Daily Challenges of Students with Disabilities Jan Serrantino, Ed.D. Director, Disability Services Center

Objectives Explain one or more challenges faced by students with disabilities at UCI Understand one core function of DSC Determine one or more ways accessibility can be improved in your department, programs, services or activities Explain one way my department can better serve students with disabilities

Session Format Overview of Disability UCI Student Stories Q & A

What qualifies as a Disability at UCI? A physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, a record of such an impairment or being regarded as having such an impairment.

Major Life Activities…. Talking Hearing Seeing Breathing Walking Sitting Caring For Oneself Learning Reading Memorizing Concentrating Lifting Writing Organization Managing distractions Stress management Sustained Focus And more…

Disability Laws that apply to UCI Americans With Disabilities Act Rehabilitation Act of 1974 HIPPA – Medical Records FERPA- Education Records

Core Functions of DSC Ensure Accessibility at UC Irvine Disability Management Disability Counseling Support

Verification Medical or Psycho-educational Documentation that explains how the diagnosis effects the specific student and includes: Student’s History Assessment Medications Therapy Recommendations Hearing & Vision Tests What the student can do Limitations Student responsible for all Costs ($1,000-$6,000)

Registration Process Meet with a DSC Counselor Provide and review documentation Discuss impacts of disability Determine Accommodations Implement Accommodations This can take as little at 45 minutes or up to several months

Comparison of UCI Enrollment and Students Registered with Disabilities

Growth in types of Disabilities

What can I ask a student regarding a ( suspected or actual ) disability? Never Ask:  What is your disability?  Can I see your documentation?  May I have a copy of your test scores (psycho-educational)?  Who is your Doctor (or other professional)?  Any explicit or implicit inference to a particular student and the disability is inappropriate. However, you may ask:  Do you require any specific accommodations?  Has anyone ever suggested you might have a learning disability?  Is there any other information you want me to know?  Where there some resources you had in HS that would be helpful to you now?

Questions?

Objectives Explain one or more challenges faced by students with disabilities at UCI Understand one core function of DSC Determine one or more ways accessibility can be improved in your department, programs, services or activities Explain one way my department can better serve students with disabilities