Confidentiality

The Office of Disability Services (ODS) maintains its disability records in a confidential manner, as defined by the Family Educational Rights and Protection Act (FERPA) and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEDC). 

ODS will not release confidential information to others without the permission of the student with a disability, or their parent or legal guardian, if under the age of 18, unless otherwise required by law.  ODS has Consent-to-Release forms available for students to complete, which allow for a written consent for the release of information to others, such as the campus community, medical/mental health professionals, and parents.

ODS also maintains the disability records of employees with disabilities at Drexel University. As defined by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), disability related information is considered confidential and released only with the permission of the employee.  Although supervisors do not have access to medical or psychological reports, the impact of a condition or impairment will need to be shared to partially determine which accommodation requests by the employees are reasonable, given the essential functions of the position. For additional information about requesting accommodations for employees at Drexel University, please inquire with Jeff Bonfield.     

There is an exception to confidentiality laws, as it pertains to the direct threat of the safety of the individual with a disability, or others. If there is an issue of direct threat, information may be released to appropriate professionals, as necessary.