JMU Office of Disability Services

JMU Office of Disability Services ODS collaborates with the JMU community providing programs and support services that promote and adv

Vision: To be the strategic campus partner in leading and uniting the JMU community in creating a culture of systemic access through intentional holistic design. Values:
Access
Universal Design
Ethical Integrity
Innovation
Collaboration
Self-determination
Student-focus

Happy first day of class Dukes! ODS wishes you luck with the semester ahead! You've got this! 🥳 Image: Light g...
08/20/2025

Happy first day of class Dukes! ODS wishes you luck with the semester ahead! You've got this! 🥳



Image: Light gold stamp graphic with dark purple and gold lettering and an illustration of a stack of books.
Text: Welcome back Dukes; You make JMU a better place!

It takes about 5 years for individuals who are experiencing rare/ultra-rare disabilities and diseases to receive an accu...
05/07/2025

It takes about 5 years for individuals who are experiencing rare/ultra-rare disabilities and diseases to receive an accurate diagnosis. The diagnosis is often viewed as the starting point, yet many overlook the strenuous journey it takes to even reach that point. Individuals during this time often experience inconclusive results, visiting specialist after specialist, misdiagnosis, financial strain, and a lack of support from the very system that should be helping them. In the meantime without a diagnosis people often do not get access to the resources they need, which can prolong and complicate the journey even further. For everyone on this odyssey, you are seen and your experiences are recognized and supported.



Image: A small sailboat sailing on the ocean
Text: The Diagnostic Odyssey

Today is World Asthma Day, established by the Global Initiative for Asthma as a day to raise awareness and promote care ...
05/02/2025

Today is World Asthma Day, established by the Global Initiative for Asthma as a day to raise awareness and promote care for individuals affected by asthma. This year's theme is focused on making inhaled treatments accessible for all. Asthma impacts approximately 250 million people worldwide, and limited availability or high costs of medications can contribute to a preventable mortality rate of around 450,000 deaths worldwide. Accessibility has the capacity to change lives for the better, let us consider it in all we do today, and everyday!



Image: Lungs surrounding by floral elements
Text: World Asthma Day

Happy Friday Dukes! You have a great opportunity to participate in an awesome research initiative! By completing a surve...
04/25/2025

Happy Friday Dukes! You have a great opportunity to participate in an awesome research initiative! By completing a survey linked below you not only have a chance to win a $25 gift-card, but to also create change on campus by providing input on how basic needs of students are met at JMU!

https://buff.ly/Jv9oiDZ



Image: Decorative elements surrounding the text
Text: 2025 Basic Needs Student Survey
Enter to win 1 f 20 $25 gift cards
Take it Now!

We are so thankful to you all for celebrating Disability Advocacy Week with us this year, we can't wait for next year!🤩 ...
04/23/2025

We are so thankful to you all for celebrating Disability Advocacy Week with us this year, we can't wait for next year!🤩

The bustling atmosphere of an airport can be overwhelming to navigate. This already stressful experience can be magnifie...
04/21/2025

The bustling atmosphere of an airport can be overwhelming to navigate. This already stressful experience can be magnified for neurodiverse flyers. In 2016, Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson Airport became a pioneer in addressing this issue by introducing the first sensory room. With other airports following suit soon after, these dedicated spaces include a variety of interactive sensory features allowing parents and children to enjoy a calming and regulated environment before take off!



Image: Airport sensory room surrounded by decorative airplanes
Text: Airport Accessibility Sensory Rooms

Neurodiversity at Work Symposium today from 5:30 - 7:00 PM in HBS 1003As part of this event, students from various disci...
04/16/2025

Neurodiversity at Work Symposium today from 5:30 - 7:00 PM in HBS 1003

As part of this event, students from various disciplines and colleges will showcase their research and present innovative ideas for building neuro-inclusive workplaces. Don't miss it!

April is Autism awareness month! This month let’s not just be aware of autism but instead work to build a world that emb...
04/10/2025

April is Autism awareness month! This month let’s not just be aware of autism but instead work to build a world that embraces those with autism. Over 5 million people in the United States have autism. Imagine how different the world would be if schools, workplaces, restaurants, parks, and other public spaces were designed intentionally with accessibility for all at their core.



Image: Rainbow infinity symbol surrounded by decorative elements
Text: Autism Awareness Month

Drop into the Lavender Lounge today from 12:45 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. to spend time with Imani Barbarin! This is a fantastic o...
04/03/2025

Drop into the Lavender Lounge today from 12:45 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. to spend time with Imani Barbarin! This is a fantastic opportunity to grab some snacks, engage in open conversations, and learn from Imani's personal experiences! We hope to see you there!



Image: Imani Barbarin smiling
Text: Community Time with Imani Barbarin
Drop in and spend time with disability advocate Imani Barbarin while having some yummy snacks! 12:45 p.m. - 2 p.m. @ Lavender Lounge, SSC

Test your knowledge with us tonight in Taylor Down Under from 8:00-10:00 pm! Come and see how much you know about variou...
04/02/2025

Test your knowledge with us tonight in Taylor Down Under from 8:00-10:00 pm! Come and see how much you know about various topics related to disability, including adaptive technology, disability at JMU, musicians with disabilities, and more! See you there!



Image: Colorful question marks surrounding the text
Text: Disability Themed Trivia
8 P.M.- 10 P.M. Down Under

04/02/2025

Let's unlearn ableism together! This Disability Advocacy Week, we partnered with JMU Office of Disability Services to create a resource display under the theme of "Unlearning Ableism Together."

Check out the display in JMU Libraries Express or online: https://guides.lib.jmu.edu/bookdisplays/daw-2025

Come visit us today between 9:00am-12:00pm in SSC room 1075 for some snacks, fun art activities, magazine scrapbooking, ...
04/01/2025

Come visit us today between 9:00am-12:00pm in SSC room 1075 for some snacks, fun art activities, magazine scrapbooking, crossword puzzles, and games! This is an exciting opportunity to learn about accessibility, disability advocacy, and what it means to unlearn ableism!



Image: (top to bottom) a crossword puzzle, magazine collage, and marker art.
Text: Reframe: A Journey of Unlearning Ableism
9 A.M. - 12 P.M. @ SSC 1075
Join us for art, crossword puzzles, games, scrapbooking and snacks!

Address

James Madison University, Student Success Center, 738 South Mason Street, Suite 1202
Harrisonburg, VA
22807

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 12pm

Telephone

(540) 568-6705

Website

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Vision: To be the strategic campus partner for removing barriers and building capacity to ensure inclusion and equity for people with disabilities. Values Innovation Excellence Ethical Reasoning/Integrity Universal Design Academic Quality Student-Focus