You belong here

💜 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

Know your rights

Under federal law, you have the right to:

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.

Step 2: Provide documentation

You'll need documentation of your disability. This might be:

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:

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:

Common accommodations

Testing accommodations

Classroom accommodations

Format accommodations

Technology for learning

These tools can help you succeed—with or without formal accommodations.

Built into your computer

Free for UA students

In D2L Brightspace

See: Assistive Technology Guide

Self-advocacy tips

Speaking up

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?

  1. Talk to the instructor first — misunderstandings happen
  2. Contact your DRC Access Consultant — they can mediate
  3. Document everything — keep emails and notes
  4. 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

Report the issue

Your report helps fix the problem for future students:

Mental health note

Mental health conditions—including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and others—are disabilities under the ADA. You may be eligible for accommodations like:

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

Technology guides

Know your rights