Disability and Access Services
As a dynamic and collaborative learning community, Goodwin University values diverse perspectives — fostering a sense of belonging while preparing students for success in the classroom and beyond. At Goodwin University’s Office of Disability and Access Services, we’re leading the charge to redefine accessibility — empowering self-advocacy and championing disability pride.
I wanted to try something different. Being from the area, I heard about Goodwin. I felt like Goodwin was for everyone. It gives you opportunities you’ve always wanted to find and can help you branch out right from where you’re standing. The Office of Disability and Access Services has helped me find the best ways to organize myself and understand my classwork by providing information in a more accessible way — going beyond how the work is presented in class.
Accessibility and Goodwin
At Goodwin, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) are at the heart of everything we do. With comprehensive support services, accessible classroom spaces, and student-centered teaching models such as Universal Design for Learning (UDL), we don’t just open doors for students — we equip every learner with the tools to thrive throughout their academic journeys.
Accessibility and you
Accessibility isn’t an island. Making inclusivity our mission, Goodwin collaborates with students, faculty, and student support staff — advocating for strategies and solutions to optimize your learning experience.
At the Office of Disability and Access Services, we’ll support your success by:
- Helping to create inclusive environments by engaging and supporting the campus community in progressive system change
- Ensuring the effective delivery of accommodations and auxiliary aids/services
- Promoting and facilitating access to learning opportunities through creative outreach and training, collaborative partnerships, innovative programs, and proactive solutions
- Working to increase the recruitment, transition, retention, and graduation of students with disabilities
- Consulting with students, faculty, and administrators to reduce barriers for all students, faculty, staff, and visitors
Two of my favorite things about Goodwin University are how supportive and accommodating they’ve been during my health journey. The Office of Disability and Access Services is amazing and will work with you to find solutions so that you, too, can take your classes on campus — even if you’re in a wheelchair like me! My goal as a future nurse in a wheelchair is to inspire people. I want someone to look at me and say, ‘Because of you I didn’t give up.’
Eligibility for services
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, colleges and universities that receive federal funding must provide reasonable accommodations and services to ensure equity and accessibility for eligible students with disabilities.
Unlike K-12 education, university students are responsible for requesting accessibility services. At Goodwin, the Office of Disability and Access Services is here to work with you — collaborating in an interactive process to determine reasonable accommodations on an individualized basis.
Accommodations and services may include:
- Academic accommodations, such as extended time on assignments and alternative testing environments
- Note-taking assistance
- Alternative formats for course materials
- Access to assistive technology, such as screen readers and closed-captioning services
- Physical accommodations, such as accessible classrooms and campus spaces
- Access to support services such as counseling
Learn more about requesting accommodations and services today!
Meet Molly Zatony, LCSW, Office of Disability and Access Services Manager
Molly graduated from Boston University with her master’s in social work and from Connecticut College with her bachelor’s in psychology. She has been working at Goodwin University as the Office of Disability and Access Services Manager since May 2022. Prior to working in disability and access services in higher education, Molly worked in clinical social work, helping clients with disabilities across the lifespan.
