Working with DAI is an interactive, student-driven process.
Accommodations aren’t one-size-fits-all, and there isn’t a preset menu to choose from. Instead, we work with you to understand your experiences and needs, then collaborate with you to design accommodations tailored to you and your learning environment. Together, we focus on creating equitable access, making sure you have what you need to fully participate, while meeting the academic expectations of your program.
DAI is ethically tasked with upholding the expectations of communication and independent work required by the technical standards and essential requirements of each program.
Getting started early helps us support you more effectively. Your first step is to complete our DAI Information Session.
GOOD NEWS! You are doing this now. You will be able to
- get an overview of how the process works
- what to expect from us
- what we’ll expect from you
- compare collegiate accommodations to HS supports
- your next steps
Next, you’ll complete our online intake form and submit documentation.
The Intake form allows you to tell us in YOUR OWN WORDS
- how your condition impacts you
- your function needs
- what barriers you may experience
- what accommodations may be appropriate
Timing matters. We encourage you to complete this step as early as possible, especially if you are requesting housing accommodations. The priority deadline for housing accommodation consideration is May 15, 2026.
Under the ADA Amendments Act (2008), a disability or chronic condition is defined as a long-term, significant limitation to major life functions — such as learning, walking, speaking, or concentrating.
Documentation
Documentation MUST come from a licensed evaluator, clinician, medical provider, therapist, specialist, or equally credentialed person in the specific disability field, who possesses expertise in the diagnosed condition, and can provide detailed, supporting information that connects the disability to the requested accommodations.
Documentation typically includes:
- Information about your condition
- How it impacts your daily and academic functioning
- Recommendations for accommodations
In general, your documentation should
- be recent (within about three years)
- reflect your current needs as a college student
Final decisions about documentation and accommodations are made by our DAI team.
The University of Rhode Island’s documentation guidelines follow best practices, defining the following essential elements:
- Diagnostic Details: Clearly listed disability diagnosis, including relevant subtypes.
- Condition Overview: Description of the disability and its functional impact, supported by DSM or ICF diagnostic codes. The expanded description must include a sufficient level of detail and explanation to support the request. Information regarding variability, or the progression or stability of the disability over time and in context, is helpful.
- Functional Needs: Evidence of how major life activities are substantially affected, noting the severity, frequency, duration, responsiveness to intervention/management/treatment, and environmental impact. This information is necessary in determining what reasonable accommodations are necessary and appropriate.
- Recommendations for college-appropriate accommodations that are informed by prior research by the student and provider into the student’s program requirements. This includes, but is not limited to physical requirements, technical standards, attendance policies, assistive devices, assistive services, compensatory strategies, and/or collateral support services. Accommodations cannot alter or exempt students from URI’s Academic Requirement policies or requirements.
Next, you’ll meet with one of us for an informal intake meeting. This conversation is a key part of the process.
This conversation is a key part of the process. Together, we will
- Talk about your experiences
- Explore how college may be different from your previous environment
- Identify accommodations and strategies that support your success
The intake meeting typically happens after students have officially committed to the University. The best time to schedule would be in June, after Orientation, once your fall classes have been selected.
We strongly encourage you to stay in touch with DAI and to let us know how accommodations are working. You can visit our virtual drop-in hours with DAI staff or meet with our Disability Resource Mentors (DRMs). Maintaining this connection helps us respond quickly if challenges arise and ensures that your access plan continues to be effective as courses, expectations, and environments change.
You can connect with us on an as-needed basis
- when you need support
- to problem-solve when something isn’t working as expected
- to ask for help troubleshooting access concerns
- if you have questions about how to implement or if you need to adjust your accommodations
When additional structured support is helpful, we can also connect you with our campus partners for more frequent coaching, tutoring, or academic skill development.
