The Student Disability Resource Center (SDRC) facilitates reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities enrolled at Rice University. A disability, as defined by federal law, is a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities such as walking, hearing, seeing or learning for six months or more. We invite Rice students requesting accommodations to self-identify and provide current documentation of their disability and any records of prior accommodations. This documentation is used to establish the Rice student as an individual with a disability and provides rationale for reasonable accommodations.
New students who are admitted to Rice are advised to contact the SDRC following admission and to follow the steps below.
Accommodations are not retroactive.
Complete these three steps to apply for accommodations:
Step One: Online Application
Complete an online application to begin the process of applying for accommodations. The link below will take you to an application center in our disability case management software, known as AIM. Please review the application options (there are five: academic, housing, dining, ESA, and temporary) to select the one/s that represent what you seek.
Step Two: Current Documentation
As part of the application linked above, students should upload current, relevant documentation to their file. Kindly note that we do not need medical records.
Guidelines for Documentation of a Disability: This is a comprehensive guide to the information needed to complete the file. For students seeking accommodations for diagnosed Attention Deficit Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, or for a learning disability, the SDRC requests the psychoeducational assessment used in diagnosis (this information is listed in the documentation guidelines).
Documentation that will be needed, if applicable, depending on degree program:
For Undergraduate Students:
Approval of K-12 and/or College Board Accommodations
For Graduate Students:
Approval of Undergraduate Accommodations
If there is any question as to the authenticity of the submitted documentation, the SDRC may, at its discretion, contact the medical provider of record for the purposes of confirming the documentation originated from their office.
Documentation should be in English. If translated, this should be completed by a certified translator.
Step Three: Interactive Process
Once you have submitted the application and documentation, the SDRC staff will have a conversation with you to further understand your request. This conversation is designed to explore your disability narrative and the barriers you are encountering. It is also a time to discuss implementing accommodations and engaging with your faculty.
In most cases, students may expect a written communication from SDRC within five to ten business days of completing the application and documentation, or, if needed, meeting with a support specialist. This communication will include either an eligibility letter, a request for more information, instructions on next steps, or a denial.
Once approved for accommodations:
- Student receives an eligibility letter. This letter will include a link to their accommodation dashboard within Accessibility Information Management (AIM).
- Student signs a Rights and Responsibilities agreement.
- Student determines which accommodations to implement in each class, and initiates a Faculty Notification Letter for each professor.
Accommodations will not be offered until a letter is presented to professors or appropriate staff. Please note deadlines listed below.
Students' relationship with this office is dynamic so please know that:
- The SDRC welcomes student questions and feedback. Office staff are happy to support students as they discuss their needs with professors.
- All communication with SDRC is confidential. Diagnoses are never discussed except with the student.
- If you have existing accommodations with the SDRC and would like to request additional accommodations, please submit updated documentation as appropriate. You may also contact sdrc@rice.edu to schedule a conversation with one of our support specialists to discuss your changing needs.
Deadlines:
Academic deadlines:
Please note that faculty and OASUS may require 5 business days to implement academic accommodations.
Housing deadlines:
Incoming undergraduate students: June 1
Returning students: January 31
Graduate students: March 1
ESA deadlines:
One month prior to the beginning of each semester. Applications after this date will be reviewed pending logistical considerations.
All housing accommodations are based on availability.