The DRC collaborates with the university community to create accessible educational environments for students with disabilities. We know that you, as a faculty or staff member, play a critical role in this work. We are committed to partnering with you in course design and implementing effective accommodations.
Faculty and Staff Resources for Accessibility & Accommodations
Tools & Guidance for Creating a Supportive Learning Environment.
New for Fall 2025: Updated Flexibility Accommodation Process
Faculty/Instructor Consultation
The Disability Resource Center (DRC) supports accessibility and equal opportunity for students with disabilities at the University of Kentucky. DRC Accommodation Consultants are available to meet with faculty individually, by department, or college to discuss accommodation processes, classroom accessibility, and universal design.
Consultations may involve questions about accommodation letters, testing services, alternative text, interpreting or captioning, service animals, and more. We’re here to help you create a supportive learning environment for all students.
Campus Education and Advocacy
DRC staff are available to present on a range of disability-related topics for faculty, staff, and campus groups. We offer flexible formats and timing for meetings, trainings, or events. Topics include:
- Overview of DRC Services
- Universal Design Strategies
- Accommodations in Higher Education
- Disability Culture & Etiquette
- Compensatory Strategies
Don’t see what you’re looking for? Contact us to explore a customized session.
Faculty Focus Column
Access Matters is a recurring column from the Disability Resource Center (DRC) designed specifically for faculty and instructional staff. Each edition offers quick, practical insights into creating accessible learning environments and supporting students with disabilities at the University of Kentucky. From demystifying accommodations to highlighting universal design strategies, this column helps faculty stay informed, proactive, and student-centered—because access matters in every classroom.
From Request to Implementation: Understanding the DRC Process
Overview of DRC Accommodation Process
Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (as amended), students must self-identify as having a disability and request accommodations through the DRC. This differs from K–12 settings, where schools are responsible for identifying students with disabilities.
Step 1: Student Applies for Accommodations
Students begin by submitting the New Student Affiliation Form through the DRC Application Portal. This brief questionnaire invites students to share details about their disability experience, including:
- Contact information (UKY email address)
- A description and history of the disability or temporary health condition
- How the condition impacts their experience as a UK student
- Accommodations they wish to request
Students are encouraged to upload documentation if available. More information about documentation guidelines is available on the DRC website.
After submitting the application, students will not be able to upload documentation through the portal. Additional documentation can be submitted via email, in-person at the DRC office, or by fax.
Step 2: DRC Reviews Students' Affiliation Form & Documentation
The DRC reviews students' affiliation form and any submitted documentation. To evaluate accommodation requests, the DRC considers whether:
- The student has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, and
- The condition impacts the student’s ability to access common aspects of campus life (e.g., attending class, using technology, navigating the environment, participating in housing/dining, etc.)
Step 3: Affiliation Meeting
After the affiliation form is submitted, a DRC team member will contact the student to schedule an affiliation meeting. This collaborative conversation allows the DRC to hear directly from the student about:
- Functional limitations they experience
- Specific barriers they encounter
- Accommodations that may help provide access
This interactive process is required under disability law. It may take place in a single meeting or involve multiple conversations and exchanges of information. Each request is evaluated individually and holistically.
Step 4: Determination of Accommodations
The DRC determines which accommodations can be approved based on a professional review of the information gathered. Considerations include:
- Whether the accommodation is necessary to ensure academic/program access
- Whether it provides equal opportunity or meaningful access
- Whether there’s a logical connection between the accommodation and the student’s disability-related barriers
- Whether the accommodation would effectively reduce or remove those barriers
The DRC must also consider whether the proposed accommodation:
- Lowers essential academic or program standards
- Fundamentally alters a program element or requirement
- Poses an undue administrative or financial burden
Step 5: Implementation
Each semester, students request accommodations for the courses in which they need to use them. This releases the Faculty Notification Letter (FNL) to the DRC Instructor Portal. Please review the guide for how to request accommodations under the DRC Portal tab.
Implementation of accommodations is a collaborative process between the student, faculty, and, if needed, the DRC. Some accommodations may require further coordination or conversation to finalize.
Students can provide their Instructor Notification Letter (INL) at any time during the semester, but accommodations are not retroactive and will only apply to course activities after the INL is presented. If testing accommodations are required, students and faculty should agree on whether tests will be administered by the department or through the DRC Testing Center. Please note, testing accommodations listed in the INL do not automatically grant access to the DRC Testing Center, as instructors are encouraged to find suitable testing space within their department.
Students must provide faculty with at least 7 business days’ notice when requesting a testing accommodation to ensure proper arrangements can be made. For any questions or issues regarding accommodations, students and instructors can contact the DRC consultant for clarification or assistance.
We encourage students to start early by completing the New Student Affiliation Form and scheduling their Affiliation Meeting as soon as possible. After accommodations are approved, students are expected to meet with their instructors to discuss how accommodations will be implemented in each course.
FAQ
How will I know if a student has accommodations?
You’ll receive an Instructor Notification Letter in your DRC Instructor Portal when a student requests accommodations for your course. While students are encouraged to discuss their accommodations with you, they are not required to share their diagnosis or personal information.
What should I do when I receive a notification letter?
Review the accommodations and implement them promptly. If you have questions or concerns, contact the DRC—not the student—for guidance.
What can I ask a student about their accommodations?
You may ask questions related to how to implement the approved accommodations in your course. However, you should not ask why a student has a particular accommodation or request that they disclose personal medical or disability-related information.
I'm concerned about a student in my class who has accommodations. Can I contact the DRC?
Yes! Please reach out to the DRC and connect with the DRC office or the students DRC consultant. We are available to provide support and guidance on how to implement accommodations effectively.
I have a student who may benefit from DRC support. How should I approach the conversation?
If you notice a student struggling and believe the DRC may be helpful, please mention the DRC as one option along with other relevant campus resources. Let the student know about the Disability Resource Center and other Student Success programs, and encourage them to reach out to the DRC directly. You may share our website so they can request services or learn more. Please avoid suggesting specific accommodations.
Example talking point:
If you’re finding any part of the course challenging, there are several campus resources that can help support your success. You can explore those options, including academic support services and the Disability Resource Center.
What if a student asks me what accommodations they should request?
Refer them to the DRC. Faculty should not recommend specific accommodations, as that falls under the DRC’s role in the interactive process.
Who do I contact with questions about a student’s accommodations?
Contact the DRC directly at drc@uky.edu or 859-257-2754. We’re here to partner with you to support student access and success.
A student in my course has flexibility accommodations. What do I need to do?
You’ll need to complete a Course Flexibility Plan (CFP) for your course. This helps outline how the flexibility accommodation will be applied in your specific course context. Please refer to the CFP tutorial for step-by-step guidance.
If you have questions or need support, feel free to contact the DRC directly. You can also post questions in the DRC Teams Instructor Forum to connect with DRC staff and other instructors.