College Services

College life can come with added complexities for Autistic students, but with the right supports, it can also be a time of growth and independence. Many campuses now offer Autism-specific resources including personalized academic support, peer mentorship, and sensory-friendly environments. Services may also involve life skills coaching, inclusive housing options, and opportunities for social engagement in ways that honor neurodiversity. These programs help students gain confidence, navigate campus life, and make the most of their college experience. Explore some local programming housed by the University of Arizona and Pima Community College(s).

University of Arizona

Disability Cart Service
The University of Arizona’s Disability Cart Service (DCS) Program is a free transportation service to all UA students, faculty, and staff. To qualify, the rider must be approved through the UA’s Campus Health or be affiliated with the Disability Resource Center (DRC). Rides must be scheduled at least 30 minutes in advance and can be scheduled anytime Monday through Friday from 7:30AM to 7:30PM.
Website: https://parking.arizona.edu/campus-services/disability-cart-service/


Disability Resource Center (DRC)
The University of Arizona’s Disability Resource Center, partners with students, faculty, and staff to foster an accessible, equitable, and inclusive university environment. Embracing universal design principles, it removes access barriers early to enhance participation for all. Proactively working with instructors, the DRC supports course designs that engage diverse learners without relying on individual accommodations. When academic, employment, physical, or technological barriers arise, staff collaborate with the DRC to find solutions and provide reasonable accommodations for their students.
Website: https://drc.arizona.edu/about
Phone: (520) 621-3268
Email: drc-info@email.arizona.edu


Project Focusing Opportunities with Community and University Supports (FOCUS)
The University of Arizona’s Project FOCUS procides a unique post-high school transitional opportunity for students (aged 18-21) with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This two year program offers dual enrollment with their current educational institution and the University of Arizona. The program supports independent living skills and self-determination, preparing students for independent travel and competitive employment in the community.
Website: https://projectfocus.education.arizona.edu/
Phone: (520) 262-0618
Email: chollman@arizona.edu


Project SEARCH Arizona
The University of Arizona’s Project SEARCH is a unique one-year employment preparation program that takes place entirely at the workplace. Project SEARCH offers individuals with disabilities unpaid internships at participating locations for hands-on training and career exploration. Through full workplace immersion, interns receive continuous feedback and develop employability and job skills.
Website: https://sonorancenter.arizona.edu/community-programs/project-search
Phone: (520) 626-0442
Email: ucedd@email.arizona.edu


Sonoran Center for Excellence in Disabilities (UCEDD)
The Sonoran Center for Excellence in Disabilities is a part of the nationwide network of University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities. Housed in Southern Arizona’s University of of Arizona, the Sonoran Center strives to ensure individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities have the support they need to participate in Tucson’s vibrant community Through interdisciplinary training, research initiatives in disability, technical assistance, the center plays a pivotal role in supporting college students as they navigate college.
Website: https://sonoranucedd.fcm.arizona.edu/
Phone: (520) 626-0442
Email: ucedd@email.arizona.edu


Strategic Alternative Learning Techniques (SALT) Center
The SALT Center is a fee-based academic support program that provides a comprehensive range of services to University of Arizona students with learning and attention challenges, including weekly meetings with a Strategic Learning Specialist, content-specific tutoring, and educational technology. The SALT Center facilitates learning, self-advocacy, and independence by empowering students to take ownership of their education. The SALT Center’s innovative approach is recognized nation-wide as one of the most successful for promoting student achievement in the university setting.
Website: https://salt.arizona.edu/
Phone: (520) 621-1242
Email: uasaltcenter@arizona.edu

Pima Community College

Access and Disability Resources (ADR)
Pima Community College provides Access and Disability Resources by striving to make Pima a barrier-free learning environment. ADR Program Specialists collaborate with students and faculty to determine reasonable accommodations, ensuring equal access to educational opportunities.
Website: https://www.pima.edu/student-resources/adr/index.html
Phone: (520) 206-3228
Email: adrhelp@pima.edu


Personalized Academic Coaching Experience (PACE)
The Personalized Academic Coaching Experience (PACE) at Pima Community College offers supplemental support for students with disabilities who require assistance beyond standard accommodations. This student-led program focuses on developing essential “College Life” skills, including time management, organization, study habits, self-advocacy, and effective communication with faculty and peers. Through active empowerment, students are provided with newfound skills to advance themselves in their academics and the professional world.
Website: https://www.pima.edu/student-resources/adr/pace-program.html
Phone: (520) 206-2220
Email: cmaxwell7@pima.edu


TRiO Student Opportunities for Achiviement and Retention (SOAR)
Pima Community College’s TRiO SOAR program is a federally funded initiative that supports students with documented disabilities in achieving their academic goals. Operating primarily at Pima’s East Campus, SOAR offers personalized academic advising, individualized tutoring, disability accommodations, and workshops on study and life skills to help students succeed. The program is designed to provide tailored support and resources to promote retention and achievement, with services coordinated by a dedicated team to ensure students have the tools they need to achieve academic success.
Website: https://www.pima.edu/student-resources/support-services/trio/soar.html
Phone: 520-206-7625
Email: trio-soar@pima.edu