Disability Resources and Services

What's going on in DRS for the month of January.

A New Year

Hello!

A new year. New opportunities. Let's keep it short and sweet. Please remember to request your accommodations, schedule your exams, and let DRS know if we can help.

Accommodation Reminders

Log in to the Student Portal to request accommodations, exams, and appointments with your accessibility coordinator.

Alternative Testing Requests: All exam requests must be submitted at a minimum of three [3] business days before the exam. (Seven [7] business days for finals.) Business days exclude weekends and University-observed holidays. Please note that the Alternative Testing process is for in-person, paper exams. See: Alternative Testing Request Instructions for Students.

If you have any questions, please contact DRS!

Upcoming Events

Important Dates in January

January is Glaucoma Awareness Month.

Jan. 4: World Braille Day
Jan. 24: Moebius Syndrome Awareness Day
Jan. 26: World Leprosy Day
Jan. 30: Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) Awareness Day

The University is CLOSED on Monday, January 19th in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday.

DRS Study Together Sessions

Join us on the following upcoming dates:

• Thursday, January 22, from 10:00 am to Noon in the Kimbo Conference Room, in WPU.
• Wednesday, February 4, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm in WPU 837.
• Tuesday, February 17, from 10:00 am to Noon, in WPU 310.

What can you expect from Study Together?

• Drop-in study space exclusively for DRS students
• 2-hour blocks of dedicated study time
• Short tips for getting started and staying productive, motivated, and organized
• Space for connecting with new and familiar peers
• Opportunity to find accountability partners and peers with whom to study
• Light refreshments provided

*To inquire about access or request accommodations for this event, please contact DRS as soon as possible at drsrecep@pitt.edu or 412-648-7890.

Delta Alpha Pi

Delta Alpha Pi will have a table at the SORC spring fair on January 21st, from 10:00 am to Noon in the William Pitt Union. 

This is an opportunity for any second-year or higher student to meet members of Delta Alpha Pi's board and learn more about the Honor Society, which is for students registered with our office.

Campus Resources

Campus Construction Impacts on Mobility

The Office of Planning, Design, and Construction has three ways to keep you updated on campus changes due to preservation and construction projects. The goal is to help students, staff, and the Oakland community stay informed and navigate campus safely.

• NotifyU Text and Email Alerts - Receive text and email alerts from NotifyU about construction and facility updates, such as road closures, detours, and elevator outages. To subscribe, visit my.pitt.edu, search for NotifyU, select "Opt-In Lists," and check "Construction and Facilities." Alternatively, text “Sub [Your Pitt Username] CAF” to 1-970-610-6092.
• Map.pitt.edu - View construction updates on map.pitt.edu. Use the map to view active closures for Pitt projects by selecting "Construction" in the map key.
• Newsletter - PDC has a newsletter with updates on project progress, upcoming road or garage closures, and other news about campus construction. It will help you stay informed and plan for detours or delays. Subscribe now!

Changes to Fifth Avenue PRT Lane

PRT has shifted the following bus routes traveling away from downtown to Forbes Avenue at the following stops. 

Routes: 54, 61D, 71 A/B/C/D, 75, 93, and P3.

Stops for these routes will be:

• Forbes at Craft
• Forbes at Halket
• Forbes at Meyran
• Forbes at Oakland
• Forbes at Bouquet
• Forbes at Bigelow
• Bellefield at Fifth

Inclusion and Belonging Place (IBP) Event Space

The Inclusion and Belonging Place (IBP) is developed and operated as a partnership between the University Library System (ULS) and the Office of Institutional Engagement and Wellbeing. It is located on the first floor of Hillman Library, to the left of Saxby's Cafe.

View the ULS Event Policies and reserve the space on the ULS website or learn about available spaces in the library.

Center for Creativity Spring Workshops

Our C4C spring workshops kick off on January 27 with a cozy Fiber Hang for both beginning and experienced knitters.

Knitting not your skein of yarn? We've got plenty of options on our roster, including workshops on cyanotypes, artists' books, kinusaiga, and our first-ever "improv for everybody" session. 

No experience is required for any of our workshops, and they're open to Pitt students, staff, and faculty alike. Check out our website for all the details, and sign up soon! Spaces fill quickly.

DRS is excited to announce two scholarship opportunities:

Kevin Cecil Study Abroad Scholarship

The Kevin Cecil Study Abroad Scholarship provides students financial assistance for a summer study abroad experience. This scholarship aims to empower persons with disabilities to go abroad and offset the cost. Two $1,000 scholarships are awarded each year.

To be eligible students must create a PittFund$Me account and a Pitt Global Experience application. To complete the application and view more details please visit the Kevin Cecil Study Abroad Scholarship page. The due date for the application is January 20, 2026.

American Foundation for the Blind Scholars Program

The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) Scholars Program, aims to provide substantial scholarships for students who are blind in the United States.

The scholarship awards will be available for graduate and undergraduate students who meet the qualifications for legal blindness. The maximum amount available will be $20k for undergraduate students and $28k for graduate students. Scholarships will be awarded for the coming 2026-2027 school year. Applications will be accepted through Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

Please consider applying for these opportunities. If you have any questions, please contact DRS at 412-648-7890.

Scholarships/Opportunities

AAHD is excited to announce the launch of our 2026 Scholarship Program. The AAHD Frederick J. Krause Scholarship on Health and Disability is awarded annually to deserving students with a disability who are pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies in an accredited university. This scholarship recognizes students pursuing studies related to health and disability, particularly majors that will impact the quality of life of persons with disabilities. Preference will be given to students majoring in public health, health promotion, disability studies, disability research, rehabilitation engineering, audiology, disability policy, special education, or other fields related to disability and health. The deadline to apply is March 6, 2026.

Meet our 2025 Scholarship Recipients.

 Applicants need to have the following materials ready when submitting their application:

• Personal Statement (maximum 2 pages, double spaced), including a brief personal history, educational/career goals, extra-curricular activities, community service, and reasons why they should be selected by the AAHD Scholarship Committee.
• One (1) Letter of Recommendation from a faculty member or academic advisor. Letters should include the signature of the teacher or advisor who wrote the letter.
• Transcript. Provide an official or unofficial copy of the most recent college transcript.
• Verification of disability status with documentation of their disability from a specialist (physician, educator, et. al).

Please reach out to scholarship@aahd.us with any questions about the scholarship program.

Now Hiring: Photo License Technician

Starting Pay: $17.40/Hr.
Locations: See the locations below
Hours: Part-time position working 12 – 16 hours per week

JOB SUMMARY
As the License Technician, the employee is responsible for providing efficient, courteous customer service to properly identified persons who appear with a camera card for a driver's license or identification card. The License Technician is responsible for photographing the person, issuing a photo card, and recording the transaction as required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensure the security of the Photo Center and its contents including but not limited to: overlay, cards, and cancelled photo card.
• Process customers in a pleasant, professional, efficient manner, including but not limited to:
  • Request the proper form of identification from the customer
  • Verify identification
  • Determine validity of camera card
  • Position the customer for photo and taking photograph
  • Assure quality of photo and finished license
  • Issue the finished license to the correct customer
  • Maintain the daily log and security log
  • Shred or cancel camera cards, as appropriate
  • Assist customers with questions and problems related to their driver's license
• Assure daily operation of the Photo License Center, including but not limited to:
  • Open and close the Photo Center as scheduled
  • Report (via telephone) to the appropriate person the time of opening each morning
  • Maintain the cleanliness and orderliness of the Photo Center
  • Wear the required uniform while working
  • Operate the Center in compliance with the UniqueSource Manual
  • Report "downtime" to UniqueSource
  • Batch daily audits and forwarding each week's work as instructed
  • Maintain a weekly inventory of stock, supplies, and ordering, as needed
  • Answer general customer inquiries regarding the photo license program
• Be cognizant of all security and safety regulations set forth by UniqueSource
• Have thorough knowledge and understanding of the policy and procedures of the Photo ID program. Comply with all policies and procedures
• Perform the daily operations of serving customers in the Photo License Center, including: be on time to open and close the center as scheduled, report by telephone of any requested information, and the orderliness of the center
• Report any security breech upon discovery to the site supervisor and UniqueSource management. This includes, but is not limited to, unruly customers or situations that are not appropriate in a place of business
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor

EQUIPMENT USED/MACHINERY REQUIRED TO OPERATE
Includes, but is not limited to:

• Office Equipment (i.e., telephone, copy machine, calculator, fax machine, etc.)
• Computer
• Computerized camera equipment

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Must be able to lift, carry, push, or pull up to ten pounds as needed
• Photo License Techs are required to sit the majority of the time; may involve walking, bending, squatting, reaching, and moving about for brief periods of time

QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma or G.E.D. preferred
• Previous experience in dealing with the public preferred such as retail or public service. Participation in a training program for public contact is acceptable.
• Acceptable Criminal Record Check completed by Easter Seals required
• Acceptable UniqueSource Form 11.5M received upon submission of completed Form 11.3 (Criminal Record Check) required. This clearance is processed through UniqueSource. This clearance must be obtained prior to start date; a security background check of the applicant will disclose no information that would compromise the security of the photo license program
• Acceptable FBI Clearance required

Specialized Skills/Abilities/Knowledge:

• Be flexible in work assignments.
• Communicate information efficiently and effectively in verbal and/or written form.
• Exercise sound judgment.
• Interact effectively and professionally with employees, program participants, and others.
• Maintain confidentiality, where applicable.
• Possess strong customer service skills.
• Show initiative.
• Solve problems efficiently and effectively.
• Think analytically.
• Work alternative shifts, as assigned.
• Work cooperatively as part of a team.
• Work independently.
• Comprehend oral training and written instruction on both a one-on-one, and a group setting.
• Communicate effectively with supervisor, co-workers, and the general public in person.
• Utilize the telephone to assist with customer service.
• Examine (visually) the finished product in order to ensure that quality standards are met.
• Compare (visually) license characteristics (height, name, etc.) with the customer in order to verify that the license is accurate and belongs to that customer.
• Perform repetitive data entry functions and processing requiring extended periods of time sitting.
• Transport (physically) a box or carton of supplies weighing up to ten pounds from the delivery area to the supply area inside the work site.
• Must have high degree of patience and understanding with the ability to communicate clearly.
• Must have the manual dexterity to operate the camera system.
• Boot up, log on, operate, log off and bring down the PC system and peripherals, including the replacement of printer ribbons.

SUMMARY
Information contained in this Job Description represents the standard method of accomplishing the duties of this position. The preceding Essential Duties & Responsibilities are not intended to be an exhaustive list of tasks and functions for this position. Other tasks and functions may be assigned as needed to fulfill the mission of the organization. Reasonable accommodations may be considered as required and/or requested.

To Apply
Fill out the pre-screen form and follow-up with Bill at JEC

Locations and Hours of Operation
Pittsburgh Photo License Centers:

• Downtown – Smithfield St M-F 8-4:30
• Allison Park – Duncan Manor Shopping Center Tue-Sat 8-4:30
• Century III – Pleasant Hills AAA Building M,T,W,F 8:30-4:30, Thur 8:30-6:15, Sat 8:30-3:30
• Penn Hills – Penn Hills Shopping Plaza Tue-Sat 8-4:30
• East Liberty – AAA Building M-F 8-5:15, Sat 9:30-3:15

Erie Photo License Center:

• Summit Town Square Shopping Center Tue-Sat 8:00-4:30

Johnstown Photo License Center:

• Walters Avenue Tue-Sat 8-4:30

Bedford Photo License Center:

• Bedford Plaza, Route 30 Wed,Fri,Sat 8-4:15

Join Us to Advance Disability Leadership

Disability Lead will be hosting the 2026 Disability Leadership Summit, a virtual, two-day event focused on leadership development, self-advocacy, accessibility, and preparing disabled students and professionals for the future of work. The Summit brings together disabled leaders and practitioners from across sectors to share practical strategies, lived experience, and tools that support inclusive systems and career readiness. 

Featured speakers include Claudia Gordon and Keely Cat-Wells, along with leaders from organizations such as Highmark Health, LinkedIn, Microsoft, and Google. Sessions explore topics including disability identity and storytelling, navigating ableism in professional spaces, digital accessibility, neuro-inclusive workplaces, and building strong professional networks. 

Learn more about the Summit lineup and register. 

We offer a reduced student registration rate and are happy to discuss discounted group ticket options for departments or student cohorts. 

If you have questions, are interested in group registration, or would like to explore how this opportunity might support your campus community, please feel free to contact Clare Killy, Director of Programs. 

AFB Digital Accessibility Bootcamp

AFB’s Digital Accessibility Bootcamp is a three-month summer program that challenges students to consider accessibility early in the design and development process by understanding how people with disabilities access and use digital products and experiences every day. Students will explore the evolving landscape of digital accessibility, how common assistive technologies work, and how to use assistive technologies such as screen readers to navigate and test a user interface.

This hands-on experience bridges academic learning and real-world industry applications, providing an ideal opportunity for students to develop highly sought-after accessibility skills that set them apart in the job market. By the end of the summer, students will be empowered with the fundamental skills and knowledge necessary to create digital environments that everyone can engage with.

The fully remote program runs from June 1 to August 28, 2026, and participants will receive a $1,000 Midpoint Milestone award and a $2,000 Scholarship award upon completion. They will also receive an iPad for hands-on learning with iOS accessibility tools, access to Udemy’s virtual learning platform for professional development, and other program materials. Students will walk away with a developed skill set, industry connections, and a portfolio showcasing their inclusive design expertise.

Eligibility requirements include full-time enrollment in a higher education program, a major in computer science, UX design, or a related field, and a minimum GPA of 3.0. Applications will be accepted until January 30.

We want to hear from you

What do you want to see in DRS' monthly newsletter? Want to share an experience or give some Pitt survival tips? Let us know by emailing DRSrecep@pitt.edu with "Newsletter" in the Subject line.

That's all for now! We'll see you next month!