Disability Resource Center

Two people sitting on a couch holding coffee cups and smiling. A lightweight electric mobility scooter is parked off to the side. Image courtesy of Disabled and Here.

About

The UCSF Office of Diversity and Outreach Disability Resource Center (DRC) is a dedicated space for disabled students, staff, faculty, and their allies to build community and explore disability identity and culture. The DRC provides a range of programs and events that promote an intersectional perspective on disability and health equity.

The DRC is a leader amongst medical universities in the U.S. to provide a cultural center dedicated to expanding disability identity and cultural services. People with disabilities make up more than 26 percent of American adults, making this group one of the country's largest underrepresented populations, according to a 2015 report from the Pew Research Center.

Like other underrepresented student groups, students with disabilities deserve identity-based support services that welcome disability culture and pride (…) and encourage building community with peers.

Wendy Tobias Ed.D.

UCSF Chief Accessibility and Inclusion Officer, Promoting Disability Identity and Cultural Services in the California State University System, 2022

In response to this need, the Disability Resource Center provides educational and cultural activities that affirm and celebrate disability identity and promote community-building. We actively collaborate with other identity-based cultural centers at UCSF to develop intersectional programming.

Hugo Aguilar, a second-year Pharmacy student with dyslexia, studies in the main library basement, ideally with no one around him to reduce ambient noise which helps him focus, at the Kalmanovitz Library, on the Parnassus campus.

Disability Access and Inclusion Books A list of recommended books by disabled writers, activists, and scholars. »

Poster entitled 'We the Future - Lydia X. Z. Brown / Autistic disability rights activist Lydia X. Z. Brown' shows Lydia X. Z. Brown, standing among leaves and flowers, wearing a t-shirt saying, 'Disabled & Proud'. The 'i' in Disabled is in the form of a raised fist. Art created by Kate DeCiccio, Amplifier, sponsor, and publisher.

Overview of Disability Culture and Identity For many people with disabilities, disability is an integral part of their cultural identity. »

Speech bubble with the word ABLEISM in large print font in the center, surrounded by other words included sexism, bullying, conflict, ageism, harassment, exclusion, discrimination.

Terminology Information regarding disability-related terms and concepts. »

A self-identified Deaf person wearing glasses looks at the camera while holding a hand lettered sign declaring 'NOTHING about us without US'. Image courtesy of Disabled and Here.

Disability Community Organizations A non-exhaustive list of Bay Area disability-led organizations. »

Location

Alice Wong, former UCSF staff research associate in Social and Behavioral Sciences and a disabilities advocate, has her hand on the controls for her motorized wheelchair.

The UCSF Disability Resource Center is in an accessible space on the Parnassus Milberry Union campus, MU-102 West. UCSF learners, staff, and faculty are to welcome schedule an appointment with one of our staff members. Our programming is both in-person and virtual.

Directions

Disability Resource Center
500 Parnassus Avenue, Milberry Union, Room 102 West
San Francisco, CA, 94143
Phone: 415-806-7391
Location and directions to Parnassus Campus

Fragrance-Free Space

The Disability Resource Center is a Fragrance-Free Space 

Please be mindful when wearing scented products such as perfume, cologne, and fragrant personal care products while using this space.  We aim to maintain a welcoming and accessible environment for everyone who uses this space. The use of these products can trigger serious health issues for those with fragrance allergies therefore we ask that you refrain from using them in the space.  We appreciate your cooperation in making this area accessible. Thank you for your consideration and if you have further questions inquire with our front desk.