DRC Resources for Faculty

In addition to providing academic accommodations for students, the DRC works with PSU faculty to identify strategies for working with students with disabilities. Accommodations provided for students with disabilities at Portland State University will vary according to the effects of a student's disability (see DRC Faculty Handbook). The most commonly offered accommodations include:

  • A notetaker
  • Extended time on examinations
  • Books in alternative format
  • Sign language interpreters and real-time captioners

In general, any student registered with the DRC who receives accommodations should give you a faculty letter and discuss their accommodations. You may be required to make an announcement in class to recruit a notetaker; to send a course syllabus to the DRC office so that books in alternative formats may be obtained; or to deliver an exam to the Testing Center (Room 310 of the University Center Building). Further information about proctoring at the Testing Center for students who are registered with the DRC can be found at this location.

If, at any time, you are unsure how to fulfill an accommodation request, please call the Disability Resource Center at (503) 725-4150.

There are three types of accommodations that are NOT considered reasonable:

  1. Making accommodations that create substantial changes in any essential element of the curriculum.
  2. Making accommodations or allowing participation that creates a direct threat to the health and safety of others.
  3. Making accommodations that substantially alter the manner in which you provide instruction. Please call us if you would like someone from the DRC to discuss scenarios for working with students with disabilities.

Syllabus Statement

All syllabi should have a statement inviting students with disabilities to make their need for accommodations known.*

Example:

"Accommodations are collaborative efforts between students, faculty, and the Disability Resource Center. Students with accommodations approved through the DRC are responsible for contacting the faculty member in charge of the course prior to or during the first week of the term to discuss accommodations. Students who believe they are eligible for accommodations but who have not yet obtained approval through the DRC should contact the DRC immediately."

*IMPORTANT - When a student approaches you with a request for accommodations, you should ask them whether they are registered with the DRC to ensure eligibility for services. If the student is not registered with the DRC, please refer them to our office to inquire about service eligibility. Feel free to ask the student about the types of accommodations that are needed, but do not ask specific questions regarding the diagnosis or ask to see the student's documentation of his/her disability. Students are required to self-identify and request accommodations to be eligible for services. Please contact the DRC if you have any questions.

There are symbols that you can put into documents, websites, and your syllabus. The DRC has complied these symbols. Click here for a Word document that includes these symbols.


Disability Resource Center
Portland State University
435 Smith Memorial Student Union
1825 SW Broadway
Portland, OR 97201

Phone: (503) 725-4150
Fax: (503) 725-4103
TTY or Relay: (503) 725-6504

Email: drc@pdx.edu