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About the Database

The CeDaR Database was developed by the National Center on College Students with Disabilities (NCCSD at the Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD), through funding from the U.S. Department of Education. Many thanks to our colleagues at the Institute for Community Inclusion at the University of Massachusetts, Boston for their technical expertise, guidance, and support in the development and maintenance of this database.

The NCCSD was authorized by Congress through the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008, and began in 2015. Congress asked the NCCSD to create a database with disability services information, so prospective college students with disabilities and their families could make better choices and have contact information for the schools of their choice. Participation in the database was voluntary. The database has the names and contact information for offices (or individuals) who provide disability services and accommodations. Over 500 campuses provided additional information about disability resources at their institution. Providing (or not providing) information does not imply a college is “better” or “worse” for students with disabilities. Students and families should use the information to help them ask questions and make decisions.

The NCCSD also provides technical assistance and support for college students with disabilities and their families, as well as training and resources for staff, faculty, and administrators in colleges and universities. Our free Clearinghouse of information is at NCCSDClearinghouse.org. All our resources and assistance is free. We are dedicated to promoting a more inclusive and equitable college environments for people with disabilities, where disability is welcomed as part of the diversity on campus, We define disability broadly, including culturally Deaf people, people with intellectual disabilities, and people with chronic illnesses or conditions who may not identify as disabled.