The Office for Students with Disabilities at PennWest Edinboro is commemorating 50 years of providing nationally renowned support services and access to educational opportunities for all.

Established in 1974, OSD offers an array of individualized academic accommodations, support services and housing and meal plan accommodations to help students registered with the office achieve academic and independent success.

"For 50 years, the Office for Students with Disabilities at PennWest Edinboro has been a cornerstone of our commitment to inclusivity and accessibility,” said Sharon Conklin, associate director of OSD. “We celebrate the unwavering dedication of our staff and the transformative impact this office has had on countless students' lives."

As part of the ongoing festivities, OSD will host an Open House from noon until 3 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17, on the second floor of Crawford Center, 200 Glasgow Rd, Edinboro. Members of the PennWest community and the public are invited to tour the updated space and learn more about the services and resources available to students.

OSD assists students with disabilities ranging from autism, sensory impairments, mobility impairments, learning disabilities, ADHD and mental health conditions to chronic health conditions such as digestive illness, diabetes and severe allergies.

Specialized programs include Boro Autism Initiative for Success, which helps students with autism make a smooth transition to college life, Boro Opportunities for Organization and Study Techniques, which pairs students with peer advisors to address academic skill carryover, and Bridge, a transition program for first-term students.

“The BASIS program helped me get on track with my studies, gave me a chance to be social with people who understand the daily struggles I have, and gave me the opportunity to grow and learn in many ways,” said Bruce Conrad, who studied computer science at Edinboro. “The peer advisors were always wonderful, providing social and academic insights and support that was greatly needed and appreciated.”

Upcoming OSD events include:

Autism 101 – Community Training
Date: Feb. 11, 2025
Time: 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Location: Frank G. Pogue Student Center Room 143
Zoom Link: https://pennwest-edu.zoom.us/j/96491086077

Gain insights into communications strategies, sensory sensitivities, and behavioral patterns commonly associated with ASD.

Autism 101 – Embracing Neurodiversity in the Workplace
Date: Feb. 11, 2025
Time: 1 – 2:30 p.m.
Location: Frank G. Pogue Student Center Room 143
Zoom Link: https://pennwest-edu.zoom.us/j/98444974419

Gain insights into spectrum traits, inclusive practices, and the untapped potential of students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in the workplace.