Disability Services
Disability Services
Access. Advocacy. Equity.
At Drake University, we believe that every student deserves a fair opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. Disability Services, housed within the Access and Success office, is committed to ensuring that students with disabilities have equitable access to the full range of educational experiences Drake offers. We don’t just work to meet legal standards—we aim to create a supportive, inclusive campus where all students feel empowered to achieve their goals.
Disability Services partners with students, faculty, and staff to remove barriers and provide individualized accommodations. If you’re a student with a documented disability, or you’re exploring what support might be available, we’re by your side.
Who Disability Services is For
Disability Services is available to any Drake student who has a documented disability that substantially limits one or more major life activities. This includes physical, sensory, psychological, neurological, and learning disabilities—as well as chronic health conditions and temporary impairments. Incoming students are encouraged to reach out before their first semester begins to ensure accommodations will be in place from day one.
Faculty and staff also work closely with us to understand how to implement accommodations appropriately in classrooms and labs, and to promote best practices in inclusive course design. Prospective students and their families are welcome to contact our office to learn more about campus accessibility and available support.
There’s no need to wait until you’re in crisis—Disability Services exists to help you plan proactively and succeed with confidence.
Information about Disability Services
Disability Services offers a range of accommodations tailored to each student’s unique needs. This may include extended time for exams, distraction-reduced testing environments, priority course registration, alternative formats for course materials, and support with note-taking or audio recording. Instructors are given clear guidelines to implement these accommodations while preserving course standards.
We also provide consultation and advocacy when students face challenges, whether that’s navigating physical barriers, digital platforms, or policy concerns. For students who benefit from technology, we can assist with identifying and accessing assistive tools like screen readers, speech-to-text software, or specialized equipment.
Our team remains in contact with students throughout their time at Drake. We’ll check in to ensure that accommodations are working effectively and make any necessary adjustments.
We’re not just a one-time office visit—we’re a partner in your academic journey.
Requesting accommodations doesn’t mean you’re asking for special treatment; it means you’re claiming your right to equal opportunity. Students who engage with Disability Services are often better equipped to managed academic challenges, reduce stress, and perform at the level they’re fully capable of.
More than that, we know from experience that when students have the right supports in place, they gain not only better grades, but also stronger self-advocacy skills and deeper confidence. The work we do together builds toward a more inclusive campus community, where all students—regardless of disability status—can contribute fully to academic life.
Disability Services offers a range of supports tailored to individual needs. Accommodations are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Some common accommodations may include:
- Academic Accommodations
- Extended time on tests and quizzes
- Alternative test formats (e.g. large print or digital)
- Quiet rooms for exams
- Priority registration or scheduling flexibility
- Note-taking support, lecture recordings, transcription services
- Flexible deadlines
- Classroom modifications
- Assistive Technology and Adaptive Tools
- Screen readers, speech-to-text software
- Specialized hardware or software
- Accessibility training
- Campus Accessibility Support
- Physical access planning (classroom, labs, public spaces)
- Assistance navigating campus services (library, residence halls, events)
- Ongoing Monitoring and Support
- Regular check-ins to ensure accommodations are meeting your needs
- Process for appeals or adjustments
- Confidential advice and advocacy
How to Request Accommodations
- Contact Disability Services: Email SDS@drake.edu or visit the Disability Services office in the lower level of Cowles Library.
- Submit Documentation: Provide relevant medical or psychological documentation that supports your disability claim. You will also need to fill out an intake form.
- Schedule a Meeting: Meet with Drake’s Disability Services Coordinator to discuss your needs, accommodation planning, and timelines. During this meeting, you and your coordinator will discuss the documentation you submitted, the barriers you experience in your academics and/or activities, your accommodation inquiries and suggestions, and the specific adjustments or services that are available to you.
- Approval and Implementation: Once approved, accommodations are communicated to your instructors and residence hall coordinator with your consent and integrated into your courses and housing arrangement. You are responsible for discussing these accommodations with your professors. Disability Services can help facilitate this process.
- Ongoing Support and Review: Regularly review how accommodations are working and make adjustments if needed. Each semester, you will need to review your accommodations by renewing them or requesting changes.
Current students can schedule appointments with Disability Services through Starfish.
Frequently Asked Questions
You’ll need documentation from a qualified professional—such as a physician, psychologist, or other specialist. The documentation should explain how your condition substantially limits one or more major life activities.
Generally, accommodations begin after approval from our Disability Services office. In limited cases, we may review past work, but this is on a case-by-case basis.
Accommodations are individually evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Because of this, we cannot promise any or all of the accommodations listed. Once approved, our team will work with you to determine the best accommodation(s) for you. All accommodation requests are subject to review.
No. Only the approved accommodations, not your diagnosis, are shared, and only with your consent.
Contact Disability Services right away to request adjustments or alternative support.
As a Drake student with a disability, your responsibilities include:
- Self-identifying your disability and providing professional documentation supporting your disability.
- Consulting with a Disability Services counselor to discuss appropriate accommodations.
- Consulting with professors at the beginning of each semester to discuss accommodation needs and secure signatures on accommodation request forms.
- Providing timely notification of special needs and changes in accommodation needs or services.
- Meeting the requirements of your chosen major or course of study.
- Arranging exam accommodations in advance of exam dates.
- Following established University and Disability Services procedures for requesting accommodations.
- Notifying Disability Services and/or your professor(s) if your requested accommodations are not being provided or are not effective.
- Abiding by the University code of conduct regarding matters such as academic honesty and disruptive behaviors.
Disability Services provides accommodations to students at no extra cost to you or your family.
Yes! Drake University offers the Joseph H. Morris Scholarship. This scholarship provides financial assistance to students with documented disabilities. Recipients may use this award for tuition and room and board charges, with consideration given for books and supplies, tutoring, social equipment, and other items.
Contact Disability Services
For additional questions about Disability Services and accompanying accommodations, visit us in the lower level of Cowles Library, or email SDS@drake.edu.