Getting Started Checklist
This checklist provides a quick step-by-step explanation of how to connect with the Disability Resource Center for accommodations. For a more in-depth explanation, see our Guidelines for Students with Disabilities.
- Collect documentation that covers the points in our Documentation Guidelines. You may already have records that cover the information we need, or you may want to give the guidelines to your provider to get something written up that covers each point. If you have concerns about being able to provide the documentation we need, please contact us so we can talk through your options and provide guidance.
- Complete the Intake Form. This allows you to submit your documentation, provide your contact information, and share some initial information about your needs. You may also submit documentation by email to askdrc@louisville.edu, fax to 502-852-0924, or drop off to our front desk in Stevenson Hall 119 if needed.
- Set an intake appointment. Contact your coordinator to set up a time for your intake appointment. This meeting generally occurs after you have registered for your classes, but preferably well before the semester begins. The coordinator will review the documentation prior to your appointment. If additional information is needed, the coordinator will let you know. (Housing accommodations and other non-academic accommodations can be requested prior to registering for classes.)
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Come to the intake appointment prepared to…
- Discuss how your disability impacts you and your accommodation needs.
- Learn about the policies and procedures that you will need to follow in order to access your accommodations.
- Learn about other resources that are available to you.
- Review your class schedule and complete your first Service Request Form.
- Meet with your professor(s) to discuss your accommodations. After your intake meeting, your coordinator will prepare any accommodation letters you will need for the semester. These letters list your accommodations for each of your courses. It is your responsibility to provide the letters to your professor(s) and discuss any logistics regarding how you will receive accommodations in each course.
- Keep your coordinator updated. If your accommodation needs change at any point, contact your coordinator to set up a time to talk about this. If you have any problems working out logistics with your professors, let us know. You can request a meeting with your coordinator if needed to discuss your progress or needs. Just call or send an e-mail to make an appointment. Request accommodations each semester using the online Service Request Form to continue receiving accommodations in future semesters.
What to Expect During a DRC Intake Appointment
Before the appointment:
You will submit an Intake Form through the DRC website and upload your documentation. This form will go to your coordinator so that the two of you may set up an appointment. The coordinator will review the documentation in advance of the appointment to gain an understanding of how you are impacted by your disability.
When will the meeting happen?
For incoming students, we generally like to meet after the student has gone through orientation to register for their classes, but preferably well before classes actually begin so that accommodations can be in place at the start of the semester. Current students are welcome to connect with our office at any time.
Where will the meeting happen?
Intake meetings can be conducted in-person at the Disability Resource Center, virtually on the Microsoft Teams platform, or by phone.
Who will be there?
The only two people who must be present for the intake appointment are the student and the coordinator. It is the student’s choice if they wish to bring a parent, family member, or other trusted individual with them to this meeting. Any guests should be aware that they are there in a support role, and that the discussion will primarily be conducted with the student.
Paperwork
Part of the appointment will entail reviewing necessary paperwork. Some items may require signature, such as the Release of Information form or Honor Policy. Others will be items for you to read over after the appointment.
Discussing Barriers
This meeting helps your coordinator get to know you and better understand your needs. You may discuss barriers you experience in the classroom, taking exams, completing homework, studying, and more. Our goal is to help reduce any disability-related barriers you are experiencing, so helping us have a more complete picture of any challenges you face is an important first-step in determining appropriate accommodations.
Accommodations
Determining accommodations is an interactive process. Through your discussion with the coordinator about barriers, the two of you will come up with some accommodations which may be able to help support you with those barriers. Your coordinator may have some suggestions, but you are also encouraged to think about what you may need and bring your own ideas. In some situations, it may be necessary for your coordinator to re-review documentation, consult with colleagues, or speak with the academic unit before finalizing a particular request. If you had an IEP/504 Plan previously, those accommodations do not directly translate from high school to college; we will work with you to determine what accommodations may be appropriate for you in the higher education environment.
Logistics
Once accommodations are determined, it’s time to talk logistics. We’ll explain how you request accommodations each semester, your responsibilities for notifying faculty about your accommodations, as well as any steps that are necessary to put particular accommodations in place throughout the semester (such as exam scheduling).
Resources
Beyond just the accommodations that the DRC may provide for you, we also want to make sure you are aware of the many resources available to support you as a student. We’ll share information about things like tutoring, academic coaching, etc.
Service Request
The intake appointment ends with the Service Request Form. This is your first opportunity to request specific accommodations for your courses, and something you will complete online each subsequent semester.
Follow-Up
Your coordinator will send you a follow-up email with information to review about your accommodations and other resources. If you have questions, concerns, or other needs that come up later, be sure you reach back out to your coordinator.