Vision
DSD envisions a campus community without physical, social, or academic barriers to the self-actualization of persons with disabilities.

Mission
DSD strives to create an environment that fosters access and opportunity for students, faculty, and staff who have disabilities.  Following an empowerment model, persons with disabilities will have maximum opportunity to fulfill their potential.

Philosophy
Our philosophy is based on the belief that students need the best preparation possible for success in the community and workforce following graduation from Ball State University. Our plan for assisting in that preparation is best summed up in the adage:

Ball State University is committed to providing equal opportunities in higher education to academically qualified students with disabilities who demonstrate potential for success in college. Students with disabilities attending this university will be integrated as completely as possible into the university community. Ball State does not offer a specialized curriculum for persons with disabilities nor does it assume the role of a rehabilitation center. The university does share responsibility with the student for modifying campus facilities and programs to meet individual needs. Students with disabilities at Ball State have access to tools and resources that will enable them to manage day-to-day life in college. Self-advocacy and assertiveness will help the student gain the most from the Ball State experience. A willingness to function in an environment requiring adaptability and change is also vitally important. The keys to success for persons with disabilities at Ball State include:

• the ability and openness to realize personal strengths and limitations.
• the desire and aptitude to take responsibility for managing daily routines, as well as academic and personal success.
• the maturity to utilize resources and services and to communicate with the DSD office about your needs and/or concerns.
• the patience to spend the extra time necessary to study effectively.
  

The professional staff and faculty strongly encourage students with disabilities to be involved in both academic and extracurricular activities - special interest groups, sports and wellness programs, student organizations, and leadership activities. These kinds of involvement will help prepare the student for success after college by providing a well-rounded background. Prospective employers prefer graduates with this kind of experience. 

Long-term Goals
In support of our mission, and in conjunction with Student Affairs' Guiding Principles and the Strategic Plan for Ball State University, DSD will:

• Enhance the ability of students with disabilities to understand how that disability affects the student in an educational setting and, with this understanding, learn how to be a better self-advocate;
• Provide leadership on ensuring that disability is recognized as a rich part of the diversity fabric on campus through the involvement of students with disabilities on various boards and groups, guest speakers and special events, and presentations to various campus departments and offices;
• Communicate effectively with pre-admission students and their parents, giving an open and honest evaluations of what accommodations might be available to that student;
• Continually review relevant Court and Office for Civil Rights rulings concerning persons with disabilities as well as reviewing best practice models by membership in professional organizations and subscribing to a professional listserv and several journals; and
• Measure the effectiveness of our work by setting challenging goals and assessing and evaluating our progress towards meeting these goals.