Students with Disabilities
Access & Opportunity
A community designed to help every student engage, learn, and grow.
Students with disabilities are valued members of a Notre Dame community built on belonging, connection, and full participation in campus life. From academics and residence halls to our many ND traditions, student clubs and organizations, and everyday experiences with friends, we are committed to creating an environment where students feel supported and included. Through individualized accommodations and collaborative support, we work to reduce barriers and provide equal access to the opportunities and experiences that define life at Notre Dame.
- 96% of students report a sense of belonging at Notre Dame
- 95% of students are satisfied with the sense of community on campus
- 97% of students participate in a club or activity
“Notre Dame is a place that brings a lot of different people together. People from all over the world are all here trying to better themselves and help make the world a better place.”
“There’s never a time where there’s not a friendly face around. I’m always having spontaneous conversations on the sidewalks or in the hallways. That’s one of the most special things about being a student here.”
"It’s just a very loving and accepting community. There’s so much enthusiasm and excitement here. You really feel it when you get to campus."
“There’s a lot of support here. At both the institutional and student level, there are people who genuinely want to help you succeed and help make this place better for everyone.”
Real Perspectives
Emma Vales
Ben Nelson
Brooke Hoenecke
Benjamin Gallei
Scott Howland: Associate Director of the Sara Bea Accessibility Program
Brent Fragnoli: Program Director for Student Engagement, Outreach, and Time Away
Resources for Students with Disabilities
Sara Bea Accessibility Program
A program of the Center for Student Support and Care, the Sara Bea Accessibility Program is responsible for engaging with students with both visible and invisible disabilities to provide reasonable accommodations and ensure every student has equal access to the University’s facilities and programs.
Access-ABLE Student Club
This student-led club is comprised of students with disabilities and allies who seek to promote advocacy, spread awareness, and build community on campus. The club empowers and educates students while fostering a welcoming environment to help make campus a more accessible, inclusive place for all, regardless of ability.
Accommodations at Notre Dame
Learn more about the types of accommodations available to students with both visible and invisible disabilities. Reasonable accommodations involve modifications to programs, policies, practices, and procedures that enable students with disabilities to have equal access to campus programs and services.
Accessibility Leadership Fellows (ALF)
The Accessibility Leadership Fellows (ALF) program connects incoming Notre Dame students with disabilities to experienced student mentors. By drawing on shared lived experiences and institutional knowledge, mentors help navigate available campus resources through regular individual and group meetings. Ultimately, ALF strives to strengthen the community of students with disabilities while advocating for greater campus accessibility. This collaborative network fosters a stronger sense of belonging for new students throughout the academic year.
Department of Diversity & Inclusion: Disability Advocacy
This student-led department within Student Government advances initiatives to promote accessibility and inclusion across Notre Dame. By collaborating with University administration and facilities, the department works to enhance physical and academic access while leading campaigns that amplify student voices. Through these targeted efforts, it drives lasting institutional change to foster a more welcoming and vibrant campus for all.
Connect with Us Early to Ensure a Smooth Transition
We strongly encourage all incoming students seeking accommodations to register with the Sara Bea Accessibility Program team as soon as possible after enrolling in the first-year class. Early registration ensures our team has ample time to meet with you, plan your accommodations, and have everything ready prior to your arrival.