Office of Disabilities and Compliance (ODC)
Our Mission
The mission of the Office of Disabilities and Compliance (ODC) is to provide comprehensive support services, including Psycho-Educational Assessments and appropriate Accommodations, to students with disabilities. We strive to ensure equitable access, full participation, and academic success across all aspects of university life. In doing so, we promote an inclusive and accessible environment while upholding the institution’s commitment to academic integrity.
In fulfilling this mission, the ODC also supports the University’s commitment to accessibility, inclusion, academic integrity, and compliance with applicable national legislation and internationally recognised disability rights principles.
Who We Serve
The ODC serves students with documented disabilities that may impact their academic experience. In accordance with The Bahamas’ Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities) Act, 2014, a person with a disability is an individual with a long-term physical, mental, intellectual, developmental, sensory, or other health-related impairment which, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.
Students with both visible and non-visible (hidden) disabilities who believe their condition may impede their academic performance are encouraged to register with the ODC to determine eligibility for support services and reasonable accommodations
Confidentiality
The Office of Disabilities and Compliance maintains the highest standards of confidentiality. All personal information and supporting documentation submitted to the Office are handled in accordance with The Bahamas’ Data Protection (Privacy of Personal Information) Act, 2008 and University policies governing the protection of confidential student information.
Registering with the ODC
Students seeking disability support services should complete the following steps:
- Complete a Brief Intake Form.
- Disclose your disability.
- Submit supporting documentation (e.g., medical, psychological, psychiatric, or specialist reports).
- Participate in a Needs Assessment Interview with the Intake Coordinator.
- Submit a Formal Request for Accommodations each semester.
- Review and sign the Accommodations Contract outlining student rights and responsibilities.
- Receive an Accommodation Letter for authorised faculty members and the Director of Testing Services at the University. (Diagnostic information is not disclosed.)
Academic Accommodations and Accessibility Supports
Accommodations are determined individually based on the student’s documented disability and functional limitations. They may include, but are not limited to:
Academic Accommodations
- Priority/Early Registration
- Extended time for assignments
- Extended time for oral presentations
- Extended time for quizzes, tests, and final examinations
- Access to lecture slides or instructor notes, where appropriate
- Use of approved assistive technology or personal assistive devices
- Reduced-distraction or separate examination room
- Alternative formats for course materials, where appropriate
- Other individualised accommodations as determined through the Needs Assessment process
Accessibility and Campus Support
- Access to physically accessible classrooms and learning spaces.
- Accessible entrances and routes across campus.
- Elevator access, where available.
- Designated accessible parking.
- Individualised emergency evacuation and emergency response planning, where applicable.
- Coordination with relevant University departments to facilitate access to campus facilities and services.
Additional accommodations may be approved based on an individualised review of a student’s needs and supporting documentation.
Psycho-Educational Assessment Services
The ODC provides Psycho-Educational Assessment services for students who suspect they may have an undiagnosed Neurodevelopmental Disorder affecting their academic performance.
Assessments may include screening and comprehensive evaluations for:
- Intellectual Disability (ID)
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Specific Learning Disorder with Impairment in:
- Reading (including Dyslexia)
- Written Expression (Dysgraphia)
- Mathematics (including Dyscalculia)
Psycho-Educational Evaluations are conducted by our Educational Psychologist using standardised, psychometrically sound assessment instruments and evidence-based evaluation procedures. Students are encouraged to learn more about the evaluation process by viewing the accompanying Psycho-Educational Evaluation Process infographic.
ODC Staff
Dr. Nicora Stubbs-Young
Learning Difficulties and Disabilities and Compliance Specialist, Head of Department
Ms. Sascha Bridgewater-Saunders
Intake Coordinator
Mrs. Natesha Bremmer-Rolle
Administrative Assistant