The Disability Resource Center on UCA’s campus has recently changed its name to the Office of Accessibility Resources and Services. 

“We decided to change our name because students who have never been diagnosed but experience difficulties with functioning in the classroom setting on a daily basis may not readily identify with the word ‘disability,’” Doris Pierce, the Director of the Office of Accessibility Resources and Services, said.

“We also decided to change our name because our office embraces the social model of disability. This decreases the stigma and stereotypes associated with the word ‘disability.’” 

The Office of Accessibility Resources and Services is designed to help create an accessible environment for all students and staff on campus. An accessible environment is defined as one that allows for all people to be able to access it.

The office has existed on UCA’s campus for 36 years, including four years prior to the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

“Not only do we assist with educating our campus about accessibility, we also provide accommodations and services for students with disabilities. Students who experience difficulties consistently with finishing tests on time, taking notes in class, or even physically getting to class on crutches or walkers can receive assistance from our office,” Pierce said. 

“Our office also sees accessibility as a proactive measure that fosters improvement toward a more equitable, educational experience in higher education,” Pierce said.

Any student struggling in the classroom is encouraged to contact the office. “We would like students to know that if they are struggling with reading, writing, math, note taking, attention/focus, hearing, vision, physical illness or injury that they can still register with our office even now to receive accommodations and services,” Pierce said. 

The office is often looking for note-takers throughout the school year to help.

“Note takers who are chosen to take notes for their courses throughout the entirety of the course will earn 50 UCA volunteer hours and boost their resume by adding those volunteer hours to their Bear Experience Co-Curricular Transcript,” Pierce said.

Students who think they may need assistance or are looking to sign up as note-takers can visit their website at https://uca.edu/oars/ and fill out an application.