Frequently Asked Questions
Sections Currently Include: Organizational Function; Accommodations at Berkeley Law
FAQs: Organizational Function
How often does DSABL meet?
2 general body meetings per semester & various events and activities throughout the year.
How do I join a meeting for the first time?
Sign up on the join us page to get reminders about events and meetings or check the activities tab for the next general body meeting. If you feel comfortable, please reach out at any time to the leadership team (dsabl@berkeley.edu) and we will be happy to set up a one-on-one meeting to acclimate you to the organization
Do I have to be a member to participate?
No! We want this to be an incredibly accessible space with no pressure to commit given the burdens already placed on disabled law students. That being said, we recommend you do whatever is in your capacity to make this organization a great space for disabled law students! Participating in events and leadership will only enrich the Berkeley Law community and we encourage everyone to participate in ways that are comfortable and valuable.
What is the difference between a disability organization and a mental health/wellness organization?
A disability organization specifically elevates and highlights disabled students and their experiences.
What is the purpose behind creating a new org?
Other affinity and identity groups have orgs, so it is equally important for disabled students to have an org as well. Also, a new disability org would contribute to the campus by sparking interest and conversation relating to disability rights law, which law students should know about in order to be responsible attorneys.
Is it worth having an organization specifically dedicated to disabled students if we don’t have that many?
It is difficult to know the number of disabled students on campus. Often, disabilities are invisible/not apparent, and not everyone with a disability feels comfortable disclosing this publicly. Also, not all disabled students request accommodations. It is likely that there are more disabled students on campus than what you may assume, and these students deserve an org just as students from other marginalized groups do.
Is disabled an offensive word to use in the organization?
No - while the term “disabled” may be unfamiliar to some, it is an identity-based term that holds power and pride in the disability community.
Is the word disabled exclusionary?
No - usually, disabled law student organizations are open to allies, so using the term “disabled” is no more exclusionary than other identity-based organization names. The org should be mindful about welcoming members who do not themselves identify as disabled or are not sure about doing so.
Will your org be open to allies/advocates?
Yes.
If you need any further help, don’t hesitate to let us know.
FAQs: Accommodations at Berkeley Law
Who should I contact about accommodations at Berkeley Law?
See our resources page for more detailed information about accommodations
Assistant Director of Student Services, Accessible Education at Berkeley Law:
Chelsea Yuan
Student Services main number: (510) 643-2744
Schedule an appointment: https://chelseadyuan.youcanbook.me/
Student Services website: https://www.law.berkeley.edu/students/student-services/
Disabled Students Program:
General email: dsp@berkeley.edu
Voice: (510) 642-0518
TTY: (510) 642-6376
Fax: (510) 643-9686
Contact for law students:
Julie Greene (Disability Specialist)
Email: jcgreene@berkeley.edu
[While this is a UC Berkeley rather than law school specific program, law students must submit paperwork to DSP and speak with a specialist to receive accommodations.]