Student Disability Services
Each student at CSUN is unique and utilizes services according to his or her individual needs. We understand that new students require access to services that will ease their transition to a four-year college. During sophomore and junior years, students may be more concerned about finalizing a major, gaining internship opportunities or participating in co-curricular activities. Students beginning their senior year, however, may request more specialized career assistance and help in planning life after graduation.
In order to accommodate these different needs, Disability Resources and Educational Services (DRES) has developed an individualized learning plan called journey to success. You can view some of the plan below, but it is explained in detail during a student’s initial meeting with a counselor.
During this year, students can expect staff to assist them in:
- Gaining competencies for university-level academic success
- Managing workloads
- Developing compensatory strategies for life-long learning
- Learning self-advocacy skills by taking ownership for learning and development
- Navigating and making sense of the collegiate environment
- Learning how to access services
- Making connections with faculty and staff
- Exploring academic choices, including which major to select
- Exploring potential careers
- Obtaining needed services
During these years, students can expect staff to assist them in:
- Continuing a mentor relationship while encouraging independence
- Mapping out career strategies
- Joining co-curricular activities designed to encourage personal and social growth
- Continuing relationship-building with faculty
During this year, students can expect staff to assist them in:
- Learning compensatory strategies for the workplace and life-long learning
- Learning job advocacy skills
- Pragmatically planning for life after graduation
In order to be eligible for accommodations, students must first register with DRES. As a student, you are responsible for the following.
- Registering with DRES and providing documentation from a medical professional that states the functional limitations and duration (temporary or permanent) of your disability
- Requesting accommodations for classes each semester
- Requesting alternate formats, such as Braille or electronic text, of textbooks or course materials through DRES as soon as the next semester schedule is set
- Arranging for in-class note takers
- Initiating contact with special programs at DRES
- Finding, training and employing personal care attendants if necessary
If you need assistance, visit the Make an Appointment page or call (818) 677-2684 to schedule a meeting with a DRES counselor.