Welcome to the University of Pikeville and the Disability Resource Center (DRC). We are excited to partner with you and your student as they transition into college life.
The DRC serves as the primary office responsible for coordinating reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Our mission is to ensure equal access to all university programs, services, and activities while fostering independence, selfadvocacy, and academic success.
A key component of success in higher education is self-advocacy. While accommodations provide access, students are expected to take an active role in managing their educational experience. Our office works closely with students to build these essential skills.
Inside This Guide
• Introduction to the DRC
• Transition to College: Roles & Responsibilities
• Legal Framework & Key Definitions
• High School vs. College Differences
• The Accommodation Process at UPIKE
• Campus Resources
• How Families Can Support Their Student
• When Challenges Arise
Misty Dawn Asbury, MBA
Director of
Disability Resource Center
Phone: (606) 218-4484
Cell/Text: (606) 213-1918
Email: mistyasbury@upike.edu
Chas Hill
Disability Resource Coordinator
Phone: (606) 218-5501
Email: chashill@upike.edu
TRANSITIONING TO COLLEGE:
ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Student Responsibilities
Students must take primary responsibility for managing their accommodations. This includes:
• Self-identifying to the DRC and requesting accommodations
• Providing appropriate documentation of their disability
• Completing the intake process with the DRC
• Communicating with faculty about approved accommodations once they have received their accommodation letter from DRC
• Requesting accommodation letters each semester
• Providing advance notice for accommodation needs
• Following up with the DRC regarding any concerns
Faculty Responsibilities
Faculty members play an important role by:
• Providing equal access to course materials and learning environments
• Maintaining confidentiality
• Collaborating with students and the DRC when needed
• Upholding academic standards while supporting access
DRC Responsibilities
The Disability Resource Center will:
• Review documentation to determine eligibility
• Identify reasonable accommodations based on functional limitations
• Assist students and faculty with implementation
• Provide guidance on self-advocacy and academic success strategies
• Ensure compliance with applicable disability laws
LEGAL FRAMEWORK
In college, disability services operate under:
• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
• Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
Unlike high school, which is governed by IDEA, higher education is based on civil rights law , not entitlement.
Key Differences:
• Students must request accommodations (not automatically provided and not retroactive)
• Students must provide documentation
• Accommodations ensure access, not success
• Parents have limited access due to FERPA protections
KEY DEFINITIONS
Individual with a Disability:
A person with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.
Reasonable Accommodation:
An adjustment that provides equal access without fundamentally altering a course or program.
Otherwise Qualified Student :
A student who meets academic and technical standards with or without accommodations.
HIGH SCHOOL VS. COLLEGE
HIGH SCHOOL
• School identifies disability
• IEP/504 plans drive services
• Parents advocate
• Modified curriculum allowed
• Teachers monitor progress
COLLEGE (UPIKE)
• Student must selfidentify
• Documentation required
• Student advocates
• Essential requirements remain
• Students manage their own success
THE ACCOMMODATION PROCESS
AT UPIKE
1. SUBMIT REQUEST
Students can submit an initial accommodation request to DRC@upike.edu or by using our online portal, https://upike-accommodate. symplicity.com/public_accommodation/
2. PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION
Submit appropriate medical or psychological documentation
3. DRC REVIEW
The DRC evaluates eligibility and accommodation needs
4. INTAKE MEETING
Students will meet with DRC staff to discuss accommodations and a draft of accommodations will be prepared for student reviewal. Once the student provides DRC with consent to prepare an official accommodation letter, DRC staff will forward a copy of the official accommodation letter to the student, their advisor, their instructors and the dean of which their major falls under. The student is responsible for scheduling private meetings with each instructor to determine how their accommodations will be implemented in each course.
5. FACULTY NOTIFICATION
Students must share” accommodation letters with instructors.
6. ONGOING COMMUNICATION
Students must renew their accommodations each semester and as needed.w
Accommodations are not retroactive and require advance notice.
Campus Resources
Students are encouraged to utilize:
• Academic advising – encourage your student to build a relationship with their advisor early on.
• Center for Academic Excellence Tutoring and Academic Support - encourage your student to visit CAE located on the bottom floor of the library. They can also be reached at cae@upike.edu.Library resources and study spaces
• Thrive Counseling - UPIKE has on-campus mental health support through Thrive. Contact them at counseling@upike.edu
• Writing Center - the center provides one-on-one support with writing assignements. Visit upike.edu/academics/ writing to sign up for an appointment. You can also contact the director, Elizabeth Topping, at writing@upike.edu or bethtopping@upike.edu.
HOW FAMILIES CAN SUPPORT THEIR STUDENT
ENCOURAGE INDEPENDENCE
• Allow your student to take the lead in communication
• Support problem-solving rather than intervening directly
PROMOTE SELF-ADVOCACY
• Help your student understand their disability
• Encourage them to communicate their needs clearly
When Challenges Arise
Encourage your student to take the following steps:
• Academic concerns: Speak with professors first
• Accommodation concerns: Contact the DRC office staff.
• Course planning: Meet with an academic advisor
• Health or mental health needs: Utilize free campus health services
IMPORTANT NOTES FOR FAMILIES
PLAN AHEAD
• Ensure documentation is ready before the semester begins
• Discuss support strategies early
SUPPORT COMMUNICATION
• Establish expectations for how your student will share updates
• Respect that faculty and DRC communication is primarily with the student
Parent Guidance
1. Encourage independence
2. Share concerns with the DRC if needed
3. Direct your student to communicate with the appropriate office
• The DRC cannot discuss student information without written consent (FERPA). FERPA forms can be completed in the Registrar’s Office, Armington Building, Suite 218. They can be contacted at Registrar@upike.edu or (606-218-5260).
• Accommodations must be requested each semester
• The DRC does not manage:
• Academic advising
• Financial matters
The transition to college is a significant milestone. At the University of Pikeville, the Disability Resource Center is committed to supporting students in becoming confident, independent learners.
Success in college is built on a partnership between the student, faculty, and the DRC with the student at the center of that partnership.
We look forward to supporting your student’s journey at UPIKE.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Disability Resource Center (DRC)
University of Pikeville
147 Sycamore Street | Pikeville, KY 41501
Phone: (606-218-4484 or 606-218-5501) | Email: (DRC@upike.edu)
