Connect With DRC

Role of the Disability Resource Center (DRC)

Disability Resource Center (DRC) is the department designated by the University to ensure access to University classes, programs and activities for disabled individuals on main campus, Arizona South, Phoenix campus and Arizona Online. A goal of the DRC is that your student experience is the best it can be inside and outside the classroom! We are committed to a convenient process by which you can explore accommodations and access requests.

How Does DRC Facilitate Accessibility?

DRC facilitates access by determining reasonable accommodations or by redesigning aspects of a University experience to be inclusive of all participants. We work with individuals in response to specific requests and we also work proactively with campus partners to influence a more accessible and inclusive campus.

The Student Experience

The University setting is different than high school. While there might be some similarities, accommodations you used in the past may no longer be reasonable or appropriate in college.

Another difference as you transition into college is the role that your parents play in requesting and evaluating accommodations. At Arizona, you are in control of your academic requests, and your parents may only be involved with your written consent. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) requires that student give their express consent for the University to share any personal or academic information with a parents or any additional person.

It’s important that you discuss your requests for accommodations or the disability-barriers you anticipate with an Access Consultant. You are able to request accommodations at any point in your Arizona career. You can also discuss or make changes to existing accommodation requests by talking with your Access Consultant.

The Student Process

1. As a student, you are in charge of your Arizona experience; you initiate the process with DRC by completing the Affiliation form.
2. Once you submit the form, you will be contacted by an Access Consultant to set up a time to meet or connect by phone or Skype.
3. After your meeting, your Access Consultant will gather information by consulting with faculty or other relevant individuals. Your Access Consultant will respond to you in writing confirming what accommodations have been put in place. If a request is determined not to be reasonable, your Access Consultant will include a detailed rationale and will help explore other strategies or options.
4. It is important that you let us know if your accommodation is not effective. Please call or email your Access Consultant if something is not working or if something changes with respect to your initial request. You do not need to schedule subsequent appointments with your Access Consultant, but you are certainly welcome to do so. 

Information on Medical or Disability Documentation

• Documentation may or may not be necessary to put accommodations in place. Many students choose to upload documentation when they complete the Accommodation Request Form, but you do not need documentation to explore accommodations.  Please do complete the online process even if you do not have documentation or your documentation is outdated.
• Every student and every request is unique. A conversation about your experiences and expectations will help determine if additional information is necessary to support your accommodation requests.

Orientation 

We encourage all new undergraduate students to watch our orientation video to learn more about our resources.