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Disability Resources for Students

Introduction to DRS

The University of Washington Disability Resources for Students Office (DRS) at the Seattle campus was established in 1978 following the enactment of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 by the U.S. Congress. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), mandate that appropriate and reasonable academic accommodations be provided to students with disabilities. Since 1978, we have been committed to providing reasonable academic accommodations to qualified students with disabilities at the UW. DRS strives to support the University in the inclusion of students with disabilities as independent, responsible, and productive members of the campus community.

DRS is not involved in the process of admission to the University. For information regarding undergraduate admissions please contact the Office of Admissions at (206) 543-9686. For information regarding graduate admissions please contact the Graduate Admissions at (206) 543-5929. If you would like to request that your disability be considered during the review of your admission application, please ask to speak with an admissions counselor for further information about the process.

For non-matriculated students attending classes on the Seattle campus, contact the Disability Services Office for assistance.

If you are planning to attend, or are currently a student at either the Bothell or Tacoma campuses, please contact their disability services office directly for information and assistance.

How to Receive Services From DRS

DRS provides services to enrolled students who have a documented permanent or temporary physical, psychological or sensory disability that qualifies them for academic accommodations under the law. To obtain services through DRS you will need to do the following:

  1. Submit documentation of the diagnosed disability from a qualified treatment provider. Please contact Disability Resources for Students to discuss your specific disability and to inquire about the documentation needed in order to determine your eligibility for academic accommodations.
  2. Set up an intake appointment with the DRS Counselor or Director after your documentation is submitted to DRS. This meeting is designed to determine your specific needs, discuss the effects of your disability and determine the academic accommodations that would be reasonable and appropriate for you.

Services Provided by DRS

Pre-Admission Inquiries:

DRS will provide information about the services of our office, how to establish eligibility for these services through our office, and answer other disability-related questions over the phone, by e-mail or in person.

Intake Interview:

The DRS Director or Assistant Director/Counselor will meet with students who have submitted documentation of their disability to determine their eligibility for DRS services and establish, if requested, appropriate and reasonable accommodations.

Academic Accommodations:

Academic accommodations are determined for each student on an individual basis. Requested accommodations must be supported by the documented effects of the disability. Following are some common accommodations available through or provided by DRS. This list is not inclusive and the accommodations listed may not apply to the effects of every disability.

Consultation:

DRS provides consultations to students, faculty and staff regarding academic accommodations, disability laws and other disability-related issues.

Resource/Referral:

DRS is a resource for information on disabilities, disability laws, and resources available for people with disabilities on and off the campus. DRS makes referrals as appropriate.

Volunteer Opportunities with DRS

DRS offers opportunities for volunteers from the student body, faculty, staff and community to assist students with disabilities. Volunteer services may include but are not limited to:

Volunteers are asked to commit to at least one academic quarter. For more information and applications please contact DRS.

Other Campus Resources You May Want to Know About

Academic Advising 206-543-2550 / advice@u.washington.edu
Undergraduate academic advising is available at the Undergraduate Advising Center in Mary Gates Hall, room 171 or through specific departmental advising offices. Academic advising for graduate students is available from the specific departmental advising office. For more information on undergraduate advising see their web site.
Access Guide for Persons with Disabilities
The Access Guide features a variety of information regarding campus and building accessibility such as locations of accessible entrances, restrooms, elevators, parking and accessible routes of travel on campus. Copies of the Access Guide are available at DRS and can be found on-line.
Access Technology Lab 206-685-4144 / atl@u.washington.edu
The Mary Gates Hall Computing Resources Center and the Odegaard Undergraduate Library have a variety of adaptive computer equipment and software programs for students with disabilities. Staff are available to assist in training on the adaptive equipment and software.
Admissions
Undergraduate 206-543-9686 / askuw@u.washington.edu
Graduate 206-543-5929 / uwgrad2@grad.washington.edu
Students with disabilities apply to the University using the same application process as any other student. There may be special admission considerations due to a disability. Refer to the University's web site for further information or contact the Office of Admissions for undergraduate information, the Graduate Admissions office or specific departments for graduate information.
Campus Housing 206-543-4059 / hfsinfo@u.washington.edu
Requests for disability-related accommodations in campus housing may be made through DRS after submitting a completed application to Housing and Food Services.
Campus Parking 206-685-1543 / parking@u.washington.edu
Eligibility for disabled parking accommodation is established through DRS. Once eligible, students can purchase parking permits from Parking Services.
Campus Transportation 206-685-1511
Dial-A-Ride is a free-of-charge campus shuttle service for persons with disabilities that impact mobility. Eligibility is established through DRS.
Career Preparation Services
Center for Career Services 206-543-0535
DO-IT 206-685-3648
The Center for Career Services and DO-IT (Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking and Technology) both offer excellent assistance and resource information in career preparation for students with disabilities.
Financial Aid 206-543-6101 / osfa@u.washington.edu
The Financial Aid office handles inquiries regarding financial assistance.
Hall Health Center 206-685-1011 / hhpccweb@u.washington.edu
Hall health is an outpatient clinic that provides health and medical care, including mental health care, to currently enrolled students.
Counseling Center 206-543-1240 / scc@u.washington.edu
Career, academic skills and personal counseling in group, couple or individual sessions is provided for currently enrolled students for a minimal fee.
Undergraduate Scholarship Office 206-221-6023 / scholarq@u.washington.edu
General scholarship opportunities and scholarships specific to students with disabilities may be available.

Contact Info / Hours

Disability Resources for Students is open Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You can contact us at:

University of Washington
Disability Resources for Students
448 Schmitz Hall, Box 355839
Seattle, WA 98195-5839
uwdss@u.washington.edu
206-543-8924 (Voice)
206-543-8925 (TTY)
206-616-8379 (FAX)







The University of Washington provides equal opportunity in education without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, or disability in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.