How to Access SDS
To register with , students need to make an appointment with the Director. At the initial meeting, students are required to complete an intake form and to present current documentation of their disability to help determine eligibility for specific services. Deaf students who request either sign language interpreters or real time captioning services will be referred to the respective deaf services coordinator.
Our Responsibility
When you initiate a request for academic support services, it is our responsibility
to evaluate your documentation to determine how the disability may impair
your academic performance. Services and accommodations are then provided
to compensate for the limitation that is described in the documentation.
Services, which are free of charge, will then be arranged in the timeliest
manner possible.
After documentation has been reviewed, SDS will provide you with a letter verifying your eligibility for services and academic accommodations. You should present this letter to faculty and staff as necessary when services and accommodations are requested. SDS will send a copy of this letter to faculty and staff only on your request. Documentation must remain on file in SDS and will be treated in a confidential manner.
It is the responsibility of SDS to maintain the confidentiality of students registered with our office. Should faculty, university staff or service providers (e.g. notetakers) inquire about the nature of your disability, we will only respond with your permission.
Student Responsibility
It is a student's responsibility to meet with the SDS Director
so that eligibility for services can be determined. Being eligible for
services is the first step in getting the accommodations that you may need
to be successful at UCSF.
UCSF neither imposes accommodations on students, nor pre-empts their responsibility to define their special needs and make sure that they are met. The student must take the lead to identify his/her needs to SDS, work with us to specify, arrange and follow through on accommodations, and alert us in a timely manner when problems are encountered.
SDS recommends that students meet with their professors when accommodations are necessary in their classes. It is important to be able to explain to your professors what you need, why you need it and how your needs are met. Therefore, it is essential that you be both knowledgeable and comfortable in discussing your disability. The SDS Director will be happy to meet with you to make suggestions on your approach
If you are requesting an academic service that requires faculty involvement (e.g. proctoring), OSL suggests that you meet with your professors early in the quarter. At that time, you should provide each professor with a copy of a letter from SDS explaining your need for that service. Timeliness and clear communications are two essential ingredients for meeting your requests for accommodations. Of course, students must meet the same course and program requirements as all other students.
Faculty Responsibility
Students will find that most, if not all, professors will be very helpful
and responsive your needs. They are also legally responsible to provide
you with equal access to an education. If, however, you find that you are
not receiving appropriate accommodations, you should immediately contact
the SDS Director.