UPIKE Disability Resource Guide

DRC FAMILY GUIDE Information for Families to Support a Successful Transition for Students with Disabilities 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) Website: https://www.upike.edu/academics/disability-resource-center/

Notes

WELCOME TO THE

UNIVERSITY OF PIKEVILLE 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.

Inside This Guide • Introduction to the DRC • Transition to College: Roles & Responsibilities • Legal Framework & Key Definitions

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.

• High School vs. College Differences

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

• How Families Can Support Their Student

office works closely with students to build these essential skills.

Misty Dawn Asbury, MBA Director of Disability Resource Center Phone: (606) 218-4484 Cell/Text: (606) 213-1918 Email: mistyasbury@upike.edu

• The Accommodation Process at UPIKE • Campus Resources

• When Challenges Arise

Chas Hill Disability Resource Coordinator Phone: (606) 218-5501 Email: chashill@upike.edu

TRANSITIONING TO COLLEGE: ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Student Responsibilities

DRC Responsibilities

Students must take primary responsibility for

The Disability Resource Center will:

managing their accommodations. This includes:

• Review documentation to determine

• 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

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

KEY DEFINITIONS

In college, disability services operate

Individual with a Disability:

under:

A person with a physical or mental impairment that

• Americans with Disabilities Act

substantially limits one or more major life activities.

(ADA) • Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act

Reasonable Accommodation: An adjustment that provides equal access without

Unlike high school, which is governed

fundamentally altering a course or program.

by IDEA, higher education is based on civil rights law, not entitlement.

Otherwise Qualified Student: A student who meets academic and technical standards

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

with or without accommodations.

HIGH SCHOOL VS. COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL • School identifies disability • IEP/504 plans drive services

COLLEGE (UPIKE) • Student must selfidentify • Documentation required

• Parents advocate

• Student advocates

• Modified curriculum

• Essential requirements

allowed • Teachers monitor progress

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

PLAN AHEAD • Ensure documentation is ready before the semester begins

• Support problem-solving rather than intervening directly

• Discuss support strategies early

PROMOTE SELF-ADVOCACY • Help your student understand their disability

SUPPORT COMMUNICATION • Establish expectations for how your student will share updates

• Encourage them to communicate their needs clearly

• Respect that faculty and DRC communication is primarily with the student

When Challenges Arise

Parent Guidance

Encourage your student to take the following steps: • Academic concerns: Speak with professors first

1. Encourage independence 2. Share concerns with the DRC if needed 3. Direct your student to communicate with the appropriate office

• 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 • 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) Website: https://www.upike.edu/academics/disability-resource-center/