Counseling and Support Services

Disability Resource Services

Our Mission

The mission of Disability Resource Services is to offer aid to differently-abled individuals seeking the opportunity for further learning.

DRS is responsible for facilitating UM-D’s compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other federal and state laws designed to remove barriers that may impede the progress of individuals with disabilities.

Services

UM-D provides a wide range of services to students with qualifying disabilities to allow them to participate in the mainstream of college life. Students are responsible for their ultimate success in academic and personal programs; however, DRS will provide the necessary services to increase success potential.

Services are both highly individualized and based on need; they may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Advocacy and referral on campus
• Orientation to campus resources
• Course materials in alternative formats
• Sign language and oral interpreters
• Special testing arrangements
• Access to adaptive equipment and technology

Adaptive Equipment

The following is a list of some of the adaptive technology available on the campus:

CW Computer lab – One computer is designated for use by persons with disabilities. It has screen enlarger and screen reader software.

Mardigian Library – One station on the ground floor is dedicated for use by persons with disabilities. It has an adjustable stand with screen enlarger and screen reader software. In the back of the computer lab on the first floor are two computers with screen enlarger and screen reader software. There is also a Closed Circuit TV for the Visually Impaired.

School of Management Labs (FCS) – The computer labs for Management students each have one computer with screen enlarger and screen reader software.

CASL Building – Computer labs for student use have Zoom Text, a screen enlarger software available in all labs.

Student Responsibilities

• Students who believe they are eligible for services must identify themselves and provide current documentation of their disability to the DRS.  The documentation is required in order to determine eligibility for services and to assess what services are needed.
• Students should schedule a meeting before the start of an academic year with the DRS Coordinator to discuss specific needs and accommodations.
• Students must be proactive in seeking accommodations. If adaptive equipment is needed, alternative book format, etc., student should notify DRS coordinator as soon as possible before the semester begins.
• Students with documented disabilities may request modifications, accommodations, or auxiliary aids which will enable them to participate in and benefit from all educational programs and activities.
• Students must be able to provide for own personal attendants and items, or other disability needs not related to the academic environment.

University Responsibilities

• The DRS Coordinator will verify that a student has a documented disability.
• The DRS Office will coordinate and/or provide reasonable accommodations.
• The University has the flexibility to select the specific aid or service it provides, as long as it is effective. Such aids or services are selected in consultation with the student who will use them.
• At the student’s request the DRS Office will notify the instructor(s) of the student’s accommodation(s).
• The DRS Coordinator serves as a resource for students to assist them in adapting to the university and educates the student about his/her role and responsibility as a self-advocate in the accommodation process.
• The DRS Coordinator works with the faculty, staff and administrators as an advocate and provides support to all parties in the accommodation process.

Registration

Students wishing to receive services must register with the DRS office. Please call our office at (313) 593-5430 to set up at appointment with the DRS Coordinator, Dennis Underwood, or stop by our office in the UC, room 2157, 8:00AM-5:00PM, Monday through Friday.

Some of the academic adjustments and accommodations that may be provided are:

• early registration
• extended time on tests
• tutorial referrals
• note-takers
• scanning of textbooks
• reader/scribe for tests
• Interpreters for the deaf

Please note that students are only eligible to receive accommodations after they register with the DRS office, 2157 UC. The DRS Coordinator will then determine “reasonable accommodations” and will assist in providing for them at that time.

For more information or to meet with the Disability Staff please call (313) 593-5430 or email counseling@umd.umich.edu

HOURS/LOCATION/STAFF

Location:

2157 University Center

Hours:

Fall & Winter Office Hours:

Monday 8:00AM – 6:30PM

Tuesday 8:00AM – 6:00PM

Wednesday 8:00AM – 6:00PM

Thursday 8:00AM – 6:30PM

Friday 8:00AM – 5:00PM

Summer Hours:

Monday – Friday 8:00AM – 5:00PM

Phone:

(313) 593-5430

(313) 593-3263 fax

Office Staff:

Dennis Underwood, M.A., Coordinator

Suzette Crandell, B.A., Admin. Assistant

Judy Walker, B.S., Secretary

FACULTY GUIDE

Syllabi statement all teaching Faculty should used:

Below is a sample statement that can be placed in your syllabus to notify students with Disabilities that they must register in the Disability Resource Services (DRS) office if they are to receive any special accommodations. Please note that the deadline date to register with DRS is always the same date as the last day of add/drop of each term. This change should enable you to keep the same statement each term/year you teach without having to chance the dates.

The University will make reasonable accommodations for persons with documented disabilities. Students need to register with Disability Resource Services (DRS) every semester they are enrolled for classes. DRS is located in Counseling & Support Services, 2157 UC. To be assured of having services when they are needed, students should register no later than the end of the add/drop deadline of each term.

Adaptive Equipment:

The following is a list of some of the adaptive technology available on the campus:

CW Computer lab – One computer is designated for use by persons with disabilities. It has screen enlarger and screen reader software.

Mardigian Library – One station on the ground floor is dedicated for use by persons with disabilities. It has an adjustable stand with screen enlarger and screen reader software. In the back of the computer lab on the first floor are two computers with screen enlarger and screen reader software. There is also a Closed Circuit TV for the Visually Impaired.

School of Management Labs (FCS) – The computer labs for Management students each have one computer with screen enlarger and screen reader software.

CASL Building – Computer labs for student use have Zoom Text, a screen enlarger software available in all labs.

Proctoring Forms:

• Sample Accommodation Letter (addressed to Faculty)
• Student Request Form
• Instructor Directions/Test Proctoring Form (must be return with exam)

Testing Accommodation Guidelines:

At the beginning of each term Faculty will be send in campus mail a memo identifying those students in each of their courses, who are registered with DRS and what the student’s academic accommodations will be for that semester.

Please note: Disability eligible students should never be allowed more than double time for any test and/or final exam.

For additional information please contact the DRS Coordinator, Dennis Underwood at (313) 593-5430.

Other Resources:

Commission on Disability Concerns – responds to and advocates on behalf of Michigan's 1.9 million people with disabilities.

City of Dearborn

Phone: (313) 943-2789

TTY (313) 943-2835

Fax: (313) 943-2067

Email: | commission@dearborn-disabilities.org | or | www.dearborn-disabilities.org |

Michigan Commission for the Blind

Cadillac Place

3038  W. Grand Blvd.

Suite 4 - 450

Detroit , MI 48202-6038
Phone: (313) 456-1646
Fax: (313) 456-1645

Michigan Rehabilitation Services - assist individuals with disabilities into employment and self-sufficiency.

20500 Eureka, Suite 210

Taylor, MI 48180

Phone: (734) 285-2707

1-877-619-6650 (toll-free)

Kellogg Low Vision Clinic - provides Visual Rehabilitative Services through a multidisciplinary approach.

Kellogg Eye Center
1000 Wall Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Phone: (734) 764-5106
Kellogg Low Vision Clinic

MWorks Disability Management - registered occupational therapists will visit your work site, work with you to analyze a specific job or work area, assist in the identification of accommodations for faculty, staff or students, and/or provide ergonomic recommendations. MWorks Disability Management
2850 S. Industrial
Suite 600
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Phone: (734) 975-4635, ext. 233 or 255

JAN - The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) is not a job placement service, but an international toll-free consulting service that provides information about job accommodations and the employability of people with disabilities

Americans with Disabilities Act www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/adahom1.htm