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Home Disability Resources for Students Instructors Referring Students to DRS

Referring Students to DRS 

Who We Serve 

DRS works with students with a variety of disabilities, both apparent and not-so-apparent. Our students sometimes have one or more diagnosed disabilities, including, but not limited to: 

  • Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD or ADHD) 
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder 
  • Blind/Low Vision 
  • Chronic Health Diagnoses (like diabetes, Crohn's, asthma, transplanted organs, food allergies, and more) 
  • Deaf/Hard of Hearing 
  • Learning Disabilities (math, reading, written expression disorders) 
  • Physical Access (crutch/cane-, wheelchair-, and scooter-users) 
  • Psychological Diagnoses (depression, bi-polar, anxiety, and panic attacks) 
  • Traumatic Brain Injuries (concussion and stroke) 
  • Temporary Injuries or Illnesses (could be physical or psychological/emotional) 

In addition, we work with pregnant students who are experiencing significant symptoms associated with their pregnancy or who have a high-risk pregnancy. Pregnant students needing accommodations should be referred to the Office for Institutional Equity and Disability Resources for Students simultaneously.

Approaching the Student

There are situations where you might think that a student has a disability, but you are not sure. Students are under no obligation to disclose information about specific diagnoses to instructors, and instructors should not ask for this information. However, instructors may discuss observations related to a student’s performance or functioning within the classroom to make appropriate referrals and/or to garner a better understanding of how to design a more inclusive curriculum. When you notice a student struggling, and you think that DRS may be able to assist them, it is best to mention DRS as one possible resource among a list of resources, such as the Counseling Center, the Center for Writing and Communication, and Educational Support Programs. Some students will opt to share information regarding diagnoses, and those students can be referred directly to DRS. Please remember to keep diagnoses, as well as all information related to disability status, confidential.