About the OSD

Our Mission and Vision

Mission

The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) at UC San Diego is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive community while promoting equitable access and opportunities for students with disabilities. In alignment with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and through close collaboration with students, faculty, and staff, we coordinate tailored accommodations to meet each student’s unique needs. We are committed to advocating for accessibility, empowering students to self-advocate, and ensuring that students have equal opportunities to thrive in all aspects of campus life.

Vision

The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) envisions a universally designed, accessible, and inclusive campus that champions disability rights and addresses ableism. Through continuous education, active engagement, and open partnerships with students, faculty, and staff, we aim to create a student-centered environment where the voices and experiences of students with disabilities are valued and respected. We are committed to upholding the diversity in people and perspectives, as outlined in UC San Diego’s Principles of Community, while embracing intersectionality and fostering a strong sense of community.

Schedule an Appointment

If you would like to schedule an appointment, please call (858) 534-4382 or email us at osd@ucsd.edu and provide us with the following information.

If you are emailing, we suggest you copy and paste items #1 - #7 into the body of your email and then provide us with the information. This will expedite your request.

1. Your first and last name
2. Your PID if you have one
3. Your telephone number
4. Your UCSD email address
5. The reason you are requesting an appointment
6. At least 3 days/times you are available between 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday – Friday for an appointment
7. Whether you prefer a Zoom or phone appointment, or first available

We will respond to you within 24 university business hours at either your UCSD email address or from a blocked phone number, so please pick up the call. The more information you can provide us initially, the faster we will be able to schedule your appointment. Thank you.

Who We Serve

The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) at UC San Diego works with:

• Undergraduate, graduate, and professional school students with documented disabilities
• Faculty and staff who provide accommodations to students
• Student veterans

For more information, view the Disability Resources Brochure Guide (PDF).

The OSD also works with a variety of departments and programs across campus to provide access to learning and internship opportunities for students with disabilities which opens doors to meaningful employment after graduation. In addition to Career Services, the campus' Academic Internship Program connects students to opportunities where they can earn academic credit and real world skills that enable them to be more competitive candidates in the job market. The OSD also employs student staff with disabilities, training them in customer service, front and back office management, team building, and universal design in physical and electronic environments.

Students

The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) at UC San Diego works with undergraduate, graduate, and professional school students with documented disabilities, reviewing documentation and, through an interactive process with the student, determining reasonable accommodations. Temporary and permanent disabilities can occur in the following areas: psychological, psychiatric, learning, attention, chronic health, physical, vision, hearing, acquired brain injuries, and autism, and may occur at any time during a student’s college career. We encourage you to contact the OSD as soon as you become aware of a condition that is disabling so that we can work with you.

Faculty and Staff Supporting Students

The OSD also serves as a resource to UC San Diego faculty and staff who are providing accommodations to students, and we have developed working relationships with other offices on campus to streamline services to students with disabilities. The OSD welcomes opportunities to provide disability education to departments and programs, and to develop processes that better serve students with disabilities.

Student Veterans

Finally, the OSD recognizes the unique challenges that some students with disabilities face, including student veterans, as disability impacts all areas of life (physical, mental, academic, and social). We invite you to dialogue with us in a safe environment, and we look forward to hearing from you.