About the Disability Resource Center
History of the Disability Resource Center
Prior to 1973, students with disabilities attended the University of Florida in small numbers and were served one-on-one by various campus offices. Initial efforts to provide comprehensive services were a result of a graduate student group in the Rehabilitation Counseling Department. This small group of students provided an initial accessibility survey of University buildings, and established the groundwork for what would become the Disability Resource Center. In 2002, the Office for Students with Disabilities changed its name to Disability Resources. Four years later, in 2006, Reid Hall's basement was renovated and Disbility Resources was moved in and the name was changed to the Disability Resource Center (DRC).
Philosophy and Mission
There is a strong commitment to equal education for all students at the University of Florida. The University will strive to be aware of and sensitive to the unique needs of all students. Student needs will be addressed through a lens of knowledge, awareness, and sensitivity to cultural, racial, religious, ethnic, and disability diversity.
It is the mission of the Disability Resource Center to foster a sense of empowerment in students with disabilities be educating them about their legal rights and responsibilities so that they can make informed choices, by encouraging them to engage in critical thinking and self advocacy and by supporting them in being successful students, campus leaders and positive contributors to the campus community. The Disability Resource Center, in conjunction with the Division of Student Affairs, is helping students to create an unparalleled experience where students embrace learning and diversity to become leaders in the service of the global community.
Jim Gorske, Assistant Dean
Interested individuals should contact Dean Gorske for clarification of how to obtain reasonable accommodations, who is eligible for support services and general questions regarding the operation of the Disability Resource Center.
Rick Nelson, Support Services Coordinator
Students with visual, learning, or physical disabilities may contact Rick Nelson for information on how to obtain course related books and other printed material in an alternative format. Interested individuals may also contact Rick for information on becoming a testing proctor, educational assistant, or office student assistant.
Jim Faubel, MHS, Support Services Coordinator and Learning Specialist
Responsibilities include the coordination and provision of all learning strategy sessions and ADD coaching. Also, Jim assists individual students with identification of appropriate reasonable accomodations and blending those accomodations within their learning strategies.
Valerie R. Pfister, Ph.D., Support Services Coordinator and Learning Specialist
Responsibilities include the coordination and provision of all learning strategy sessions and ADD coaching. Also, Valerie assists individual students with identification of appropriate reasonable accomodations and blending those accomodations within their learning strategies.
Susan Swiderski, M.Ed., Support Services Coordinator and Learning Specialist
Responsibilities include the coordination and provision of all learning strategy sessions and ADD coaching. Also, Susan assists individual students with identification of appropriate reasonable accomodations and blending those accomodations within their learning strategies.
Senior Secretary
The Senior Secretary acts as the liaison between students, faculty and staff and the Disability Resource Center staff. She is responsible for setting up appointments for perspective and current students. Kelly also processes reduced course load memos and accommodation histories upon request from students that are eligible.
Christine Pytlinski, Testing Coordinator
Responsible for coordinating qualified exam proctors and students to provide testing accomodations for those students who require them.