Disability Support Services - The George Washington University

Frequently Asked Questions

Applicants and their parents are welcome to contact us with any questions. We will do our best to assist you in facilitating the application process.

Answers to the following questions can be found in order on this page.

1. Is there a separate admissions process for students with disabilities?

There are no separate admissions procedures or criteria for students with disabilities. Prospective students should therefore contact Undergraduate or Graduate Admissions offices.

Since there are no automatic referrals from Admissions or other campus offices, students are encouraged to contact DSS directly prior to or upon admission. Registering with the office will ensure that students receive appropriate services, including any accommodations necessary for orientation programs or required placement exams.

2. Will my needs be treated the same way in college as they were in high school?

While similar in aim, postsecondary services for students with disabilities are not a continuation of special education services. Making the decision to connect to campus resources is perhaps the best indicator of self-advocacy and responsibility. As adults, students are expected to take full personal responsibility for their educational experience at GW.

3. Can you describe your learning disability (LD) program?

Students with learning disabilities and attention deficits are served through the general office of Disability Support Services (DSS) which offers an extensive array of support services, including learning disability consultations.

4. How do I register for services?

Students are encouraged to contact DSS upon admission. To be eligible for services, students must register by submitting a completed registration form along with current and comprehensive documentation of disability. Eligibility guidelines are available online and from the DSS office.

DSS offers an Open House during each Colonial Inauguration (CI) session at which time students are encouraged to meet with DSS staff, who will be available to answer any questions about our services and discuss a range of disability management issues.

5. How accessible is the campus?

The level terrain of GW's urban campus, along with modifications such as ramps and curb cuts, provide easy access to individuals with mobility impairments. Most campus buildings are equipped with accessible entrances, elevators, restrooms, drinking fountains, and pay telephones. The University makes every effort to ensure that all programs and services are accessible to all students and will relocate courses and functions upon request. The University is served by the Metropolitan Transit Authority (Metro) which features life equipped buses and accessible subway stations, one of which is on campus.

6. What do I do if I have disability-related housing needs?

Residential living is central to the learning environment for all GW students. Living within a community and learning to share space and be considerate of others is considered a crucial part of that learning experience. As the GW Housing Programs offers a wide variety of residence hall options, most students secure desired assignments through the standard housing selection process. Students with specific disability-related needs, however, may request consideration for an accommodation with housing assignment to support the availability of any required configuration in their placement.

Requests for a disability housing accommodation must be supported by documentation that relates the current impact of the student's condition to the accommodation request. The desire to have a quiet, undisturbed place to study, for example, is insufficient to warrant single housing as an accommodation.

For more information, visit our housing accomodations policy page.

7. Are you aware of any financial assistance for students with disabilities?

Information on GW scholarships for students with disabilities is available from DSS. Students with disabilities may also be eligible for assistance through their state offices of Vocational Rehabilitation. General information on financial aid at GW can be obtained through the Office of Student Financial Assistance.