Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

 

I am not a client of the Department of Rehabilitation (DOR). Do I need to be a (DOR) client?

Yes! The DSRP is a collaborative program between the Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) and UC Berkeley and students must be an active DOR client. We recommend you determine your eligibility for DOR services immediately. To start the process contact your local DOR office, for additional information check the DOR website.

Where will I be living at Berkeley?

While you are a part of the DSRP you will be living with other UC Berkeley students in Unit 1 of the Residence Halls (a.k.a. dorms). Rooms occupied by DSRP students are wheel chair accessible as are the bathrooms

I have a power chair. Should I bring it?

Yes! Due the hilly terrain of the UC Berkeley campus and the surrounding area we highly recommend you bring your power wheel chair. In the event your power chair fails you should also bring your manual chair as a back up.

I have a lift/ramp van. Should I bring it? What about parking?

This is up to you. You can obtain a student-parking permit and park in various lots around campus, however parking on campus and the surrounding community is very limited. If you plan to move the vehicle during the day it may be hard to find parking spaces, even with a disabled placard. For additional information on parking fees, lots, etc., please visit the Parking & Transportation website.

Will I have a private bathroom?

No. Students on each floor in the residence hall use a common bathroom. There is a wheelchair accessible shower in the bathroom. The residence halls/bathrooms in Unit 1, where the DSRP is located, are co-ed.

I'm taking a science class(es). How do I get lab assistants, note-takers, and readers?

The Disabled Students' Program (DSP) offers services that will allow you to access assistance such as note takers, readers, etc. Once you have been assigned a DSP Specialist you may speak with him/her about how to obtain those services.

I need help with my personal care. Are there people at Berkeley who do this kind of work?

Yes, there are people in Berkeley who can assist you with your personal care routines. Many U.C. Berkeley students find this type of work gratifying, especially those who are thinking of going into medical school. In addition, there are many members of the Berkeley community who have been working for several years as attendants/providers for persons with disabilities.

What social activities are available to students? Are the activities accessible to persons with disabilities?

There are many activities and social outings available to UC Berkeley students, some are university sponsored others are not. The DSRP staff will work with you to find out if there are any accessibility issues, and if so if they can be worked out. There are also activities in the Berkeley community designed for persons with disabilities. The Recreational Sports Facility (RSF) offers a program called Cal STAR. Cal STAR (Sports, Training, And Recreation) was established in 1986 as a recreational sports program for individuals with disabilities. Cal STAR is located at the Recreational Sports Facility (RSF) at UC Berkeley. The program offers a discounted membership to the fitness center and access to many programs including a free volunteer to assist you during your chosen workout. Cal STAR is open to anyone with a disability. Another local organization is the Bay Area Outreach and Recreation Program (BORP), which provides and facilitates recreation for people with physical disabilities. Free classes include track and field, wheelchair basketball, power soccer, and goal ball. BORP also sponsors outdoor adventure trips such as skiing, rafting, and hiking. For more information on social activities in and around Berkeley, check out the City of Berkeley's "Cool Things To Do In Berkeley" website.

What is Independent Living?

Independent Living is a philosophy in which you are in control of what you do, how you do it, when you do it. It is a philosophy that involves you being responsible for your care and needs and not only puts you in control but requires you to participate in directing your life and taking responsibility for your actions. The DSRP staff will help you develop your independent living skills working one to one with you and by developing activities and classes.

I sometimes get lost on my own can someone go with me to my classes?

On a case-by-case basis DSRP staff may be able to assist you on a short-term basis with getting around the campus and the Berkeley community. The DSRP staff however will concentrate on assisting you with developing your own solutions, e.g. directing you to resources such as online maps and hiring attendants.

I've never lived on my own before what is living in the residence hall like?

The residence halls are most likely very different from your home. They are large, with hundreds of students in each building, sharing spaces such as bathrooms, lounges and the dining commons. You will be living on the same floor with both men and woman. You will have your own room. Students in the DSRP do not share a room as they often arrive with a lot of equipment, and need the space. The residence halls are a good place to get your start at UC Berkeley. You will have the chance to meet a lot of people and be involved with multiple social activities.

I don't own a computer do I need to get one before I come to Berkeley?

We highly recommend you arrive at UC Berkeley with a computer. Students schedule routines with the Special Assistants via computer and access many services on campus via computer. The DSRP staff can inform you of what technical parameters UC Berkeley recommends your computer has and what resources can possibly be tapped to purchase computer equipment.

What resources are available if my wheelchair breaks down?

You can contact one of the local wheelchair vendors for repair services. The DSRP staff can assist you with accessing these providers. You will need proof of insurance or be able to privately pay to access providers.

I've never hired or trained Personal Care Providers before. Can I get help with that?

Yes, the Special Assistants (SAs) can assist you with hiring and training your personal care provider(s). This may include various activities from assisting you with developing a schedule to role-playing (e.g. mock interviews) in order to develop your skills. In addition to the SAs there is a member of the DSRP staff, the Attendant Referral Coordinator, who can assist you with finding appropriate attendants from the community. The Attendant Referral Coordinator can also help you navigate through the paper work and bureaucracy involved with In Home Support Services, a county program which helps pay for attendant care.

Are Personal Care Providers allowed to live with me in my Residence Hall (dorm) room?

No. Personal Care Providers may come to your room as a visitor and assist you for the length of time necessary to complete your routines, however they cannot live with you.

I do not have a lot of money to pay Personal Care Providers (Attendants). How can I pay for their assistance?

The In-Home Supportive Services/Personal Care Services (IHSS/PCSP) Program is a county run program which provides monies so you may pay personal care providers to do chores/routines for you. You must be receiving Supplemental Social Income (SSI) to obtain these services. If you are not currently receiving SSI we recommend you contact SSI as soon as possible to determine your eligibility. Check out the SSI website for more information. The Attendant Referral Coordinator can assist you with applying for IHSS and finding providers.

At home I have my own exercise equipment should I bring it with me?

On a case-by-case basis the DSPR staff can help you determine the answer. It can depend on the size of the equipment and we would also determine if the equipment were available on campus at the The Recreation Sports Facility (RSF).

I need medical supplies and equipment. Are there places close to campus where I can purchase medical supplies and equipment?

Yes, there are local providers in the area where you can purchase your medical supplies and equipment. The University Health Services (the TANG Center) may also be able to assist you with identifying the correct supplies/equipment.

At home there is little or no public transportation. Is there transportation available at UC Berkeley and in the area?

There are several transportation options available to you. BearTransit, UC Berkeley's shuttle system, provides convenient transportation between points on campus, Downtown Berkeley BART, parking lots, Clark Kerr campus, the Hill area, residence halls, Richmond Field Station, and north and south sides of campus. Shuttles traveling the campus perimeter are free for students with a current campus ID.

Also available are local transit options such as AC Transit, which operates bus lines in Alameda County and to San Francisco. The BART rail system can also take you to many parts of the greater Bay Area. If more specialized transportation is needed, the DSRP staff can assist you with applying for Paratransit services, a limited door-to-door transportation service.

The Campus Access Guide is an excellent resource for local transportation options and accessibility maps.

I have another disability (e.g. learning disability). Are there services for people with such disabilities at UC Berkeley?

Yes. The Disabled Students Program (DSP) will assign you to a Disability Specialist that can assist you in determining appropriate accommodations.