Image Description: The image above is a still of a video animation scene of a disabled student applying for accommodations.
Note: The accommodation procedures detailed in this video have changed since the creation of the video. Specifically, students are no longer responsible for delivering their accommodation letters to faculty but they are still responsible for requesting them. The new process is discussed in detail when students meet with a DLRC staff member.
Mission
The mission of the Disability and Learning Resource Center (DLRC) is to support a universally accessible educational community that fosters full participation and contribution of every member. The DLRC carries out its mission by delivering innovative and high-quality services to SAIC students with disabilities and by facilitating and advocating for reasonable accommodations so that students have equal access to all programs, activities, and services of the institution. The DLRC cultivates opportunities for students to articulate their strengths, empowers them to advocate for their own learning needs, and identifies and responds to the dynamic nature of student needs and learning environments.
Eligibility
All currently enrolled SAIC students are eligible to receive services from the DLRC.
How to Schedule an Appointment
Students may schedule an appointment by calling 312.499.4278 or emailing dlrc@saic.edu. Regular DLRC hours are Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Disability Resources
DLRC specialists are available to assist students with disabilities. In accordance with the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the DLRC staff works to provide equal access to all SAIC programs, services, and facilities for students with disabilities. The DLRC conducts outreach and programming on practical and artistic disability topics, serves as a resource for faculty and staff, and provides individual accommodations for students.
Accommodations may include but are not limited to the following:
- Priority registration
- Extended time on exams
- Distraction-reduced testing area
- Note-taking assistance
- Recording lectures
- Assistive technology
- Furniture modifications
- Housing modifications
- Digital format/text accessibility
- Sign language interpreters
- Reduced course load
- Preferential seating
Accommodations Process
Students must take the first step toward receiving reasonable accommodations by disclosing a condition or need to a member of the DLRC staff. During that initial conversation, students are informed about the documentation process—if it is required—and which accommodations are considered reasonable. Once reasonable accommodations have been determined, a DLRC staff member provides a letter to students and faculty that lists and describes the approved accommodations. Students are responsible for requesting an accommodation letter each semester. Instructors are not obligated to provide accommodations if a letter has not been requested. A timely request is vital as accommodations are not retroactive. Students are under no obligation to disclose their diagnoses or justify their needs for accommodations to their instructors. However, students are encouraged to work collaboratively with their instructors to better address their accommodation needs. Thus, it is often beneficial to talk openly to instructors about the impact of a disability on academic performance.
Learning Resources
Using a strengths-based approach, specialists at SAIC’s DLRC provide academic support for students who have documentation of a disability or suspect that they may have a disability, students currently enrolled in the Academic Access Program or are currently on academic warning or probation, or students who have been referred for support by a member of SAIC faculty or staff. Sessions are generally one hour in length and are tailored to each student’s unique learning needs. Eligible students will learn how to more effectively utilize study skill strategies in the areas of reading comprehension and written expression, note-taking, and organization, and time management. DLRC staff may also address stress management and offer guidance for accessing available resources
See: Documentation Requirements and Forms
Contact Us
dlrc@saic.edu
312.499.4278
Fax: 312.499.4290
Location
Lakeview Building
116 S. Michigan Ave., 13th floor
Hours
Monday–Friday
9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Mailing Address
Disability and Learning Resource Center
Lakeview Building
116 S. Michigan Ave., 13th floor
Chicago IL 60603
To schedule an appointment call:
312.499.4278 or by emailing dlrc@saic.edu
