Resources, Partners, & Online Learning Guides

DRC Resources and Partners Heading link

Take a look through the different tab categories and its resources below. Check out the resource’s website to learn more about open hours or services available.

Feel free to contact the DRC if you want a direct referral or assistance in finding the best support for your situation.

Academic Support

Name Description
Academic Center for Excellence (ACE) ACE provides learning support services to enable all students to accomplish their academic goals by developing critical thinking skills and learning strategies that will enhance their academic success.
Business Connect Business Connect is here to help students succeed with their academic goals, enhance their experience as a UIC Business student and help facilitate a successful future beyond their time on campus. They also offer a dedicated career center serving undergraduate and graduate business students.
CHANCE The CHANCE Program was designed to assist with its goal to increase recruitment, retention and graduation rates of underrepresented students.
Department of Disability and Human Development (DHD) The DHD department is an internationally-recognized center for the interdisciplinary study of disability, conducting scholarship and community-engaged service across the spectrum of disability, including advocacy, culture, education, health promotion, history, policy and technology.
Flames Tutoring Network (FTN) FTN brings together our campus units that offer tutoring, peer led study groups, instructional/educational support and other learning related services for students. FTN provides a common space for information on the services provided to optimize your success.
Math and Science Learning Center (MSLC) MSLC is a learning environment that provides diverse forms of academic support to students in Math and Science courses at UIC.
Office of Advising Department The Office of Advising Development has created a list of contacts from different colleges on campus who can connect you to your appropriate advisor.
TRIO TRIO's mission is to support low-income individuals, first-generation college students, and individuals with disabilities with their educational plans from high school to post-baccalaureate programs. TRIO provides an atmosphere of creativity and belonging where students are nurtured and supported in achieving academic excellence that leads to college graduation and career endeavors.
Writing Center The Writing Center will work with students on research, personal statements, lab reports, memos, class assignments, applications, or whatever you have.

Student Services

Description
Career Services Career Services offer one-on-one advising, career preparation programs, and events to help connect students with opportunity.
Campus Advocacy Network (CAN) CAN is an on-campus service center dedicated to providing confidential, anonymous, free services to UIC students, staff and faculty who have experienced sexual assault, domestic/dating violence, stalking and hate crimes.
CampusCare CampusCare is an affordable self-funded student health benefit program that has been providing comprehensive health care benefits to eligible enrolled students and their covered dependents.
Campus Housing Take a look at the services and the housing opportunities Campus Housing has to offer.
Commuter Student Resource Center (CSRC) CSRC strives to provide a sense of belonging among commuter and off-campus students while offering programs and services to enhance wellness, academic success, and student engagement at UIC. Whether students commute from home or live in an off-campus apartment – they are here to assist.
Counseling Center The Counseling Center provides diverse services to help students deal with stress, handle a crisis or trauma, cope with the transition to college, gain strength from gender and cultural identity, or manage serious mental illness and many other issues. Their counselors can help students increase resilience and positive well-being by developing effective coping and problem-solving skills.
Office of the Dean of Students (DOS) Through a variety of offices, including Student Assistance, Community Standards, Student Legal and Student Veterans, DOS assist students in resolving issues so they can focus on their academic and social development.
Student Legal Services (SLS) - Office of the Dean of Students SLS is available to assist current students in understanding and solving their legal problems. Funded through student fees, SLS can provide confidential legal advice, counsel and limited representation for currently enrolled students. Legal matters that the program is not available to handle are referred to appropriate agencies.
Student Veteran Affairs - Office of the Dean of Students Student Veteran Affairs provides a welcoming and supportive environment for our military-connected students. They provide resources, assistance, and programming to ease the transition and ensure your academic success.
Student Employment Student Employment is a centralized service that offers assistance to students, departments and off-campus employers. In addition, they sponsor various job fairs throughout the year and a series of career development workshops.
Technology Solutions Technology Solutions provides and maintains technologies and services critical for many university functions. They are here to provide and support the technologies students, faculty, and staff need to achieve their goals.
UIC Library - Accessibility Services The UIC Library welcomes users with disabilities and is committed to providing accessible services, spaces and resources for everyone. You can reserve and access computer stations for users with disabilities. These are computers with accessibility software (FSReader, JAWS 18.0, Kurzweil, NaturalReader, and ZoomText 11) located on an adjustable table.
UIC Savvy Student Guide The University has created a comprehensive list of all the student services and resources at UIC.
Wellness Center The Wellness Center supports student learning, academic success, and retention by providing wellness services that promote healthy attitudes and behaviors, empower students to make informed choices and enhance holistic well-being. They provide accurate and relevant health and wellness information, educational programs and events, and skill-building activities and workshops to the UIC community.

Cultural Belonging/Advocacy

Name Description
African American Cultural Center (AACC) AACC curates, produces, and sponsors exhibitions, performances, films and film screenings, open-mic poetry, gatherings, lecture-demonstrations, dance, storytelling, visual and performing arts workshops and projects. The Center coordinates and supervises high school and college internships, supports student and postdoctoral research, and lends its expertise to a number of collaborative programs and initiatives.
Arab American Cultural Center (ArabAmCC) ArabAmCC seeks to affirm the diverse needs of the Arab and Arab American students; increase awareness about Arab and Arab American and Muslim American cultures and histories; and build community, solidarity, and brave spaces on campus while promoting social justice, equality, and inclusivity at UIC and the Chicagoland area and cherish cultural diversity.
Asian American Resource and Cultural Center (AARCC) AARCC supports the needs of Asian Americans at UIC and offers social, cultural, and educational programs to those interested in expanding their knowledge about Asian Americans.
Chancellor's Committee on the Status of Persons with Disabilities (CCSPD) CCSPD is an advisory body dedicated to promoting the academic, professional, cultural and social welfare of persons with disabilities as well as providing leadership on the history, needs and resources. CCSPD makes recommendations to the Chancellor addressing these issues as well as developing, initiating and managing programs that further address the comprehensive concerns of persons with disabilities.
Disability Cultural Center (DCC) DCC offers public programs, discussion series, arts-based workshops, and one-on-one support — as they work to engage an understanding of disability as a social justice issue and a site for identity, community, and culture. They welcome students, staff, faculty, community members; we welcome Disabled, Deaf, Sick, and Mad people; nondisabled allies/accomplices; people with conditions who may or may not identify as disabled; and people who are thinking through their relationship to disability identity.
Gender and Sexuality Center (GSC) Through programs, initiatives, events, and workshops, GSC creates a more inclusive campus and catalyzes positive social change in the world. Underlying the Center's work is an understanding of intersecting identities and the multiple layers of diversity within LGBTQIA+ identities including race, class, ability, geography, immigration status, and religious affiliation.
Latin American Recruitment and Educational Services Program (LARES) LARES was established to assist in the recruitment of Latino students, to provide academic support to increase their chances for success, and to empower students by providing personal growth and educational opportunities and to prepare leaders who will make individual and collective contributions toward the cultural and social advancement of the Latino community.
Native American Support Program (NASP) The missions of NASP is to assist students in achieving their academic goals, increase student minority admissions and retention rates, and engage and inform the Chicago community of indigenous culture’s by providing academic advising, career coaching, cultural relevant activities, and creating a safe and supportive space for indigenous student concerns.
Rafael Cintron Ortiz Latino Cultural Center (LCC) LCC engages campus and local communities to deepen understanding of the diverse cultural heritages and identities of Latinxs, issues affecting their lives, and creative solutions they are using to improve community life. LCC offers engaged learning co-curricular opportunities that feature cultural and artistic expressions, intercultural and civic dialogues, scholarly presentations, and first-voice stories.
Women's Leadership and Resource Center (WLRC) WLRC works to promote gender equity by raising awareness of women’s and gender issues, developing women’s leadership, celebrating women’s accomplishments and contributions, and encouraging self-care and spiritual well-being. WLRC houses the Campus Advocacy Network (CAN) program, through which we offer resources–crisis support, advocacy, education, training–to address interpersonal violence (sexual harassment/violence, stalking, domestic violence).

Financial Aid/Tuition Assistance

Name Description
Graduate College - Funding Overview The Graduate College’s Fellowship Office provides this page as an overview of graduate funding. Even if you choose not to attend UIC, most of the information here will be useful to you as a prospective or current graduate student anywhere.
Student Financial Aid & Scholarships (SFAS) SFAS supports our students and families by administering federal, state, external, and institutional aid. They provide personalized counseling and outreach to empower students and make higher education more accessible.
Office of External Fellowships (OEF) OEF provides extensive advisement and assistance to current undergraduate and professional school students, and to recent alumni, in finding and applying for nationally- and internationally-competitive fellowships, scholarships, and grants.
Office of Scholarships The Office of Scholarships assists current UIC undergraduate and professional school students in searching and applying for campus scholarship and external opportunities. We do not award scholarships, and our services are available to current UIC undergraduates and professional students only.

DRC Resources & Partners

Name Description
Access Living Access Living work alongside people with all kinds of disabilities including intellectual, psychiatric, physical and sensory disabilities. They provide a variety of services, including: home and community-based services, Housing services, Youth programs, and Consulting and training for businesses and nonprofits.
Anixter Center Anixter Center provides supports and services to adults with disabilities, people with behavioral health related needs, and people who are Deaf, DeafBlind and hard of hearing.
Autism Clinic and The Autism Program (TAP) Training Center The Autism Clinic and The Autism Program Training (TAP) Center works with people of all ages with known or suspected autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). As a regional training center of the TAP of Illinois Service Network, we work to enhance the lives of people with ASD through service, training and research.
Bodies of Work Bodies of Work, a network of artists and organizations, is a catalyst for disability arts and culture that illuminate the disability experience in new and unexpected ways. They provide a forum for ongoing programs that honor and explore the accomplishments of artists and offer information to cultural venues about providing access and accommodations.
Cairs Cairs works to improve the overall well-being of the Midwest Deaf and Hard of Hearing community through consistent excellence in provision of services as well as community education, leadership and advocacy.
Center on Halsted Center on Halsted is the Midwest's most comprehensive community center dedicated to advancing community and securing the health and well-being of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) people of Chicagoland.
Chicago ADAPT Mission ADAPT is a national grass-roots community that organizes disability rights activists to engage in nonviolent direct action, including civil disobedience, to assure the civil and human rights of people with disabilities to live in freedom.
Chicago Lighthouse Whether you are a parent raising a child who is blind, a Veteran re-entering the workforce or an older adult seeking a community of peers, the Chicago Lighthouse offers customized care to improve the quality of life for you and your family.
Disability Rights Bureau – Illinois Attorney General This Bureau has exclusive authority to enforce the Illinois Environmental Barriers Act and its design standards, the Illinois Accessibility Code which require physical accessibility in new construction, additions and alterations to public facilities, and new multistory housing. They also enforce the Illinois Human Rights Act, which provides jurisdiction to investigate complaints that allege a pattern and practice of disability discrimination in housing, public accommodations, employment, or financial services.
Division of Rehabilitation Services - Illinois Department of Human Services (DRS) DRS works in partnership with people with disabilities and their families to assist them in making informed choices to achieve full community participation through employment, education, and independent living opportunities.
Equip for Equality Equip for Equality’s mission is to advance the human and civil rights of children and adults with disabilities in Illinois. They administer the federally mandated Protection and Advocacy System for Illinois, remove barriers, and level the playing field.
Grupo Salto With over 500 families served, Grupo SALTO is the state’s largest support program for Latino families of children with an autism spectrum disorder
Housing Action Illinois Housing Action Illinois includes organizations such as housing counseling agencies, homeless service providers, developers of affordable housing, and policymakers. They empower communities to thrive through three programs: Policy Advocacy, Public Education & Organizing, and Capacity Building.
Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD) MOPD promotes total access, full participation and equal opportunity for people with disabilities of all ages in all aspects of life. It seeks to accomplish this mission through a multi-faceted approach that includes systemic change, education and training, advocacy and direct services.
Mental Health America of Illinois (MHA Illinois) MHA Illinois are dedicated to promoting mental health, working for the prevention of mental illness and improving care and treatment for persons suffering from mental and emotional disorders.
Shirley Ability Lab The Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Adaptive Fitness Center offers participants a full suite of strength and conditioning equipment, diagnosis specific and general group classes, and one-on-one training in the heart of the Streeterville medical campus.
Resources for Students with Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, or Dyscalculia This guide helps students with dyslexia, dysgraphia, or dyscalculia understand how to manage their disability while succeeding in college. There are support systems for those who have these conditions, and it’s important to take advantage of tools and resources to ensure that success is within reach.
Resources for Students with ADHD The purpose of this guide is to increase understanding of and awareness for college students with ADHD and provide resources and expert insight they can use to help them find success.
The Next Level Foundation The Next Level Foundation is a start-up non-profit based in Chicago, who partners with employers expressing interest in inclusion for individuals with disabilities and have committed to hiring the disabled. They provide resume support, interview preparation, access to community resources and more.
Tu y Yo Tu y Yo assists young adults with autism mentoring, educating and advocating. They visit schools and community centers, educating groups about the myths and facts of autism and spreading a message of acceptance of individual differences.
Wounded Warrior Project With the support of their community of donors and team members, Wounded Warrior gives a voice to those needs and empower our warriors to begin the journey to recovery.

On-Campus

Name Description
ACCC Troubleshooting Tips Try these troubleshooting steps if you're having trouble with online platforms or resources.
ACE's Tools for Success Ace provides student academic support and has many resources to ensure student success.
DCC Accessibility Considerations for Remote Access The Disability Cultural Center's remote access document is designed to support all of us in planning for all members of our community during times of COVID-19.
DRC Tips for Remote Distraction Reduced Testing Environment The DRC has come up with a list of tips and resources for distraction reduced testing at home.
Wellness Center The Wellness Center put together a list of helpful tips to navigate e-classes.

External Resources

Name Description
Guide for Transitioning to Online School From getting the right tech in place to mastering Zoom and Google Meet, learn how to prepare yourself for online learning success.
Minnesota State Skills List for Online Learning Minnesota State created a list of skills that makes online learners successful.
Northeastern University Tips and Strategies for Online Learning Take a look at Northeastern University's online learning strategies for success
University of Illinois Tips Seven tips to help you stay successful once you are in an online course
University of Vermont Maintaining Success in Online Learning University of Vermont's list of factors and tips that can help students with e-learning.
University of Washington Online Learning Strategies The University of Washington share their experiences and recommendations for other students with disabilities who are taking online courses.
Name Description
Chicagoland Disabled People of Color Coalition (Chicagoland DPOCC) Chicagoland DPOCC is an organization that promote disability justice and celebrate people of color with disabilities through education, advocacy, arts & culture, educate principles of disability acceptance, accessibility, and inclusion in communities of color, and foster a safe space for disabled people of color to advocate and discover their disability pride.
Coalition for Autistic and Neurodivergent Students (CANS) CANS is a student-led community for autistic and neurodivergent college students in the Chicago-area. They meet regularly to meet friends, share resources, and participate in workshops, activities, and advocacy. All students who identify as autistic or neurodivergent, and are current junior college, community college, undergraduate, graduate, or professional students are welcome.
Disability and Human Development Student Association (DHDSA) The purpose of DHDSA is to serve as a student voice to enhance the graduate and and undergraduate programs in the department. This includes presenting student viewpoints to faculty on issues, retaining student input to support and enhance the department’s curriculum, and promoting a supportive and nurturing academic community for students.
Mental Health and Disability Alliance (MHDA) The mission of the MHDA is to cultivate collaborations between the university and the community with the purpose of reducing stigma and other barriers surrounding mental health and disability. MHDA aims to achieve these goals through interdisciplinary approaches of raising awareness, research and education, advocacy, and community engagement.