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Students with Disabilities

The University of Washington is committed to ensuring access to a quality higher education experience for a diverse student population. International students with temporary or permanent disabilities can build community and find support from the following resources at the UW. If you have questions or do not know where to begin, please contact CIRCLE to find the right resource based on your needs.

Disability Resources for Students

Disability Resources for Students (DRS) is a unit within the Division of Student Life. DRS is dedicated to ensuring access and inclusion for all students with disabilities on the Seattle campus enrolled in any program at UW for over 39 years. DRS serves 2,800+ students with either temporary or permanent physical, health, learning, sensory or psychological disabilities. Students partner with DRS to establish services for their access and inclusion on campus. DRS recognizes disability as an aspect of diversity that is integral to society and to our campus community. DRS serves as a partner in fostering an inclusive and equitable environment for all UW students.

Commonly Requested Accommodations:

  • Extra time on exams (1.50)
  • Extra time timed/in class/quick turnaround Assignments
  • Ability to audio record class
  • Ability to type notes
  • Priority Registration
  • Reduced Credit Load Priority Appeal
  • Class Breaks
  • Breaks During Exams
  • Disability Related Absences

If you have questions, and would like to further explore DRS resources, feel free to contact DRS at:

DRS Seattle Office
011 Mary Gates
Box 352808
Seattle, WA 98195-2808
uwdrs@uw.edu
206-543-8924 (Voice & Relay)
206-616-8379 (Fax)

You can also learn more about DRS here:

DISABILITY RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS

D Center

Established in 2012 through student activism, the D Center is an independent student-led disability and D/deaf cultural center. The D Center is an accessible physical space on the University of Washington’s Seattle campus and a community of students, staff and faculty that celebrate disability and D/deaf pride by centering the lived experiences and perspectives of people with disabilities and/or D/deaf people.
The D Center is an independent student-led disability and D/deaf cultural center committed to the following priorities: 

  • Fostering a community of disability and d/Deaf pride across the UW.
  • Sharing resources and tools for fostering self advocacy and promoting activism and empowerment.
  • Developing and implementing social, cultural, and educational programming focused on relevant issues in regard to the varied lived experiences of  disabled and/or D/deaf folks.
  • Collaborating with groups, departments, schools, cultural centers and other entities at the UW in efforts to enhance student and community engagement.
  • Serve as a meeting place for students, faculty, staff, and others who seek a safe anti-oppressive environment in which all individuals are welcomed, respected, and included.
  • Serve as a dynamic resource for information, websites, services, advocacy groups, and local, regional, national, and international organizations that focus on disability and/or D/deaf issues.

If you have questions, concerns or suggestions, and would like to connect with the D Center, feel free to contact them at:

The D Center: UW’s Disability and D/deaf Cultural Center
Husky Union Building – Room 327
Seattle, WA 98195-2808
dcenter@uw.edu

Phone: 206-685-0949

If you would like to further explore the D Center’s resources, you can learn more here:

D CENTER

International Students Services

International students have certain enrollment requirements tied to their visas. It is incredibly important for students to understand the requirements and seek support from International Student Services (ISS) when they need to take a break or enroll in fewer classes (due to a temporary or permanent physical, health, learning, sensory or psychological disability). Advisors may talk to you about reduced course loads or leave of absence options. While immigration laws may feel restrictive, know that ISS advisors will work to find the best solutions that work for your situation. We encourage you to look at the specifics for your F-1 and J-1 visa types.

ISS Enrollment and Exceptions

If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact ISS here:

International Student Office 
Schmitz Hall 459
Box 355832
Seattle, WA 98195
Phone: 206-221-7857