Companionship of miniature horses and test taking accommodations are some of the services the University Disability Support Services offers to students, faculty and staff to help them succeed at UW.
“They know you on a first name basis at UDSS. This provides a comforting and welcoming atmosphere,” student Will Kimbrough said.
He found out about UDSS and the services they offer in high school. By using UDSS for all of his classes he succeeds, despite being dyslexic and having generalized anxiety. He uses services like extended test taking time and audiobooks, he said.
Kimbrough noticed positive results because there are no distractions while taking tests.
“I take my tests alone and with double time. There’s no stress and I can bring in snacks, which is nice because I can munch while I test,” he said. “UDSS is also flexible. They work well with students who have busy schedules like me.”
Although not a part of UDSS, some students are also tutored through Student Success Services. “If you’re wondering if you qualify for services, go in and check because it is awesome!” Kimbrough said.
Any student who has a documented disability is eligible for assistance through UDSS. Different types of disabilities include physical, cognitive, sensory or psychological disabilities. UDSS also caters to people who have temporary disabilities, such as broken arms and hands.
“There is an increase in students with mental health disabilities coming to UDSS,” Chris Primus, the director of the University Disability Support Services, said. “Real time transcribing is one of the newest additions to UDSS. This helps students who have problems hearing lectures.”
About 400 students use the services. Out of all the services, the test-taking
accommodation is the most popular, with around 1000 exams given each semester.
“We are improving on creating a more welcoming environment and trying to rid that negative stigma that is attached to having a disability,” Primus said. “Making it available to students who are too afraid is one of our goals.”
Former students have told Primus they could not have completed college without UDSS and that the services have helped minimize the impact of their disabilities, he said.
The staff at the center strives to give each and every student an equal opportunity at succeeding at the collegiate level.
