Transitioning to College
Transitioning to college can be an exciting and unsettling time for new students as they navigate the University for the first time. Student Disability Services (SDS) is committed to facilitating the full participation of enrolled students with disabilities in the life of the University.
Students must self-identify to SDS and initiate the process of requesting accommodations. The disability accommodations process is an interactive and collaborative one between the student, SDS, and other relevant campus partners. Eligibility for disability services is based on information gathered during the student intake interview, supporting documentation, and consultations with treating providers and third-party reviewers, if necessary.
Once a determination of eligibility for accommodations has been made, students will receive an Accommodation Determination Letter (ADL). The ADL will list the student’s approved accommodations. ADLs are shared with divisional Disability Liaisons and campus partners, as appropriate, in order to facilitate the implementation of the approved accommodations. Students are expected to actively participate in the implementation of their academic accommodations. Information on using academic accommodations is available on the SDS website as a resource to students.
In addition to approved accommodations, students are encouraged to take advantage all of the supports available to them. These may include:
- Academic Skills Assessment Program (ASAP)
- UChicago Student Wellness Center
- Disability Liaisons
- Academic Advisors
- Family and friends
How Parents Can Be Supportive
- Look over the SDS website together with the student.
- Review the student’s IEP or 504 Plan and make sure they know what the diagnosis says and can explain what accommodations have been helpful.
- Review the documentation guidelines to be sure that the student comes to the University with all of the necessary paperwork and understands the procedure for requesting accommodations.
- Encourage the student to promptly contact us with any questions or concerns.