd floor of Wahlstrom Library, our dedicated testing facility provides quiet individual carrels, noise-canceling headphones, and proctored exam administration.

Students registered for testing accommodations submit exam reservation requests at least 3 business days in advance.

  • Individual testing carrels equipped with adjustable lighting and noise isolation
  • CCTV video monitoring ensuring academic integrity for faculty course exams
  • Assistive software including screen magnifiers, text-to-speech, and speech-to-text
  • Close coordination with the Heckman Testing & Assessment Services center
Are high school IEP or 504 plans automatically transferred to college?

No. Under the ADA, college students must self-identify and register with Student Accessibility Services. While high school IEP or 504 documentation is helpful historical background, current diagnostic medical documentation is typically required.

Do professors know my specific diagnosis when I receive accommodations?

No. Your medical diagnosis is strictly confidential between you and the SAS office. Professors receive an official Accommodation Letter outlining your approved classroom and testing adjustments without disclosing your condition.

What is the deadline to register for accommodations each semester?

Students may register with SAS at any point during the academic year. However, accommodations are never retroactive, so we encourage registering prior to the start of classes.

Office of Student Accessibility Services

Located on the 2nd Floor of Wahlstrom Library inside the Heckman Learning Commons.

Wahlstrom Library, 2nd Floor, 126 Park Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604
Monday–Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.