Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I register with DSS?
- What does the office of DSS do?
- Where is the DSS office located?
- How do I register with the DSS On Call Shuttle?
- What if I need disability related housing (reapplying each year)?
- I'm having an event; how do I plan to make it accessible for all?
- What if I need academic accommodations?
- How accessible is the Brown campus?
- What services does DSS provide for faculty & staff?
- How do I apply for disability parking?
- If I decide to register with DSS, is my information confidential?
- How do I arrange to get a sign language interpreter for a department's event?
- I think I may have a learning disability; how do I go about getting tested?
- My grandparents are coming for commencement. How do I get a wheelchair?
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How long does DSS hold on to student's documentation after they graduate?
How do I register with DSS?
To complete registration with DSS, you will need to complete a Registration & Release Form, submit documentation (see guidelines for what is needed) and meet with either the Director or Assistant Director.
What does the office of DSS do?
The Office of Disability Support Service provides services and reasonable accommodations to qualified Brown students, faculty and staff who register with our office.
Where is the DSS office located?
We are located at 20 Benevolent Street (across from Keeney Quad, next to the Brown Faculty Club). Our building is labeled Office of Student Life. We are located on the first floor in room 112. Please use our main entrance located on the left side of our building.
How do I register with the DSS On Call Shuttle?
To register with the DSS on Call shuttle, you will need to have documentation from your Doctor concerning the disability or nature of your injury, recommendations and duration of use on your Doctor's letterhead (typed). Documentation may be faxed over to us at (401) 863-1999. You may call Erin Karalekas at (401) 863-9588 to initiate registration as there are also forms that you will need to complete.
What if I need disability related housing (reapplying each year)?
If you require disability related housing, you will need to reapply each year providing us with new documentation each time that you are applying on your Doctor's letterhead stating your disability need for such.
I'm having an event. How do I plan to make it accessible for all?
The best way is to make sure that your event is in an accessible room. It should also be noted on the advertisement for your event that if a person is hearing impaired to contact your office for an interpreter. This usually requires some time to coordinate so please make proper arrangements so that this can be done with in the time frame for the event.
What if I need academic accommodations?
If you will be requesting any academic accommodations, you will need to complete registration (see above) and will need to complete a request for academic accommodation form at the beginning of each semester. A letter will then be mailed to your campus box and you can make copies to give to your Professors.
How accessible is the Brown campus?
Brown is located on a hill and while it is very historic and quite old we are trying to make the campus more accessible with each passing year.
What services does DSS provide for faculty & staff?
DSS provides accommodations in the workplace, assisting with parking and DSS shuttle services for qualified employees.
How do I apply for disability parking?
You will need to complete registration & parking forms and provide the Director, Cathie Axe, with documentation stating your disability and the duration that parking is needed.
If I decide to register w/DSS is my information confidential?
Yes, all information is strictly confidential.
How do I arrange to get a sign language interpreter for a departments event?
You may call the Interpreter Referral Service at 222-5300. Please note that it sometimes takes a while to secure an interpreter, so please plan accordingly.
I think I may have a learning disability; how do I go about getting tested?
Please call us at (401) 863-9588 to request a meeting with either the Director or Assistant Director who can refer you to a qualified professional.
My grandparents are coming for commencement. How do I get a wheelchair?
You can call us at (401) 863-9588 and we can provide you with contact information for places in the state who rent out wheelchairs.
How long does DSS hold on to students documentation after they graduate?
We hold on to documentation for 7 years and shred all information after that time frame.