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The Role of the Student Disability Center

The Student Disability Center (SDC) is staffed by Disability Specialists, professionals who have expertise in the education of students with disabilities. The Disability Specialists recommend accommodations for disabled students in compliance with federal mandates. Each of the UC campuses has a similar program for disabled students.

At UC Davis, the Instructor of Record, or an official Alternate Contact, is responsible to make sure that students enrolled in their classes have access to the classroom accommodations and services outlined in each student’s Letter of Accommodation.

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Classroom Accommodations

It is the role of faculty to facilitate access to classroom accommodations for students enrolled in their courses when they have received a Letter of Accommodation on their behalf. Students who do not provide SDC verification should be asked to do so before accommodations are provided. If you disagree with the SDC accommodation, or are aware of course-specific factors that have bearing on the accommodation, please consult with the SDC Disability Specialist who authored the accommodation letter.

Testing Accommodations

If a student in your class has been approved for exam accommodations, please assume that they will use them. Common testing accommodations include extended time on exams, small group/reduced distraction testing environment, use of a computer with or without grammar/spell check, single room testing, exam responses on test sheet/no Scantron, breaks during exams, and similar services.  For additional information, check out: information for Testing Accommodations. 

Quick Tips

  • As instructors, faculty share responsibility for providing students with disabilities equal access to educational opportunities. Faculty who receive requests directly from students for accommodations for disabilities should refer the student to the Student Disability Center (SDC).  Faculty should avoid asking the student directly for medical documentation.  The SDC reviews students’ medical documentation of functional limitations and issues letters of accommodation to the instructor and the student detailing the specific accommodations to be provided. Contact the Student Disability Center for more information.
  • It is very helpful to include a statement about accessibility in your Syllabus. Here is an example you can include in yours:
    UC Davis is committed to educational equity in the academic setting, and in serving a diverse student body. I encourage all students who are interested in learning more about the Student Disability Center (SDC) to contact them directly at sdc.ucdavis.edu, sdc@ucdavis.edu or 530-752-3184. If you are a student who requires academic accommodations, please submit your SDC Letter of Accommodation to me as soon as possible, ideally within the first two weeks of this course. 
  • Assume that students will use all of the services outlined in their Letter of Accommodation.
  • Contact the SDC Specialist who signed the Letter of Accommodation if you have any questions or concerns regarding a student’s accommodations.
  • Keep in mind that a Letter of Accommodation may be issued at any time during the quarter.
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