How to Get Started with the Disability Resource Center at the University of Arizona

The Disability Resource Center (DRC) at the University of Arizona ensures disability access on campus for students, employees, and visitors. If you are new, the starting point is to fill out the DRC affiliation form and then meet with an Access Consultant. If you are a returning student, you can contact the DRC to discuss any changes to your accommodations for the new semester.

New to the DRC

If you have never used DRC services before, the process begins with the affiliation form. Once you have submitted it, you still need to meet with the DRC.

Steps for new users

1. Fill out the affiliation form. This is the entry point that lets the DRC know you are requesting services.
2. Meet with your Access Consultant. After the form is submitted, the next step is a meeting. The DRC announcement specifically notes: "New to DRC - You've filled out our affiliation form and still need to meet with us."

The Access Consultant is the person you meet with to discuss your situation and determine what accommodations may be appropriate. The meeting is not optional if you want to establish services — the form alone does not complete the process.

Returning DRC Students

If you are returning to the University of Arizona for another semester and already have a relationship with the DRC, the process is different. You do not start over with the affiliation form.

When to contact the DRC as a returning student

• You are coming back for another semester.
• You want to discuss any changes for your accommodations.

The DRC announcement describes this group as: "Returning DRC Student - You are returning to U of A for another semester and want to discuss any changes for your accommodations." If your needs have changed, or if you simply want to review your existing accommodations, this is the path to follow.

What the Access Consultant Meeting Is For

Meeting with an Access Consultant is the core step for new users and the point of contact for returning students who need adjustments. The purpose is to discuss your accommodations — what you need and how the DRC can support access on campus. The DRC's broader mission is to ensure disability access for students, employees, and visitors, and to promote universal design through collaboration with campus partners.

Other DRC Services and Resources

Beyond individual accommodations, the DRC offers several related services and resources that may be relevant depending on your situation.

If you need ASL interpreting or captioning, the DRC provides these services for all University-sponsored activities, and you can request them through the DRC. If you are planning a campus event, the DRC offers guidelines for making it accessible.

Finding the Right Entry Point

The DRC website is organized around these main areas: meeting with your Access Consultant, digital accessibility, accessible campus events, IT accessibility, ASL interpreting and captioning, and the Omnes Disability Student Space. The correct starting point depends on who you are:

• New student or first-time user: Fill out the affiliation form, then meet with an Access Consultant.
• Returning student: Contact the DRC to discuss changes to your accommodations for the new semester.
• Event planner: Use the Accessible Campus Events guidelines.
• Content creator: Use the Digital and IT Accessibility resources.
• Deaf or hard of hearing individual needing interpreting or captioning: Request ASL or captioning services through the DRC.

The DRC's stated purpose is to ensure disability access on campus for students, employees, and visitors, and to cultivate a more inclusive University experience through proactive collaboration with campus partners.