To establish disability and request accommodations, auxiliary aids, and/or services, students must self-disclose their disability with Disability Resources & Services (DRS). Students, not parents, are responsible for initiating contact and maintaining eligibility for DRS services.
- Apply for Services
To apply for accommodations or services for your disability, please follow the required steps below:
1. Complete the Student Application
- The Student Application is intended to allow students to describe the impact of their disability/disabilities and request accommodations
- Be sure to include your PeopleSoft number in the Student ID section
- Your Pitt email address is required to complete the Student Application
2. Upload documentation of your disability according to the Documentation Guidelines. DRS will review all formats of documentation submitted. You will receive an email indicating receipt of your student application and documentation.
3. Your application will be assigned to an Accessibility Coordinator who will review your student application and documentation. You will be contacted by your assigned Accessibility Coordinator regarding the next steps in the process.
If you encounter any difficulties or have questions regarding the process, please contact DRS at drsrecep@pitt.edu or (412) 648-7890.
- How Eligibility for Accommodations is Determined
The purpose of the disability accommodation process is to ensure a student is not discriminated against solely on the basis of disability and has the same level of access to the University of Pittsburgh as their nondisabled peers. The goal is equal access and equal opportunity, not to facilitate a specific accommodation.
DRS uses a combination of information to determine a student's eligibility for services and reasonable accommodations.
Please review the Reasonable Accommodation Determination Process (PDF) for more information.
- Confidentiality and FERPA
Review policies and procedures regarding confidentiality, the release of information from a student’s file, and student rights under The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
- Documentation Guidelines
Documentation of a disability is required to receive accommodations at the University. Documentation helps to:
- Establish that a student has a disability.
- Provide information regarding how and why a requested academic, housing, or dining accommodation may be reasonable, logical, and necessary to ensure nondiscrimination and equitable access relative to the disability.
- Regional Campus Transfer Students
For students transferring from a University of Pittsburgh regional campus, to ensure we have the most current and accurate information and to connect you with the DRS Student Portal on the Oakland campus, students will need to complete a DRS student application to facilitate their transition.
When completing your application, please:
- Indicate in the last question of the application that you are transferring from a Pitt regional campus so we can expedite the transition of your accommodations to the Oakland campus.
- Ask your regional campus DRS office to send your documentation directly to our office, or upload your documentation as part of your application.
- Include a copy of your current Disability Notification Letter/Accommodation Letter from your regional campus.
Once your application and supporting materials have been received and reviewed, DRS will send you an email confirming your eligibility and providing information about available resources and next steps.
If you have questions at any point during the process, please contact DRS directly. We are happy to assist you with your transition to the Oakland campus.
- Temporary Conditions
Information about temporary conditions and resources and supports that are available.
- Transition Resources
Resources and information for students transitioning from high school to the University setting.