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Disability Resources and Services
What's going on in DRS for the month of January.
Accessibility is Everyone's Responsibility
Hello!
That tagline, "Accessibility is Everyone's Responsibility" was in some materials for a program the DRS office attended, and it really stuck out. Part of it may come from our day-in/day-out work to try and accomplish that very idea at the University, part of it may come from recently needing to help people in our neighborhood shovel out cars, sidewalks, curb cuts, and ramps so people can get where they need to go. And part of it may come from the continuing need for people to work together for these, and so many other, needs of our communities and those around us.
It would be interesting to hear from you: what you think that phrase means? If we get some responses, perhaps we can share them in next month's newsletter. Maybe there's an opportunity to share these views even wider. Email DRS at drsrecep@pitt.edu with any thoughts or responses.
Other than that, please check out the content below. Stay warm.
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
Our Next College to Career virtual workshop will be taking place on Thursday, February 12th and the topic will be Identifying Workplace Barriers. We will be discussing information related to types of workplace barriers, how to identify barriers, ways to mitigate barriers, and much more!
As a reminder, our College to Career virtual workshop series is designed to prepare students with disabilities for entering the workforce by focusing on all aspects of employment, from pre-employment job searching to post-employment disability disclosure and accommodation requests.
All workshops will take place from 3:00pm to 4:00pm via Zoom. The dates and topics are as follows:
- February 12th – Workplace Barriers
- March 19th – Accommodations Overview
- April 9th – Self-Advocacy
Important Dates in February
February is Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month.
Feb. 1 through 7: White Cane Week
Feb. 2: Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness Day
Feb. 4: World Cancer Day
Feb. 8: Autism Day
Feb. 9 through 15: Children's Mental Health Week
Feb. 14 is Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day and National Donor Day
Feb. 15: International Childhood Cancer Day
Feb. 20: World Day of Social Justice
Feb. 22: National Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day
Feb. 23 through March 1 is Eating Disorders Awareness Week
Feb. 27: Anosmia Awareness Day
Feb. 28: Rare Disease Day
DRS Study Together Sessions
Join us on the following upcoming dates:
- Tuesday, February 17, from 10:00 am to Noon, in WPU 310.
- Friday, March 6, from 2 to 4:00 pm, 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.
Panther Peers Mentoring Event
Join us for a creative and relaxing self-care event on Wednesday, February 11th from 11:30 am until 1:00 pm. We'll have a variety of materials and activities for you to unwind and recharge (such as coloring pages, canvas boards, journaling, and bracelet making).
This self-care event will take place in the Hillman Library, Room 255.
See the email that went out on January 28th for more information.
Campus Resources
The Pitt Spring 2026 Career & Internship Fair is coming up on February 17, 18, and 19, and you’re invited to take advantage of an exclusive Early Access Pass.
As part of a select group of students, you can enter the fair early from 10:30 to 11:00 a.m., giving you the chance to connect with employers in a quieter, less crowded environment. After 11:00 a.m., the fair will open to all students and alumni.
Get Ready Before the Fair!
Learn more about the fair and related career fair prep events.
Visit Handshake to:
- View which companies are attending each day
- See the types of opportunities they’re recruiting for
- Use filters to find roles that match your interests
Have your resume reviewed:
- Resumania will take place on Thursday, February 12 in the Career Center.
- For a quieter, one-on-one review, schedule an appointment in Handshake
- For quick feedback, stop by for a drop-in resume review any weekday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Please note this Early Access Pass is non-transferable and should not be forwarded or shared.
Take advantage of this head start. We look forward to seeing you at the fair!
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
Pittsburgh Regional Transit Launches 'Aira ASL Interpreting Services App'
(PRT) is thrilled to announce a new tool to increase accessibility for riders across Allegheny County. Beginning today, Deaf and hard-of-hearing riders can connect instantly with a live American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter through the new Aira ASL app – making PRT one of the most accessible transit systems in the nation.
With just a tap, riders can launch the Aira ASL app and be connected in seconds to a professional ASL interpreter. Using the caller’s smartphone camera and microphone, interpreters help bridge conversations in real-time – whether riders are purchasing fares at the Downtown Service Center or communicating with others. The service is available anywhere in PRT’s transit network 24/7/365 with no advance scheduling required.
Download Aira ASL for free in the iOS App Store, the Google Play Store, or use the desktop app.
Scholarships/Opportunities
BROADFUTURES INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
BroadFutures’ DC-based Summer Internship Program application is open! Young people (18-26) are placed with a wide range of employer partners such as Brookings (research), The Willard Hotel (hospitality), and DCTV (communications/production), all of whom are committed to creating structured, inclusive, and meaningful work experiences for neurodivergent folks, paired with ongoing training and individualized mentoring. Internships last from June 8 to August 7. Apply here by March 6
Another opportunity offered by BroadFutures is their Spring Success Summit (May 8-10). If you’re looking for a way to help a young person build career momentum, encourage them to consider this three-day, in-person experience designed for neurodivergent young adults ages 18-26. Held in Washington, DC, the Summit offers a condensed version of our signature training week, featuring interactive workshops, guest speakers, peer collaboration, and community-building- all in a supportive setting. Apply here by April 1
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!
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