California State University, Northridge: Disability Resources and Educational Services

General Information

California State University, Northridge: Disability Resources and Educational Services
18111 Nordhoff Street
Room 110
Northridge, CA 91330-8264
(818) 677 2684
http://www.csun.edu/dres

Brief Description

Disability Resources and Educational Services (DRES) provides a variety of support services that empower students to gain independence, achieve academic success, and develop realistic career goals to demonstrate their full potential. The DRES office serves students with physical, learning and mental health disabilities.
To receive services at DRES, you need to register with the DRES department. Bring written documentation signed by your physician or practitioner that indicates a specific diagnosis, whether your disability is temporary or permanent, and a description of the functional limitations imposed by your disability. If you are newly admitted to Cal State Northridge, make an appointment as soon as possible to ensure accommodations are established before the semester begins. Once your documentation has been approved, you will be able to make an intake appointment with a counselor to develop an individualized plan that accommodates your specific needs.
Here is a list of some of the accommodations for which you may be eligible:
• Access to assistive technology
• Accessible classroom furniture (ergonomic chair, height adjustable table, etc.)
• Alternate media (conversion of print materials into electronic text, Braille, large print, etc.)
• Alternative testing
• Disability-related counseling and advising
• Registration assistance
• Shared notes
Students registered with DRES may also be eligible to receive support services, such as specialized workshops, academic coaching, disability management counseling, strengths assessment and career assistance.
You will fulfill the same general education requirements and take the same classes as the students in your major. However, DRES counselors and academic coaches can assist you in creating strategies and exploring technology solutions to meet your class requirements.
DRES maintains the privacy of student records, which are considered confidential in accordance with state and federal laws and university policy.

Services Offered

  • Counseling
    • Offers disability management and strengths-based counseling.

  • Information and Referral
    • Refers to appropriate campus and community agencies.

  • Education Services
    • Learning Support Services & Accommodations

      Disability Resources and Educational Services (DRES) offers accommodations that ensure access to academic and services that support learning. The following is a list of some of the accommodations for which you may be eligible:

      - Alternative Testing (extra time, word processor, quiet room, scribe, etc.)
      - Shared notes
      - Alternate Media (Conversion of classroom print materials into electronic text, Braille, large print, etc.)
      - Access to assistive technology
      - Accessible classroom furniture (ergonomic chair, height adjustable table, etc.)
      - Disability related counseling and advising
      - Registration assistance

  • Employment/Job Training
    • (WAIV) Workability IV

      Workability IV (WAIV) is a joint venture of the California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) and the Disability Resources and Educational Services (DRES) at Cal State Northridge. The program is designed to assist students with disabilities in finding employment and internships through career preparation activities, workshops and individual counseling.

      WAIV offers the following career services:
      • Exploration of your strengths and learning styles that may help you choose a major and career
      • Internship preparation and search assistance
      • Assistance in writing resumes and cover letters
      • Interview preparation
      • Job search assistance
      • Workshops on job place accommodations and communication skills
      • Information regarding disability disclosure issues
      • Job retention training

      Through WAIV you can:
      • Overcome barriers to employment
      • Realize your hidden potential and discover techniques that open employment opportunities
      • Receive job leads
      • Identify a career that suits you
      • Develop interview skills that work
      • Gain access to specialized resources for people with disabilities
      • Determine vocational goals and develop strategies for meeting these goals

      In order to be eligible for WAIV services, you must be:
      1. A student who is registered with DRES or a student who was registered with DRES and be currently enrolled in classes or has graduated within the last three years; and,
      2. A client of the DOR. If you are not currently a client of DOR, a DRES counselor can assist you with becoming a client.

      For more information, please contact:
      Disability Resources and Educational Services
      Bayramian Hall 110
      Phone: (818) 677-2684
      Fax: (818) 677-4932
      [email protected]
      www.csun.edu/dres