Disability, Access, and Inclusion

The mission of the Disability, Access, and Inclusion Office is to collaborate with the URI community in creating equitable access by design. The DAI Team feels strongly that individuals with disabilities are an essential part of the diverse community that makes up URI. We consider our work to reduce the stigma of the word “disability” essential to our role on campus and acknowledge the many talented and unique students identified with our office.

Through the guidance and frameworks outlined in the Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act (2008), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, otherwise qualified persons with disabilities are assured equal access to programs, opportunities, and activities at the University of Rhode Island (URI). For students, an otherwise qualified individual with a disability is a person who, with or without DAI approved reasonable accommodations, meets the essential requirements for the receipt of services or participation in programs or activities provided by the University.

Disability is a component of diversity, equity and inclusion, therefore, accessibility is a community-wide expectation. Full participation and integration of people with disabilities requires the cooperative efforts and a shared responsibility among all University departments, offices, and personnel.

The American Psychological Association (APA) page provides a clear, practical summary of how ADA and reasonable accommodations work at the college level. Though the page references a psychology program, the information is consistent with how institutions of higher education implement these laws across all areas of study. The site also contains a clear explanation of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. 

For information about Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, visit the Section508.gov website.