In 1973, the Federal government passed a significant piece of legislation, Section 504: Rehabilitation Act, intended to ensure that Americans with disabilities would be provided equal protection under the law. The impact of its passage affected virtually every facet of American society, including universities and colleges.

In response to this new legislation, the University of Iowa established the Office of Services for the Handicapped, or OSH, in 1975. Its mission was to assist and serve students with disabilities by providing transportation and access to university buildings.

In 1986, the office changed its name to the Office of Services for Persons with Disabilities, or SPD. The SPD expanded and offered numerous services which included: free diagnostic testing, alternative testing arrangements, learning strategy courses, consultation with admissions, educational outreach, and greater interaction between professors and students with disabilities.

Renamed the Student Disability Services office, or SDS, its mission is to serve students with disabilities including those with learning or mental disabilities and those with temporary disabilities due to accidents or illness.