Image of 7 wheelchair track athletes racing

Disability Resources & Educational Services

With DRES, Applied Health Sciences makes Illinois more accessible

Disability Resources & Educational Services (DRES) is a service unit of the College of Applied Health Sciences that empowers students throughout the University of Illinois. 

DRES services are freely available to any student with a need for accommodations or assistance.

DRES Service Areas

  • Academic Accommodations

  • Assistive Technology

  • Career Supports

  • Accessible Living Options

  • Transportation

  • Campus Life

  • Athletics

  • Coaching

  • Individual/Group Therapy

  • Accessible Media Services

  • Campus Accessibility

  • Digital Accessibility

Leveling the learning field

DRES helps thousands of students with disabilities enjoy the Illinois experience, making Illinois a leader in college education for persons with disabilities. Many firsts in collegiate accessibility happened at Illinois, the development of the first architectural accessibility standards, the first wheelchair-accessible fixed route bus system, the first accessible university residence halls, and the first collegiate adapted sports and recreation program for students with disabilities. Our storied past built a foundation that allows us to continually find new ways to serve and empower people with disabilities:

  • We are home of the US Paralympic Training Site for Wheelchair Track
  • DRES mental health services started in 1999, are the most comprehensive support programs offered in post-secondary disability services. These services include academic coaching, individual and group therapy and neuropsychological assessment.
  • The majority of students receiving DRES services have non-visible disabilities.
  • AHS faculty & students participate in groundbreaking research, seeking new ways to allow all people to live the best life possible.
  • DRES offers internship and employment opportunities to students seeking hands-on experience in their field

Training Champions

DRES is home of the US Paralympic Training Site for Wheelchair Track.

Mental Health Pioneers

DRES mental health services are among the most comprehensive support programs offered in post-secondary education.

Under the surface

The majority of students receiving DRES services have non-visible disabilities.

Comprehensive Support

DRES services include academic coaching, individual and group therapy and neuropsychological assessment.

A better way

AHS faculty & students participate in groundbreaking research, seeking new ways to allow all people to live the best life possible.

Hands-on Experience

DRES offers internship and employment opportunities to students seeking hands-on experience in their field.

AIRA Now Available on campus

What is Aira?

Aira is an application that helps deliver visual information anytime, anywhere. The aim of Aira is to help people who are blind or low vision so they can fully engage and experience the world. 

All students, faculty, and staff have free 24/7 access to Aira while on the Illinois campus. View more details about Aira.

Give to DRES

Giving to Disability Resources  & Educational Services will help us to ensure that every person, regardless of their abilities, has the opportunity for a full Illinois experience.