Student FAQs about the DRC
- How do students become eligible for services through the Disability Resource Center?
- How do students know which services they are authorized to utilize?
- Are students with disabilities eligible for priority registration?
- Can students be tested for a possible learning disability?
- Are students with mobility impairments eligible for disabled parking?
- How can students with disabilities request housing accommodations?
- Are students eligible for special admission consideration because of a disability?
- Are there special Financial Aid resources available to students with disabilities?
- Are computers available for use by students with disabilities?
1. How do students become eligible for services through the Disability Resource Center?
A. Students should complete the Student Request for Services form and submit it to the DRC office, along with current documentation of the disability from a certifying professional.
2. How do students know which services they are authorized to utilize?
A. Once disability verification has been received and reviewed, each student meets individually with a DRC Access Specialist for an intake appointment to discuss appropriate services and to become familiar with DRC policies and procedures.
3. Are students with disabilities eligible for priority registration?
A. Students with certain disability-related needs may qualify for priority registration at Cal Poly.
4. Can students be tested for a possible learning disability?
A. The University does not provide screening or diagnostic services. Students suspecting a learning disability should see: Should I Be Tested for a Learning Disability?
5. Are students with disabilities eligible for priority parking? Is a special permit required?
A. Yes, students who live off-campus may park at designated spots on campus with a valid disabled placard from the Department of Motor Vehicles. Students with less severe permanent or temporary disabilities can be issued a permit allowing them to use staff parking areas. Visit Cal Poly Parking Services for more information.
For students living on-campus, please visit the Residential Student Parking webpage for additional information on parking rates and the wait list for obtaining a residential parking permit.
6. How can students with disabilities request housing accommodations?
If a student expects they may need a disability related housing accommodation, such as a specific room type, assistance animal, or specific assignment location, they must contact the Disability Resource Center (DRC) at drc@calpoly.edu. The DRC will review requests and notify University Housing of any reasonable accommodation recommendations. Time is of the essence with housing accommodation requests; students are encouraged to apply for DRC accommodations immediately after completing their housing application. To apply, please fill out the Online Student Application.
7. Are students eligible for special admission consideration because of a disability?
A. No. As an oversubscribed campus, Cal Poly has adopted a faculty-mandated Multi-Criteria Admission (MCA) practice as its formal strategy for selecting students for admission. The MCA is a multi-faceted scheme that combines academic factors with other objective values to comprehensively review all applicants for selection. The application process does not include a personal essay or letters of recommendation; it is a purely objective process. Cal Poly acknowledges that as a competitive campus for admission, students may file appeals seeking special review. Find out more about Appeals to Undergraduate Admissions by contacting Cal Poly Admissions; San Luis Obispo, CA 93407.
8. Are there special Financial Aid resources available to students with disabilities?
A. Yes. Based upon demonstrated need, students with disabilities are eligible for Federal Financial Aid, and scholarships. Students with disabilities may also qualify for financial assistance from the California State Department of Rehabilitation. Additional information regarding scholarships can be found at: Cal Poly Financial Aid, Scholarships for Students with Disabilities
9. Are computers available for use by students with disabilities?
A. The DRC provides assistive technology for currently enrolled students with disabilities. Additionally, Kennedy Library, in collaboration with the DRC, offers access to Assistive/Adaptive Technology throughout the library and computer labs. Students interested in learning more about assistive technology should contact John Lee, DRC Assistive Technology Specialist.
Additional Questions
If you have any additional questions, you may contact the DRC at 805.756.1395 or drc@calpoly.edu.
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Contact
Location: Bldg 124 (Student Services, across from Spanos Stadium)
Phone: 805-756-1395
Fax: 805-756-5451
Email: drc@calpoly.edu
