Division of Student Affairs > Disability Resources and Educational Services

Getting Started and Registering for Services

Meeting with a staff member in the Disability Resources and Educational Services (DRES) as soon as you are admitted to California State University, Northridge is a great way to get a jump start on academic success. You will be immediately eligible for support services when you have registered with the office, including transition support and accommodations for placement exams.

To receive support services you must be an admitted student and take the following steps:

1. Obtain a copy of your disability documentation from your doctor or practitioner. If you do not have documentation, please have a doctor or appropriate practitioner complete either the physical disabilities or mental health disabilities form prior to making an appointment with a DRES intake counselor. Students with a learning disability must follow the guidelines for learning disabilities documentation in order to receive accommodations.
   
   
2. Turn in your disability documentation prior to scheduling an appointment. Documentation can be brought in to Bayramian Hall (BH) 110 or faxed to (818) 677-4932.
   
   
3. Make an intake appointment by calling DRES at (818) 677-2684 or by emailing dres@csun.edu. Once your documentation has been screened for completeness, you will be contacted to set up an intake appointment that will last approximately 1 hour.
   
   
4. Meet with an intake counselor who will assist you in determining what accommodations you are eligible to receive based upon your disability related functional limitations and your academic plan. The counselor will also suggest support services that you might find beneficial. You will be asked to share information about how your disability affects your ability to access the classroom, class materials and campus services and to describe the accommodations and services you have used in the past. It is important that you have an opportunity to express a preference in accommodations, since your preferences will be considered when a counselor is approving your accommodations. If for some reason, you disagree with the approved accommodations you may request reconsideration through the accommodation appeal process.
   
   
5. Sign a Service Agreement. As the intake counselor will explain, this is an agreement for the accommodations to be provided in each of your classes and must be completed each semester after you have registered for your classes. If you are a first time student who has not yet registered for classes, the Service Agreement will allow you to take placement exams with accommodations and obtain transition support services.
   
   
6. Develop a Journey to Success plan for your academic and personal development at Cal State Northridge.