Student Rights & Responsibilities

The University of Washington is committed to providing equal access to educational opportunities for qualified students with disabilities, in accordance with state and federal laws. To ensure equality of access for students with disabilities, accommodations (including auxiliary aids and services) are provided on a case-by-case, through an interactive process with the Disabilities Resources for Students (DRS) office. As a student with a disability receiving accommodation from DRS, it is important to know your rights and responsibilities outlined below.

DRS Students Have the Right to:

  1. An equal opportunity to learn.
  2. An equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from the University community.
  3. To choose whether or not to disclose the nature of your disability to your professor(s). The information you provide to DRS is protected byFERPA.  Learn more
  4. To file a grievance if you feel you are discriminated against. Learn more

DRS Student Responsibilities

  1. Self-Identify to (DRS), in a timely manner, as having a disability and needing accommodation.
  2. Submit appropriate documentation of a disability from a qualified professional, prior to receiving accommodation, and provide information on how the disability is impacted in the education environment.
  3. Submit a DRS Faculty Notification Letter in a timely manner to each course instructor.
  4. Meet with each professor to discuss accommodations in their respective courses.
  5. Understand that late notification does not require retroactive academic adjustments.
  6. Submit accommodation requests in a timely manner.
  7. Contact DRS in a timely manner of any issues, concerns or delays in receiving approved accommodations, or if you believe you have been discriminated against.
  8. Notify DRS immediately when discontinuing an accommodation (e.g., note taking) or dropping a course for which alternate format materials are required.
  9. Meet the same standards — academic, technical, performance and behavioral — expected of all University of Washington students.
  10. Check your UW email account regarding important updates from our office.
  11. Students employed by the UW need to request employment accommodations through the Disability Services Office (DSO).