Disability Resource Center
Student Center Suite 240/246
Phone: (734) 487-2470
Fax: (734) 487-5784
Student Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the purpose of the Disability Resource Center?
The Disability Resource Center (DRC) views disabilities as an integral part of the rich
diversity at Eastern Michigan University. The office recognizes that some students have a
clinical or medical diagnosis that impacts their academic or campus experience because the
environment is not always compatible with the disability. One purpose of the office is to
coordinate reasonable resources with students and the campus community that allow for
equal access and opportunity, which can ultimately improve a student’s ability to learn,
study, and/or participate in campus activities. Students who believe they would benefit from
environmental adjustments (extra time for exams; housing placement considerations, etc.)
as a way to address the impact of a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability
Resource Center.
2. What is a disability? What disability is required to use the office’s resources?
A disability is any clinical or medical diagnosis that substantially impacts one or more areas
of life functioning. The disability may be visible (visual impairment, hearing impairment, or
mobility impairment) or invisible (learning disabilities, ADHD, psychological disabilities,
autism, and many medical disabilities such as Crohn’s Disease, chronic migraines, and
fibromyalgia to name a few.
3. How do I get connected with the resources of the office?
Students may inquire about resources without need for commitment to anything. Interested
students need to meet/speak with one of the Disability Advisors about their situation and the
potential need for accommodations and other resources. Resources will not be coordinated
otherwise. It is important that the student take the lead on this conversation. Teachers, EMU
staff, and parents cannot talk on behalf of the student.
4. Do I need to bring documentation to an initial meeting?
Because each person’s situation is unique, the office simply asks that any interested student
meet with us. Documentation requirements vary by situation. The Disability Advisor will talk
to the student about documentation during the initial conversation. No student should delay
meeting with the office out of concern for not having appropriate paperwork.
5. Is communication with the office confidential?
Students can inquire about resources with assurance that conversations will remain
confidential. When students decide to use resources, the Advisor will explain how
Disability Resource Center
Student Center Suite 240/246
Phone: (734) 487-2470
Fax: (734) 487-5784
communication with others on campus works and students will sign an approval of release of
information.
6. What resources are available?
Common resources include academic accommodations, housing accommodation
considerations, textbooks and course readings in an alternative format, collaboration with
other departments on campus to make programs, policies, and procedures accessible,
wheelchair loans, and other resources as dictated by individual situations.
7. What are the most common academic accommodations?
150% extended exam
time
Course note-taker (student
volunteer)
200% extended exam
time
Use laptop solely for purposes
of taking notes in the classroom
Quiet location for tests
Ability to record lectures
Human exam reader
Preferential seating
Alternative format handouts
Computer exam reader
Possible adjustments to
attendance or tardiness policies
CART or ASL Providers
Writer or Dragon for
exams
Possible adjustments to out-ofclass assignment deadlines
Housing (describe)
Assistive technology
Handouts in enlarged font
size (list size):
Books in audio format
(require 4 – 6 weeks’
notice)
8. How does the academic accommodation process work? What happens after meeting
with the DRC?
For academic accommodations that will be used in the classroom, the student will receive an
accommodation letter from our office and will be expected to give it to the course instructor.
The student and the course instructor are responsible for discussing ways in which the
accommodations will be coordinated in each specific classroom scenario. Instructors handle
accommodations differently based on a number of factors. To use academic
accommodations successfully requires that the student be a good self-advocate of needs
and that the student manage the details necessary to arrange accommodations with each
instructor. The Disability Advisor can discuss this process and the student requirements in
greater detail.