Types of Accommodations
Academic accommodations are determined for each student on an individual basis through an interactive process between DRS and each student. Requested accommodations must be supported by the documented effects of the disability. Following are some common accommodations available through or provided by DRS. This list is not inclusive and the accommodations listed will not apply to the effects of every disability.
- Accessible Furniture in Classrooms
- Accessible Instructional Materials
- Alternative Testing Services for Students
- Audio Recording Lectures
- Classroom Relocations
- Culture Course Substitution
- Deaf and Hard of Hearing Accommodations for Students
- Disability Parking and Dial-A-Ride
- Disability Related Absence
- Notetaking Services
- Priority Registration
- Reduced Credit Load
How to Use Approved Accommodations
Once a student has been approved for accommodations by their DRS counselor they will receive a Student Eligibility Letter via our myDRS system along with necessary next steps. Students then use the myDRS system to select which approved accommodations they want to use in a course, each quarter. Through myDRS a Faculty Notification Letter is delivered to course faculty and relevant academic staff. Quarterly course submissions need to be done in a timely manner for accommodations can not be submitted retroactively. Once faculty have been notified students need to meet with them to discuss the details of how each accommodation will/can work in course. In some circumstances requested accommodations may not be reasonable in specific courses, if this arises DRS will engage with faculty and determine what is reasonable. In the cases where based on the nature of the course a requested accommodation is not reasonable DRS may explore alternatives if an access barrier is still present.
How to Request Additional Accommodations
Accommodations are approved initially by DRS staff in the Access Planning Meeting based on the needs and access barriers the student is encountering at that time. However, DRS recognizes that needs and barriers can change and/or evolve as a student progress through an academic program. If a student encounters new barriers or needs, or seeks to modify a current accommodations, they can request additional accommodations through myDRS. In myDRS select the “Additional Accommodation Request Form” and submit your request. A DRS Counselor will follow up with you to reengage the interactive process and resolve your access need.
Accommodations beyond the classroom
UW On-Campus Housing Accommodations
For more information on the housing accommodation please contact: uwbdrs@uw.edu
Clinicals, Clerkships & Internships
Are you thinking about or planning on doing an internship, clerkship, clinical, etc? If so, are you wondering what accommodations you may need, or are unsure if you may need them at all? Set up a time to consult with your DRS Counselor at least a quarter before you start. As accommodations can take multiple weeks to coordinate for non-classroom or off campus internships working with your DRS Counselor early is important to your success.
Field courses & Field trips
Does your program have field courses and/or field trips as a part of a course or the larger program? Connect with your DRS Counselor as soon as you are aware of these so DRS can work with the department to ensure accessibility is considered and additional accommodations for access are explored.
Study Abroad Accommodations
If you have not thought about doing a study abroad experience now is the time to get curious! Check out the UWB Study Abroad site and see what possibilities await you in the numerous excursion opportunities. Remember, you can request accommodations from DRS for your study abroad program, but those have to be submitted two months before you leave.
- UWB Study Abroad
- Mobility International
- Scholarships for Study Abroad through MIUSA: Apply by April 1st
What are not accommodations in higher education
Disability Resource for Students works to ensure access for students with disabilities by designing and implementing accommodations. However, there are some items that are not considered accommodations in higher education; this includes, but is not limited to:
- Individualized instruction
- Tutoring
- Personal care attendant
- Modifying curriculum
- Requiring a professor to change a teaching style