In April 2024, Disability Resources and Educational Services celebrated a tremendous 75 years of accessibility on The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus. DRES is central to Illinois success as they provide support services, testing accommodations, accessible media services, and so much more. 

A Pioneer in Accessibility 

When discussing the history of DRES, it’s essential to emphasize the impact of the center’s first director, Tim Nugent. During his time as the director of DRES (1940’s-1986), Nugent founded Delta Sigma Omicron (a national fraternity dedicated to serving those with disabilities), helped to establish the first National Wheelchair Basketball Tournament, and pushed for the research and advancement of architectural standards, amongst other great accomplishments. 

Nugent’s lasting impact through DRES isn’t limited to the Urbana-Champaign campus. Many accessibility laws throughout the nation can be traced back to the University of Illinois. Illinois was the first campus with wheelchair-accessible bus routes, adaptive sports, and curb cuts. 

While this influence undoubtedly left a mark on disability services and accessibility initiatives nationwide, it is particularly noteworthy to delve into the unique landscape of Illinois-specific innovation that emerged from these pioneering efforts. Most notably, Timothy J. Nugent Hall is the most accessible residence hall in the country, as the first floor of the hall is architecturally designed specifically for students with severe physical disabilities who need assistance with activities of daily living. This makes it possible for students of all abilities to attend a leading university in an environment where they can thrive. 

DRES Career Services 

Currently, DRES also assists over 3,000 Illinois students with a non-visible disability such as ADHD, Autism Spectrum, anxiety, depression, chronic health conditions, and much more. DRES works with these students to ensure that they are well-equipped for a career post-graduation.  

DRES takes a comprehensive approach to career services and partners with companies to promote disability hiring and workplace accommodations. This way, both employers and employees are equipped with the tools to be successful. DRES students are pursuing all majors and programs on campus, and employers can reach out to DRES here to connect with DRES students, recruit talented Illinois students, and/or have students visit your company! 

Additionally, the DRES Career Fair Employer Meet-and-Greet is a recurring opportunity to directly connect with these talented students on-campus. 

Academic Support 

In addition to research, accessibility across campus, and career services, one of the ongoing functions of DRES is to provide a variety of accommodations which allows students of all abilities to thrive at the University of Illinois. 

DRES works collaboratively with students to determine solutions that work for them. Consultation with faculty, staff, and outside professionals regarding essential elements and accommodations will occur in situations that are new, complex, or sensitive. More information about accommodations can be found on the DRES website. 

DRES and Illinois Athletics 

DRES also plays an important role in ensuring that all students with disabilities are afforded the opportunity to participate in, contribute to, and benefit from all university programs – this includes the thriving Athletics department on campus. In working with many departments throughout campus including the College of Applied Health Sciences and Carle Illinois College of Medicine, DRES has directly supported the pursuit of disability research as it applies to athletics.