Faculty & Staff - Disability Resource Center

Staff Resources

What is the role of the DRC?

The DRC assists the UCSC campus in complying with state and federal laws that mandate equal access to education for people with disabilities. We are the campus’ Americans with Disabilities Act (1990) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (1973) compliance office for student program access.

What we do:

Evaluate student medical documentation
Authorize appropriate academic accommodations.
Provide advising and support for DRC students
Serve as a resource and consultant to faculty and staff

Accommodations are to provide equal access only, and not an unfair advantage. Students must meet eligibility requirements as defined by state and federal laws in order to receive specific accommodations.

We authorize accommodations for required course activity. Accommodations for all other non-classroom related events are the responsibility of each sponsoring program or department.

Other campus ADA compliance offices:

Susan Willats, (831) 459-3759 (voice/TTY)
ADA Compliance Office for Facilities, Transportation, and Computing Access, Business Administrative Services
willats@ucsc.edu

Ashish Sahni, (831) 459-4380
ADA Compliance Officer for Employment
diversity@ucsc.edu

What are staff responsibilities for providing accommodations?

As a university, the entire campus is responsible for making itself accessible per state and federal laws. The Disability Resource Center oversees accommodations related to academic coursework. However, non-academic programs and events are the responsibility of each sponsoring department.

All staff members who are serving students or the public should be mindful of ensuring all services are equally accessible. If a student with a disability came to your office, are you prepared to assist them with or without accommodations?

Is your office wheelchair accessible?
If a blind student wanted to read your brochure, what would you do?
If a deaf person asks for an appointment to meet with you, what steps would you take?
What if a student’s disability affects his access to your online forms?

For answers to these questions and information on how to set-up specific accommodations, see How to Provide Accommodations.

How to Provide Accommodations

Types of disabilities

The DRC serves students with a wide variety of disabilities. However, there are five general categories. Students with learning and psychological disabilities comprise the largest disability groups we serve. To learn more about learning disabilities or other conditions go to the Family Village Library.

You can also read up on disability news at:

Tips for working with students with disabilities

Exam Accommodation Coordination

Where do I find a sign language interpreter?

The DRC has a list of local sign language interpreters and agencies. An updated list can be requested by contacting our office at 459-2089. For more information on logistics of hiring a sign language interpreter, please see our tip sheet on interpreter coordination.