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The University of Arizona Disability Resource Center
The Disability Resource Center at the University of Arizona leads the campus in the creation of inclusive learning and working environments and facilitates access through innovative services, programs and partnerships. Disability is an aspect of diversity that is integral to the campus community.
The DRC collaborates with over 2,000 students each year with varying disabilities to create an environment on campus that is inclusive for all, which may result in the implementation of accommodations. Accommodations vary by student and may include extended time on exams in the state of the art DRC testing center, providing an American Sign Language interpreter for a class or event, or ensuring dorm rooms are accessible to the student. The DRC coordinates with instructors and departments at the design phase of their courses to ensure access is established at the start, both for online and in-person courses.
The DRC is not only a resource for students, but a resource for all members of the UA community including faculty, staff and guests. There is a team dedicated to providing accommodations for faculty and staff in their work environments, as well as a team dedicated to physical access and UA sponsored events. The Tucson Festival of Books is one of DRC’s largest events to oversee access. The two-day event attracts over 100,000 people to the UA each year.
With the UA’s longstanding commitment to disability access, the UA offers athletic opportunities to all students. The DRC has created a dynamic and vibrant adaptive sports community that provides high-quality and meaningful opportunities for competitive wheelchair and adaptive sports to disabled students and community members. UA offers excellent weather that allows for training year-round, an adaptive fitness center, as well as disability resources for students that rival any in the country. The program houses six globally competitive teams that include men’s and women’s wheelchair basketball, wheelchair tennis, wheelchair rugby, hand-cycling, track and road
By Angeline Carbajal