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URI’s Disability Access and Inclusion office (DAI) works with undergraduate and graduate students who identify as having a disability and/or chronic health condition to secure reasonable accommodations and resources to ensure equal access to all aspects of campus life.
We understand that deciding where to attend college is a big step, and you may have questions about how Disability, Access, and Inclusion (DAI) can support your success at URI. While we cannot provide a preview of the specific accommodations you may receive, our staff members are here to help you understand the transition process and resources available.
The DAI office offers virtual, group information sessions for prospective and incoming students, as well as their families/support networks, to provide more details about the accommodations process at URI.
DAI and Admissions
Talking with the DAI will not impact your admission to URI. DAI’s role is to provide support and accommodations to students who are already admitted and otherwise qualified to attend the university. In order to enroll, students must meet the academic and program requirements of URI, just like any other applicant. DAI conversations are separate from the admissions process and are never used to determine admissions eligibility.
DAI and Confidentiality
Confidentiality is a core part of DAI services. Disability diagnoses and diagnostic information are not included in accommodation letters or communications with faculty, staff, or other campus partners. This ensures you have complete control over who receives information about your disability and helps build a trusting relationship with your DAI case manager.
There are safety-oriented exceptions to confidentiality, including, but not limited to:
- Suspected harm, abuse, or neglect to self or others
- Clinical records subpoenaed by a court of law
Prospective students who wish to work with DAI must FIRST participate in an Info Session; the student’s presence is required. Once complete, you will be sent the relevant next steps specific to your student role at URI (undergraduate, transfer, graduate, part-time, etc.).
April 2026 Sessions (on Zoom):
- Dates to be published soon
If you are unable to attend one of our live sessions or would like to revisit any of the content discussed, you may access a pre-recorded, captioned version of our session.
- If you’ve participated in an Information Session with DAI already, follow-up questions may be emailed to dai@uri.edu.
DAI representatives will be present at the URI Open House and Welcome Day for the Student Support Services Fair, and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
We encourage you to view our webinar, which has information about how the accommodations process works at URI.
Housing accommodation meetings for incoming students for fall 2026 will begin in April, and academic accommodation meetings will take place in July once students have selected their classes during orientation in June.
For Fall 2026 Admission
All steps must be completed by May 18, 2026, to meet the DAI housing accommodation deadline for Fall 2026 Housing.
Please note that DAI staff are legally prohibited from communicating with parents or guardians unless a signed DAI release is in place and the student has given consent.
- “My IEP/504 guaranteed certain supports in high school. Which of those can I expect in college, and which won’t carry over?”
- “Do I need to be re-evaluated to qualify for accommodations, or will my high school paperwork be enough?”
- “What happens if I need to take fewer credits because of my health condition?”
- “If I need medical equipment (like a fridge for meds or an air filter), how do I get approval?”
- “What happens if I miss class for medical appointments or flare-ups — how do I handle attendance policies?”
- “How do I access accessible dining options if I have both a disability and dietary needs?”
- “Are there student groups or mentors for students with disabilities at URI?”