Disabled students are entitled to equal access to academic programs, courses, and learning environments. This page provides guidance for students, instructors, and departments on disability-related academic accommodations and the university’s responsibilities under federal and state law.
Guides, information and resources about education
- Disabled Students Program (DSP)
- Guidelines Applying to Non-Discrimination on the Basis of Disability
- Procedures & Protocols for Academic Adjustments
- Check the Accessibility of Academic Classrooms and Buildings
- Classroom Furniture
- Library Disability Resources
- Research, Teaching and Learning: Accessibility & Inclusion in Teaching Learning Path
- Faculty-DSP Liaisons
- Library Disability Resources
- Fundamental Alternation Process
- Key Card Access
- Contact Us
Primary Partners
Trainings
FAQs
How do I get my accommodations for my classes?
The DSP office handles all accommodations for classes. Please reach out to them at dsp@berkeley.edu. You can find more information on the DSP website which provides the links to register with DSP and arrange for an intake appointment.
How can I make my classroom and my course more accessible?
To make your classroom more accessible, please contact the Center for Disability Learning (CTL), DSP, or Research Teaching and Learning (RTL). To request a classroom change to fit your disability needs, please refer to the classroom accessibility page on the DSP's website for more information. For course accessibility, please refer to our procedures and protocols for the provision of academic adjustment, and there are numerous tips available on CTL’s Instructor’s Guide to DSP accommodations page.
Why do I have to provide disability accommodations in my classroom?
Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (Section 504) both mandate that colleges accommodate disabled students to provide equal access to services, activities, and programs, including educational programs. You can read the Procedures & Protocols for Provision of Academic Adjustments for more information about how to provide accommodations.
What is a fundamental alteration?
A fundamental alteration is an accommodation that significantly changes a course’s goals and/or standards. There is a documented process at UC Berkeley for determining if providing an accommodation would constitute a fundamental alteration of a course.
How can I learn more about accessibility in general?
You can learn more about classroom accessibility by referring to our Information and Training page.
Who do I contact for more information?
You can email access@berkeley.edu or complete our online form for more information.