Maintained by drc@ucsc.edu

History

Did you know students with disabilities did not have legally protected equal access to their education until the 1970s? After important civil rights laws were passed and implemented, colleges and universities around the country began providing disability services on campus.

Deaf students, who weren’t able to participate in classes previously, were provided sign language interpreters. Those with learning disabilities were allowed test accommodations. And, efforts were made to improve physical accessibility so those with mobility challenges could access classrooms and other buildings.

The Disability Resource Center at UC Santa Cruz has been part of this historic movement toward equal educational access since 1977. More on how it all came about.