DRS Services
As your partner in equal access, DRS works with you to maximize your experience at the University of Pittsburgh. Staff persons can assist you with a variety of disability management issues. The following services are available without charge.
- Individualized Disability Support Service
- Interpreters/Real-time Captioning
- Learning Disability Screening
- Notification of Accommodations
- Test Proctoring Service
- Alternative Format Documents
- Assistive Technology
- Disability Shuttle
- Requesting Housing Accommodations
Individualized Disability Support Service
Students with documented disabilities may schedule weekly one-on-one meetings to identify potential barriers to success and to learn new strategies to reach academic goals.
General topics include:
- Executive Functioning Skills
- Test Analysis
- Note taking
- Active Reading
- Utilizing Accommodations
- Disability Counseling
- Self-Advocacy.
Interpreters/Real-Time
Sign language interpreters and real time captioning services can be requested for classes and University-related events. Assisted listening devices are also available for loan. Requests for service should be directed to the Deaf Services Coordinator.
Non-Diagnostic Screening for Learning Disabilities/ADHD
If you have never been diagnosed with a Learning Disability or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) and would like to be screened, please follow these procedures. In order to avoid this process, you must submit/present evidence of a prior diagnosis.
- You may obtain a screening packet from the receptionist at Disability Resources and Services (DRS) during regular office hours, Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. DRS is located at 216 William Pitt Union.
- Complete the screening form in its entirety and return to DRS. Screening forms are reviewed one time per week and on a first come, first serve basis. Incomplete forms will not be evaluated and will be returned to you.
- You will be contacted once your packet is reviewed for a follow-up appointment to discuss the information that you submitted.
- If there is some indication that we need to pursue further evaluation, you will be advised at your appointment. You may be asked to come in to the office to complete a computer-based cognitive assessment prior to this appointment.
Notification of Accommodations
DRS prepares individualized letters to instructors, verifying the existence of a disability and listing recommended accommodations. The student is responsible for disclosing the existence of a disability and subsequently discussing the requested accommodations with each relevant instructor.
Test Proctoring Service
DRS proctors exams for students whose accommodation(s) prevent standard classroom administration. Accommodations may include extended time, limited auditory and visual distractions, tests recorded onto tape, scribes and/or the use of assistive technology. Typical practice is extending the standard examination time by 50%. Students with more severe or multiple disabilities may be granted additional time as determined by a student's documentation and the recommendation of the DRS specialist.
Alternative Format Documents
Disability Resources and Services assists students with visual or learning disabilities by acquiring or converting print materials to a variety of alternate formats. These formats include:
- Publisher provided e-Text
- DRS scanned e-Text
- DAISY
- Large print
- Braille
Several of these formats require the use of specialized hardware or software to access the materials. On a case-by-case basis, students may arrange a loan from DRS for appropriate assistive technology until they are able to secure their own equipment.
Requesting Materials in Alternative Format
Each term students must meet with the Alternative Format Coordinator to discuss their needs and to complete Alternative Format Information Forms. Students should come to this meeting with a course syllabus and the following information for each text to be converted:
- Text Title
- Author/Editor
- Publisher
- Edition or Publication Date
DRS will provide alternative format services for required readings first, then supplementary readings. See the Policy and Procedures for Alternative Format for further information and guidelines.
Assistive Technology
JAWS and MAGic now available in Campus Computing Labs. View instructions »
Adaptive Software Collection
- JAWS for Windows: A speech synthesis and windows navigation tool
- MAGic: Screen enlargement software
- Kurzweil 1000: Scanning, conversion to e-text and reading with synthetic speech
- Kurzweil 3000: Provides a digital means of engaging with text and supports students who use alternative methods for accessing the computer
- OpenBook: Scanning, conversion to e-text and reading with synthetic speech
- Dragon Naturally Speaking: Voice recognition program, converting speech to electronic text
- ReadPlease: Reading software for print materials in e-text format
- Duxbury Braille Translator: Converts electronic text to Braille format
Adaptive Equipment Collection
- BookMaker: Braille Embosser
- Aladdin Rainbow Pro: Video Magnifier (CCTV), enlarges color images of print materials
- FM Systems, Model 350: Wireless personal listening systems
- 4-Track Cassette Tape Recorders: Listen to and record tapes in 4-track format
- PlexTalk and Victor Classic Reading Machines: Digital playback devices for DAISY formatted books on CD, from Recordings for the Blind and Dyslexic.
- AlphaSmart: portable word-processing tool, downloads to a computer
- Talking Scientific Calculator: speech output built into standard scientific calculator
Disability Shuttle
If
you have a permanent disability that affects your ability to independently
move throughout the campus, you may be eligible for rides on the Disability
Shuttle. Shuttle rides are scheduled Monday through Friday, with rides
starting at 7:00 a.m. and running as late as 8:30 p.m.
Requests from individuals with temporary disabilities will only be approved if it cannot otherwise be addressed through existing shuttle routes.
Contact vanride@pitt.edu to request rides.
Requests for Housing Accommodations Policy and Procedures
Disability Resources and Services (DRS) recognize that there are a limited number of conditions that may require specific adjustments or accommodations while in a University of Pittsburgh housing facility. Reasonable housing accommodations are determined on a case-by-case basis by Disability Resources and Services, the Housing Department and appropriate medical/psychological specialists if needed. Requests for reasonable housing accommodations are considered only when an individual submits a completed Housing Accommodation Request Form.