The Purpose of Disability Services at UR

The main purpose of the University Disability Coordinator's office is to make sure students with disabilities have the same chance for success (defined as average performance or better) as students who do not have disabilities. The designated disability advisors do this by making sure that students with disabilities are able to access learning material, buildings, services, and programs at the University of Richmond.  Once reasonable access is provided, it is up to the student to do the necessary work-the disability advisors and accommodations help make sure that students have the chance to do it.

The disability advisor accomplishes his/her mission by:

  • Reviewing documentation related to a student's ability to learn, their health, or their psychiatric information
  • Determining whether a condition or diagnosis has substantial enough manifestation to meet the criteria for disability
  • Approving appropriate and reasonable accommodations that do not interfere with the basic requirements of courses or university values or missions
  • Working with students, faculty and staff to put accommodations into place
  • Acting as a liaison with other departments to coordinate non-classroom accommodations such as transportation or electronic texts
  • Providing consultation about disability and supportive assistance for departments, faculty, staff, and guests of the university
  • Assisting students with disabilities to self-advocate
  • Serving as a liaison and resource to the university community, prospective students and parents, other institutions of higher learning, and state and federal agencies regarding disability issues

The disability advisors at CAPS (learning disabilities, ADHD, and psychiatric issues) may also do some preliminary screening for students who are having academic difficulties caused by uncertain factors. For instance, if a student is having trouble understanding professors' lectures, or knows class material but never has time to finish tests, then the disability advisor at CAPS may be able to help the student begin sorting out why and conduct preliminary screenings.