UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN River Falls

Disability Resource Center

UWRF Students with Approved Accommodations

DRC CONNECT

 

Use DRC CONNECT to request 

1) Alternative Testing Accommodations for exams taken in the DRC

2) Faculty Notification Letters be emailed to instructors 

3) An appointment with DRC professional staff

 

Log into DRC CONNECT with your Falcon ID (w3xxxxxx) and password.

Do not use DRC Connect for Alternative Text or Note Taking accommodations. Directions can be found further down this page to find the supports for those accommodations.
 

1.) Alternative Testing Accommodations  Scheduling each exam in the Disability Resource Center (DRC) is the responsibility of the student and should be done in a timely fashion. The Alternative Testing tab is located in the left column of your dashboard.  Select this tab to both create a request and review your submitted requests. If you cannot see an exam that you requested, it was not successfully processed. You should attempt your request again. Use this guide for a visual of how to request exams. Contact DRC if you have questions.  Please read through the important information below.

Exam/quiz -  enter request a minimum of one week before scheduled.  Exams should be scheduled Monday - Friday, starting at 8 a.m. and finishing by 4:30 p.m.

  • It's strongly encouraged to request all known exams as early as possible. If your course syllabus has assessments pre-scheduled, please enter those dates and times at the beginning of the term. There is an opportunity to modify a request if a date is changed later in the term. 
  • Requests should align with the course time period whenever possible.  Accommodations do not offer flexibility on dates or personal convenience factors. 

Final exam - enter request at least three weeks prior to finals week. Conveniently, eSIS displays your final exam schedule at the beginning of each term. Many students have extended time as a testing accommodation. If this impacts your test schedule, please contact us as soon as possible to discuss options. Any change to your eSIS exam schedule will need prior approval from both your instructor and DRC professional staff prior to scheduling, no exceptions.  

On campus, final exams start at 7:45, 10:15, 1:00 and 3:30. In the Disability Resource Center, final exams start at 7:45, 10:15, and 1:00.  Most 3:30 exams are moved to 1:00, with a few exceptions. Arbitrary start times will either be changed or denied. It's important to recognize the DRC does not offer any student the accommodation to grant themselves flexibility on test dates or times. Arriving approximately 10 minutes prior to your scheduled start time offers everyone an opportunity to begin on time and less interruptions for other testers.

  • Late requests are not always possible to effectively plan and therefore may require a student to test in the classroom without accommodations. To avoid this scenario, please contact our office early in the semester to verify you're familiar with DRC Connect and you're able to easily enter your requests for testing.  If you learn of an exam without a week's notice, please contact the DRC office to verify the exam can be taken with accommodations. We may need to discuss with your instructor the importance of knowing earlier.
  • For online exams, notify professors if your extended time accommodation is requested, whether it's proctored or not.  Instructors are the only ones who can adjust the test time in Canvas and they'll need to know ahead of time.
  • If you arrange an alternative testing location with your instructor, you do not need to notify DRC. We only need to be notified through DRC Connect when you plan to test in the Disability Resource Center.

 

2.) Faculty Notification Letters (FNL) should be requested within the first few weeks of Fall or Spring term, and within the first week of Winter and Summer terms. We encourage you to send them the day before term starts whenever possible.  (Tutorial Video - please note that this video refers to AS Connect. Our office name used to be Ability Services before it became Disability Resource Center.  AS Connect and DRC Connect are synonymous.)

  1. Select each registered course and accommodation - It's recommended students select and share all eligible accommodations with their instructors. Throughout the semester, you can choose when and how to use your accommodation.
  2. Submit your request to email Faculty Notification Letters. 
  3. Follow up with your professor to verify they've received your letter from the DRC. Take this time to ask if the instructor has any questions regarding your accommodations. When possible, it's best to discuss and mutually understand how accommodations will look in each class prior to using them. If your instructor has questions about how to provide your accommodations, please guide them to our web page designed for Faculty, https://www.uwrf.edu/DRC/FacultyStaff/Index.cfm, or have them contact the Disability Resource Center's professional staff.
  4. Depending on your accommodations, notifying your instructors can be a continual process of communication throughout the semester. Emailing your FNL is the first step. Instructors will wait to hear from you regarding how you intend to use accommodations in their class, rather than assuming your needs. If you'd like to discuss how to have this conversation with your instructors, please contact your DRC advisor.  

3.) Scheduling an appointment - allow 24-48 business hours for your request to be processes.

  1. Choose Request for Appointment tab, found in the left column of your DRC CONNECT dashboard.

  2. Select Type of Appointment which most closely represents your intention. We reserve 1 hour for most appointments.    

Academic Accommodation Intake

application & documentation submitted

Housing Accommodation Intake

application & documentation submitted

Review Academic Plan

review and/or change accommodations

Other

varied 

Existing UWRF Student Inquiry

Informative meeting, not an intake
  1. Specify if you prefer to meet In-Person or Virtually. 
  2. Select 6 or more available time slots which reflect your general availability.
  3. Click the Submit Request button.

Once scheduled, the DRC staff will send a meeting invite to your UWRF email. Details and location will be included in that email. Accept the meeting or request a new time once received. 

 

  1. Faculty Notification Letters (FNL) are valid for one term. Each semester, the student requests a new set of letters and meets with individual professors to present and discuss their eligible accommodation(s).
  2. Eligible students are not required to meet with a DRC staff each semester. Accommodations renew with continuous enrollment in UWRF courses.  Temporary accommodations are the exception.
  3. Students should request to have their Faculty Notification Letters emailed early each semester and confirm their current accommodations are satisfactory.

Why do students need to request accommodations each semester? 

  • New set of instructors each semester.
  • Each student has the right to choose if and when they would like to use their approved accommodations. The Disability Resource Center does not make assumptions about a student's needs, as each student has the right to determine what level of support they need in each of their courses.
  • It provides an opportunity for the student to consider whether the Disability Resource Center could support them in a different way. It creates an opportunity for communication. 
  • Students can update or review their accommodation plan at any point during their collegiate career. If a student does want to change or add an accommodation, they are required to set-up an Accommodation Review Meeting with their DRC Primary Advisor. Updated documentation may be required to support the need for the student’s additionally requested accommodations. 
  • For concerns or issues during the semester, please contact the DRC by phone or email, drc@uwrf.edu. 

 

How To Request and Use Accommodations

 
Testing Accommodation Request

Exam/Quiz - request at least one week in advance; Finals request at least 3 weeks in advance. Read through important information above.

  1. Log-in to DRC CONNECT.
  2. Choose the Alternative Testing option, found in the left column.
  3. Select Class in the drop down options and Schedule an Exam.
  4. Exams are timed assessments between week 1 and week 16, not considered a quiz or final test. Choosing the right type of test is important because it could determine the appropriate time allowed.
  5. Select Date to test. This should correspond with the class schedule.
  6. Select Start Time. Be sure your accommodation doesn't prevent you from attending a scheduled class.
  7. Choose all eligible accommodations you're requesting.
  8. Add Exam Request
  9. If you are scheduling less than a week before the scheduled exam, there will be extra steps to complete. Follow the prompts to process your request. Verify it's been successfully entered.

Done correctly, you will receive a 'Success' notification. View exam requests under your Alternative Testing tab. 

It is recommended that you enter all known test dates as early as possible and adjust later if needed. Please note that the DRC may not be able to allow late requests. Contact us with any questions. 

 
 
Note Taking Accommodation 
  • GLEAN - Recording software app. With this accommodation, the student will sign a recording agreement to ethically use the software for educational purposes, primarily to review and self-pace real time lectures. Login access is given to students who qualify for this accommodation.  Links to well-guided video tutorials are included once the student signs into the program. It's smart to create a bookmark to access Glean with your provided user name and password.  Contact the DRC with questions.
  • Peer Notetaking: Students with the peer notetaking accommodation are able to use this guide to help them learn how to request a notetaker for their class(es) and access the completed notes once you are matched with a note taker. 
 
 
Alternative Text Accommodation (E-book/screen-reader) 

Fulfillment can take 4+ weeks in some instances.

Request Form - electronic format; Request Form - printable format

  • Complete all information for each title you are requesting.  Submit the request form to the DRC prior to the start of each term. It's helpful to use go.uwrf.edu/MyBooks once you're enrolled in classes.  If you already have the books, it may be just as convenient to use the books to complete this form. For graduate level courses, please consider purchasing your book titles in electronic format whenever possible. 
  • Titles are shared using Kurzweil software. Be sure to attend a DRC technology workshop to learn how to get the most out of Kurzweil. 
  • PDFs are shared under pre-approved conditions. 
  • Submit more than one page if needed.  Email completed forms to request.drc@uwrf.edu. 

 

Trouble accessing DRC CONNECT?

All steps of the Accommodation Process must be completed before full access to DRC Connect will be granted. Please contact us at drc@uwrf.edu.

The first step for each student requesting or inquiring about accommodations is to complete the New Student Application form found on our home page. Once this form is complete, the student will receive an email providing the contact information for the next step of the process, scheduling an Intake appointment with an member of the Disability Resource Center staff to discuss the student’s learning style, strengths, and academic barriers. Students are asked to share information with staff about how and why their disability makes it difficult for them academically.

Accommodation Process

Based on documentation and information gathered during the Intake appointment, the student will be contacted by DRC staff if reasonable accommodations have been determined. 

If reasonable accommodations have been determined for a student, then a Letter of Eligibility will be sent to the student. It outlines their individualized, approved accommodations. This letter is for personal record only and is not to be distributed to professors. Once eligible to request accommodations, it's important the student is fully comfortable knowing how to appropriately use their accommodations on campus. 

DRC Connect offers students the opportunity to control the distribution of their Faculty Notification Letters. Students initiate all notifications, communications, and requests regarding their accommodations.  Throughout the semester, DRC professional staff is available to offer support, advocacy tips, organizational suggestions, and guidance as students navigate their accommodations.  The more a student knows about their accommodations and how to properly request them, typically the more confident and successful the student is in college.

Students are responsible for initiating the request to email their Faculty Notification Letter to each professor. This is done through DRC Connect. These letters must be received by faculty prior to the student requesting any accommodation. When the Faculty Notification Letters are emailed, students are copied on that email.  At this time, students are encouraged to discuss the accommodations and their individual learning needs with their instructors. An accommodation which is deemed reasonable in one class, may look differently in another class. Therefore, this respectful collaboration offers all parties reasonable expectations moving throughout the semester. 

Faculty Notification Letters are dated for a specific semester. By requesting new letters each semester, a student has the opportunity to meet with DRC staff to discuss if changes are necessary to their approved accommodations. It also allows the Disability Resource Center to know that a student is satisfied with the accommodation process.

Requests for testing accommodations should be submitted at least one week before a scheduled semester exam and a minimum of three week before finals week. 

If a student ever feels an accommodation is not being met, they should reach out to the Disability Resource Center as soon as possible. If our professional staff doesn't hear from you, we assume all is going well.  Please let us know it if it's not!

 

 

Potential Accommodations for Consideration

Extended Test Time- Most students receive 50% additional time.  Depending on the severity of the impairment, the test time could be adjusted up to 150%.

Alternative Testing Location- Most students take exams in distraction reduced locations where a small number of other students may be present. Students who have significant barriers in distractibility and concentration can see benefits in a less stimulating environment. Some students qualify for a private testing room. These students may need more physical space, experience high levels of social anxiety, require technology assistance, etc. 

Writing Assistance- For students who struggle to write their responses, students can be offered a scribe to record responses that are dictated from the student.

Test Questions Read Aloud- Tests can be read with screen reader technology.  Some students prefer the option to ask specific questions or words be read aloud by staff throughout an exam.  Staff is available to do this, but no question can be rephrased, explained or defined. 

This accommodation is for a medical, physical, or brain related issue that limits the ability to write adequate notes. It is not intended to be a substitute for the need to attend class.

A Note Taker accommodation is primarily fulfilled with the GLEAN recording app.  It allows a student to review a real-time lecture in a self-paced environment and target important information. The student has the most control over this accommodation. 

Another possible option is a peer-note taker. The copies of notes are often handwritten and obtained from a classmate. One relies on the consistency and efficiency of a peer to provide notes in a timely fashion. Word-processed notes can be arranged if documentation explains why such a thing is important.

Alternative format text provides copies of textbooks or other print materials in electronic format, Braille, or another accessible format.

Students have opportunities throughout the course of the semester to develop their self-awareness and self-advocacy skills in preparation for meetings with professors to discuss their learning needs, barriers, and accommodation supports. 
Students who are experiencing difficulties obtaining the appropriate accommodations with faculty and staff they can connect with the Disability Resource Center for additional supports to aid in the resolving the concern.

FM System Listening Devices, Spelling Software Programs, Audio Recorders, Screen Readers, Speech to Text


Preferential Seating, Priority Registration, Course Substitution Evaluation, Classroom Furniture, Early Access to Course Materials, Reduced Credit Load Recommendation, Flexible Attendance Consideration, and Flexible Due Dates, etc.

Arranging Attendance Consideration Accommodation

Arranging Flexible Due Date Accommodation

A temporary impairment (broken arm or leg, surgery, recovering from surgery, etc.) does not constitute a disability for purposes of Section 504 or the ADA unless its severity is such that it results in a substantial limitation of one or more major life activities for an extended period of time. Temporary accommodations are determined on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration both the duration and expected duration of the impairment, and the extent to which it actually limits a major life activity of the student. Individuals with temporary disabilities are encouraged to connect with the Disability Resource Center to determine whether reasonable accommodations are required.

Temporary disabilities can include, but are not limited to, concussions, broken limbs, or post-surgical procedures. All temporary disabilities are handled on a case-by-case basis so accommodations may not always be available.

The DRC is able to arrange a temporary disability parking permit for students who submit a disability parking application that has been signed by a doctor. This parking permit is only valid on campus and expires after 30 days. The permit cannot be renewed through any UWRF office. Students who may need disability parking for more than 30 days, or need to park somewhere other than campus, should attempt to acquire a disability parking permit directly from their state’s Department of Motor Vehicle office. See the state links below for the appropriate application found on the DMV's websites.  Students should use the state where their vehicle is licensed. 

Key Terms

Letter of Eligibility:  Explains the approved and reasonable accommodations for the student. This list of accommodations is determined through a specific, collaborative process between the student and the DRC staff. This letter is to document the agreement of accommodations between the student and the DRC. It is not to be distributed to professors.
 

Faculty Notification Letter:  Explains the approved accommodations a specified student is eligible to receive. Diagnosis information is not shared. The student has the right to determine when and how they would like to use an accommodation. This can vary from class to class. The student and instructor should communicate in a timely fashion when an accommodation is being requested. The professor should not assume an accommodation without an outward request from the student, nor grant an accommodation not listed in the letter.

First-Year Mentoring Opportunity 

Program Description: A mentoring program for first-year students who identify as having a disability. All mentors are students connected with the Disability Resource Center who identify as having a disability. Mentors will provide support to first-year students during a summer bridge program and will be assigned 3-5 first-year mentees during the academic year in which they will provide weekly support. Mentors will meet with students weekly to help problem-solve concerns, assist students in navigating campus resources, developing positive study skills, and connecting students to the larger campus community.  Mentors are asked to make a one-year commitment to the program.  

22-23 DRC Peer Mentor Application 

Equal Access for Students

Fostering Independence, Reducing Barriers, & Promoting Inclusion

 

Disability Resource Center

715.425.0740
drc@uwrf.edu
Secure Fax: 715.425.0742
Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
123 Rodli Hall