Why Give?

Testimonials

"It is impossible to summarize the enormous effect the DRC has had on my education at the UA. There are countless examples of how the DRC staff members have demonstrated that they are dedicated to helping me succeed. My time as a participant of the University of Arizona Adaptive Athletics Program was truly the boost that brought my athletic career to the next level of excellence. Having grown up in rural Iowa, I knew I wanted to compete, but had no idea what potential lied in store. When I arrived in Tucson I suddenly had access to coaching and fellow athletes to chase around the track, not to mention limitless academic opportunities. I went from an average racer to a Paralympic Champion, from a whimsical pre-med student to a future doctor at Stanford University School of Medicine, and from an unsure teenager to a confident adult, proud of my identity as a person with a disability. I will always remember the U of A as a place where my dreams became reality." - Cheri Blauwet, Graduate

"Having a world-class technology tea making sure my books could be read by my computer or the materials from my class converted to an accessible format in a timely manner, significantly reduced my stress level, and gave me the same opportunity as the other students in the class to be successful. My access consultant, the testing center, technology lab, and the seamless coordination behind the scenes made it possible for me to attain my academic goals. I measure this success by my GPA and diploma." - Amanda Hines, Undergraduate 

"I came to the University of Arizona in 2004 and registered with the Disability Resource Center as a visually impaired student. After receiving my Bachelor of Arts degree, I was accepted into a graduate program. This life-altering process was made possible through the continued guidance by my advisor, the access to assistive technology and personalized testing accommodations, and especially the support and sense of community at the DRC." - Daniel Standage, Student Veteran

"After my accident, part of my recovery plan was to get involved in the UA Adaptive Athletic Program at the Disability Resource Center. I didn't know what to expect when I thought about competing after my accident. I just wasn't sure how athletic my 'new' body would allow me to be. I was amazed the first time I saw the Quad-Rugby team play. It is a very fast hard-hitting sport! I was very nervous starting out, but as I progressed I realized that I had the potential to become a competitive athlete once again. It also gave me the motivation and the opportunity to finish getting my degree." - Jeff Odom, Student Veteran 

Support DRC 

UA Disability Resources is a national model for colleges and universities. Through its innovative services, programs and partnerships, DRC leads the University in the creation of accessible and inclusive learning and willing environments on campus. UA DRC has redesigned the traditional disability services paradigm and presents disability as an integral part in society and the UA campus, a course of pride. 

Development and Donor Opportunities 

In order to enhance and grow the program and services offered through DRC, the following opportunities have been identified: 

Naming Opportunities

Named Center: $5 million endowment or $200,000 annually 

Named Spaces: $50,000 to $500,000

• Conference Room A270
• Conference Room B116
• Exam Administration Center
• Student Lounge
• Wheelchair Shop 

Adaptive Athletics 

The largest and most successful program of its kind in the country, Adaptive Athletics provides disabled students and community members with opportunities to participate fully in the higher education experience. Funding will support on-going programming of events, as well as maintenance of equipment. 

• Equipment: $3 million endowments or $120,000 annually
• Scholarships: $5 million endowments or $200,000 annually

Student Lounge 

DRC's Student Lounge provides an area for students and staff with disabilities to eat, study and relax. Several computers and specialized tools are available in the space, including advanced screen reading, text-to-speech, voice recognition, screen magnification and Braille output technology. The Lounge is used by over 500 individuals each semester. 

• Named Center: $2 million endowment or $80,000 annually 

Disabled Veterans and Sports Camps

• Named Program: $50,000 annually