Accommodations

APPLY FOR ACCOMMODATIONS
To qualify for academic accommodations, a student must provide documentation of their disability and engage in an interactive process with DRC staff to identify and establish reasonable accommodations. DRC staff are available throughout the summer and break periods. UWSP at Marshfield or UWSP at Wausau Students: Although the DRC is physically located on the Stevens Point campus, DRC staff work closely with branch faculty and staff to implement accommodations. Please follow the steps to qualify for accommodations and contact us if you have questions.
REGISTER SCHOLARSHIPS
For students entering UWSP in the fall, please initiate the application process over the summer. It can take time (sometimes a few weeks) to qualify students for accommodations and get things in place. Even if you are unsure about using accommodations, we urge you to apply and get qualified so that you can use accommodations quickly should you need them.
HOW-TO VIDEOS

Step 1: Establish a DRC Connect Account

  • Use the REGISTER button above to enter your contact information in our online portal, DRC Connect. Please use your UWSP email address, if you have one set up when you register.
  • If you have questions about accommodations or getting qualified, please feel free to contact the DRC office at 715-346-3365 or drc@uwsp.edu. 
  • If you have questions about the university’s admission process, please contact Admissions at 715-346-2441 or admiss@uwsp.edu. 
  • If you have questions about Placement Testing, please refer to the UW System Placement Testing procedures: Placement Testing – Testing Services | UWSP
  • For special Housing requests, please see the information/process on the Residential Living page: Housing and Residence Life – Medical Accommodations | UWSP
  • For setting up special Food Service needs, you’ll need to contact the Dietary office: Dining Services – Dietary Resources | UWSP
  • If your primary accommodation is an Assistance Animal, please review the UWSP Assistance Animal page and schedule a meeting prior to establishing an account or submitting documentation.

Step 2: Submit Documentation

Step 3: Participate in a New Client Intake Meeting

  • The intake meeting is a conversation about your request and documentation, accommodation history, and the impact of your condition(s). We also explain processes for implementing your accommodations in your courses. Intake meetings are generally 30 minutes in duration. Please call our office (715-346-3365) during business hours to request a meeting, or you may schedule a meeting via Navigate.
  • UWSP at Marshfield or UWSP at Wausau Students: DRC staff in Stevens Point will make arrangements to discuss your request in person or via Zoom meeting.

Student Accommodations

Below are lists of typical accommodations. Which accommodations you qualify for are determined on an individual basis, taking into account your individual needs and supporting documentation.

Classroom Accommodations
  • ​Recorded Lectures
  • ​Copies of PowerPoints, notes, etc.
  • ​Note Taker (Wausau campus only)
  • ​Computer
  • ​Calculator
  • ​FM System
  • ​Sign-Language Interpreter
  • ​Captioning/C-Print
  • ​Preferential Seating
  • ​Adaptive Furniture
  • ​Flexible Attendance
  • ​Able to Leave Classroom
Assistive Technology

The items below are just some of the types of resources the AT Lab has available.

  • ​Talking Scientific Calculator
  • ​Magnifier-Transformer USB
  • ​Dictation Program (Voice to Text)
  • ​Magnifier/Reader (DaVinci)
  • ​ZoomText Program
  • Note-Taking Tools
  • Digital Texts​ (Text to Voice)
  • ​FM System
Exam/Testing Accommodations
  • Proctored Exam
  • ​Extended Time
  • ​Reduced Distraction Location
  • ​Reader
  • ​Scribe
  • ​Computer for Testing
  • ​Text to Voice
  • ​Voice to Text
  • ​No Penalty for Spelling/Grammar
  • ​Enlarged Copies for Test
Student Test Accommodations

The DRC administers around 1,000 exams/tests per semester for students who qualify for exam accommodations through the DRC.

The DRC proctors exams in multiple locations:

  • a few individual testing rooms with camera monitoring
  • testing rooms with computers; for students who qualify for assistive technology testing accommodations
  • small testing rooms for 1-2 test takers
  • in a group setting, that is smaller and has fewer distractions than the classroom
  • or you may make personal arrangements with your instructor
Proctored Exam Procedure

Instructors may arrange test accommodations for students with disabilities in their area. However, if instructors are unable to do so, they may refer the student to the DRC, and we will arrange for a proctored exam.

  • Students will submit an accommodation notice to their instructors via DRC Connect.
  • Students are encouraged to meet with each of their instructors regarding their exam accommodations and together determine if the student will test through the DRC or make arrangements with the instructor.
    • In some instances, a student’s exam accommodation needs can only be met through our office. In these cases, the instructor may be notified by the DRC.
  • If the student and/or instructor chooses to schedule their exams(s) through the DRC the student will then submit a test request through DRC Connect. Should the instructor change the test date, we expect students to inform the DRC as soon as possible, so we are able to make proctored exam changes in our office.
  • The student and instructor will then receive an email with confirmation of their exam day, time, and location.
    • Requests for exams/quizzes need to be submitted online at least five (5) business days (Monday-Friday) no later than 4:30 p.m. in advance of the exam and about one (1) month prior to your finals. Please note that before we finalize exam accommodations, it takes time to communicate between instructor, proctor, location source, and student.
    • Please remember to notify us if there are any changes in exam dates and times.
Additional Accommodations
  • Dietary Accommodations
    Dining and Summer Conference has a Registered Dietician on staff who is available to consult with students who have dietary needs related to allergies or a disability/medical condition. Consultation with the dietician is encouraged before seeking exemption from the requirement for students living on campus to purchase a meal plan.
  • ​Housing Accommodations
    Residential Living considers a wide variety of housing accommodation requests, including single room placement due to disability/medical condition and exemption from the on-campus residency requirement for first and second year students.
  • ​Priority Registration
    DRC staff will consider requests for priority registration on a case-by-case basis.
  • ​Service Animal
    Service animals are dogs or mini-horses trained to perform tasks or duties for a person with a disability. Students with service animals are encouraged to register with DRC to facilitate access to campus facilities (including housing).
  • ​Emotional Support Animal
    Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) are allowed as a housing accommodation when the student can document a therapeutic benefit to residing with an animal. Students seeking approval for ESAs should contact DRC and consult with a staff member about the review process. Certificates or registrations from online registries or similar verification services are typically not considered sufficient documentation of therapeutic benefit.

The UWSP Disability Resource Center (DRC), in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and its Amendments, and UW System Policy on Individuals with Disabilities, coordinates accommodations to allow individuals with disabilities to participate in or benefit from UWSP and its programs, services and activities in the most integrated setting.