Disability Resource Center promotes access and equity for all students, faculty, staff and guests of the University of Minnesota. Accommodation units assist in implementing accommodations approved by access consultants in Student Access and UReturn access consultants. They also collaborate and consult with colleges, departments and units to create accessible learning and working environments. The University is committed to advancing access for everyone.
What does each DRC unit do?
Access Assistance
Student employees (called access assistants) provide access assistance on campus, including: taking class notes; working 1:1 with students, faculty, staff and visitors with disabilities on campus; converting documents into accessible formats; and working in the DRC’s Testing Center.
Media Accessibility
The Media Accessibility Unit works with users to determine accessible file formats for their course materials, employment, or participation in events. Examples of these formats include accessible PDFs, Braille documents, large-print documents, and captioned videos.
Interpreting/ Captioning Unit, ICU
The Interpreting/Captioning Unit (ICU) provides sign language interpreting and real-time captioning services to the University community. The ICU is comprised of professional sign language interpreters, real-time captionists, and administrative staff who provide services to staff, faculty, students, and guests of the University.
Physical Access
The Physical Access Coordinator provides direction, recommendations, and technical assistance to improve physical access on campus for people with physical or sensory disabilities.
Student Access
Student Access works with undergraduate/graduate/PESO/College in the Schools students, faculty, and staff to ensure that students with disabilities have access to courses, services, and programs. Students provide expertise in their own experiences with disability-related barriers, resources, and strengths. Faculty provide expertise about their curriculum, including essential components and learning outcomes.
Student Access staff provide expertise in formulating reasonable accommodations that provide equitable access and do not compromise course or program requirements.
Testing
The Testing Center administers exams to students who require disability-related accommodations.
U Return
UReturn facilitates workplace modifications for U of M faculty and staff with disabilities and medical conditions by collaboratively balancing the needs of the employee and the needs of the university to achieve reasonable solutions.
Support Staff
The DRC has several support staff who do things like manage contracts, help with calendars and purchasing, triage calls, and provide technology development and support.