Your guide to getting the support you need to succeed.
🎓 For students
You belong here
đź’ś A note for you
Whether you've had accommodations your whole life or you're just realizing you might need support, you're not alone. Thousands of UA students use accommodations. It's not a crutch—it's a tool that helps level the playing field so your talents can shine.
Quick facts
- 19% of college students have a disability (National Center for Education Statistics)
- 2,500+ UA students are registered with the DRC
- Common: Learning disabilities, ADHD, anxiety, chronic illness, vision/hearing—and many more
Know your rights
Under federal law, you have the right to:
- Equal access to education programs and activities
- Reasonable accommodations that don't fundamentally alter the program
- Privacy — your disability information is confidential
- Freedom from retaliation for requesting accommodations
- Accessible course materials including captioned videos and readable documents
What's different from high school?
| High School (IDEA) | College (ADA/504) |
|---|---|
| School identifies students | You must self-identify and register |
| IEP/504 plan provided | You provide documentation; accommodations determined |
| Goal: Academic success | Goal: Equal access (success is up to you!) |
| Teachers may modify content | Content stays the same; delivery may change |
| Parents involved | You are the point of contact |
Getting accommodations at UA
Step 1: Register with the DRC
The Disability Resource Center (DRC) is your first stop.
- Online: drc.arizona.edu/students/register
- In person: Old Main, Room 218
- Phone: 520-621-3268
- Email: drc@arizona.edu
Step 2: Provide documentation
You'll need documentation of your disability. This might be:
- Evaluation from a psychologist or doctor
- High school IEP or 504 plan (recent)
- Medical records
- Letter from treatment provider
Don't have documentation? Register anyway! The DRC can help you figure out next steps.
Step 3: Meet with an Access Consultant
You'll have a conversation about:
- How your disability affects learning
- What accommodations might help
- Your history with accommodations
- Your goals and concerns
Step 4: Get your accommodation letter
Once approved, you'll receive a letter listing your accommodations. You choose which instructors receive it.
Step 5: Talk to your instructors
Send your accommodation letter and introduce yourself. Tips:
- Reach out within the first 2 weeks of class
- Email is fine (you don't have to meet in person)
- You don't have to disclose your diagnosis
- Follow up if you don't hear back
Common accommodations
Testing accommodations
- Extended time: Usually 1.5x or 2x time
- Reduced distraction environment: Quieter testing space
- Breaks during exams: Pause the clock as needed
- Use of computer: For essay exams
- Screen reader/magnification: For digital exams
Classroom accommodations
- Note-taking assistance: Peer notes or recording lectures
- Preferential seating: Near front, aisle, etc.
- Flexible attendance: For medical appointments or flares
- Recording permission: Audio/video of lectures
Format accommodations
- Accessible materials: Digital text, large print
- Real-time captioning: For deaf/hard of hearing students
- Sign language interpreters: For lectures and discussions
- Extended deadlines: For disability-related delays
Technology for learning
These tools can help you succeed—with or without formal accommodations.
Built into your computer
- Windows: Narrator, Magnifier, Immersive Reader in Edge
- Mac: VoiceOver, Zoom, dictation
- Both: Text-to-speech, color filters, keyboard shortcuts
Free for UA students
- Microsoft 365: Immersive Reader, dictation, Reading Progress
- Grammarly: Writing support (free premium through UA)
- Read&Write: Text-to-speech, vocabulary support
In D2L Brightspace
- Immersive Reader: Read content aloud, simplify text
- Download options: Save content for offline use
- Video playback: Captions, speed control
Self-advocacy tips
Speaking up
- You have a right to accommodations—don't feel bad asking
- Be specific about what you need
- Keep records of your communications
- Follow up if accommodations aren't being implemented
Sample email to instructor
Subject: Accommodation letter for [Course Name]
Hello Professor [Name],
My name is [Your name] and I'm enrolled in your [Course Name] section. I'm registered with the Disability Resource Center and have attached my accommodation letter for your reference.
I wanted to reach out early to discuss how my accommodations will work in your class, particularly [specific accommodation, e.g., "extended time on exams"].
Please let me know if you have any questions or if you'd like to meet.
Thank you,
[Your name]
What if something goes wrong?
- Talk to the instructor first — misunderstandings happen
- Contact your DRC Access Consultant — they can mediate
- Document everything — keep emails and notes
- File a complaint if needed — contact the Dean of Students
When digital content isn't accessible
If you encounter inaccessible content (uncaptioned videos, unreadable PDFs, broken websites), you can:
Quick fixes
- Ask the instructor for an alternative format
- Contact the DRC for help converting materials
- Use accessibility tools to help (text-to-speech, zoom, etc.)
Report the issue
Your report helps fix the problem for future students:
- For course content: Email instructor + cc your DRC consultant
- For university websites: Report accessibility issue
- For third-party tools: Let IT Support know
Mental health note
Mental health conditions—including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and others—are disabilities under the ADA. You may be eligible for accommodations like:
- Flexible attendance
- Extended deadlines during episodes
- Reduced course load
- Testing accommodations
Counseling & Psych Services (CAPS): 520-621-3334 | caps.arizona.edu
Tips for success
🌟 From students who've been there
- "Register with the DRC even if you think you won't need it—better to have it ready."
- "Talk to your professors early. Most want to help!"
- "Find study spaces that work for your needs. The library has quiet rooms."
- "Connect with other students—you're not the only one."
- "Use office hours. Professors remember students who show up."
- "It's okay to take a reduced course load. Graduating matters more than graduating fast."
Resources
UA resources
- Disability Resource Center
- Counseling & Psych Services (CAPS)
- THINK Tank Learning Center
- Career Services (accessible career support)