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 current Disability Resource Center. In 2002, the Office for Students with Disabilities changed its name to Disability Resources. Four years later, in 2006, after Reid Hall's basement was renovated, Disbility Resources moved from Peabody Hall and changed its name 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 by 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, M.Ed., Assistant Dean of Students/Director, Disability Resource Center
Primary responsibilities include the management of the day-to-day operations of the DRC and the identification and coordination of appropriate reasonable accommodations for qualified students with disabilities.
Rick Nelson, Support Services Coordinator
Primary responsibilities include the identification and coordination of appropriate reasonable accommodations for qualified students and the management of the DRC testing center.
Jim Faubel, MHS, Support Services Coordinator and Learning Specialist
Primary responsibilities include the identification and coordination of appropriate reasonable accommodations for qualified students, the coordination and provision of learning strategy and ADD coaching sessions, and the coordination of the notetaking services program.
Valerie R. Pfister, Ph.D., Support Services Coordinator and Learning Specialist
Primary responsibilities include the identification and coordination of appropriate reasonable accommodations for qualified students and the coordination and provision of learning strategy and ADD coaching sessions.
Susan Swiderski, M.Ed., Support Services Coordinator and Learning Specialist
Primary responsibilities include the identification and coordination of appropriate reasonable accommodations for qualified students and the coordination and provision of learning strategy and ADD coaching sessions.
Chavon Wilson, Senior Secretary
Primary responsibilities include scheduling appointments for perspective and current students and assisting as a liaison between students, faculty and staff, and DRC staff members.
Christine Pytlinski, Testing Coordinator
Primary responsibilities include facilitating accommodated testing for students taking tests at the DRC testing center and coordinating student test proctors.