Disability Resource Library

Iowa's Disability Resource Library

Serving people statewide

Among Iowa’s libraries, the Disability Resource Library (DRL) in Iowa City is unique as an academic family resource center focused solely on disabilities throughout the lifespan.  Housed in the Center for Disabilities and Development on the University of Iowa campus, the library is staffed by a research librarian who can locate information on any number of disability-related topics.

At the same time the library is heart and soul a family- and person-centered resource that strives to respond to each client in his or her comfort zone.

Teacher works with student stacking building blocks

Assistive Technology

The Disability Resource Library’s assistive technology collection is funded by the Iowa Program for Assistive Technology (IPAT), and includes educational technology and computer peripherals for loan as well as software for use on the library premises.  We also have alternative keyboards, innovative switches, and tablet interfaces.

Free one-month trial

It’s important to note that we do not sell this equipment. It is available for home or school trial for one month.

Our Services

Multi-format access

We share information with our patrons through one-on-one consultation, newsletters, presentations, workshops and conferences.  The DRL has a disability reference collection enhanced many times over by access to the content-rich databases of the University of Iowa Libraries.

People with disabilities, parents, clinicians and professionals from all walks of life rely on us to provide concise information in the format in which they desire it.  Case in point: when a physician asked us for a Braille book in Spanish, we didn’t have one – we had two!

In our 20 years of existence, DRL librarians have fielded questions from every county in Iowa.  We deliver materials via the postal service or electronic record to your location. We have a collection of over 5,000 items that include books, CDs and DVDs, curriculum packages, assistive technology, and therapeutic toys.

Contact the DRL

The Disability Resource Library is open weekdays (8:30 a.m. - 5:30 a.m.) in the Center for Disabilities and Development on the University of Iowa medical campus.  There is never a charge for our services.

Toll-free number

Our phone messaging system is available at all times. Call us toll-free, at 1-800-272-7713. Local callers can reach us at 319-356-1345.

Online access

Learn more about the Disability Resource Library on the DRL web page. Search the Library Catalog and set up an account online.

DRL Book Corner

Check out our new books!

DRL Book Corner SpringSummer2023

The Disability Resource Library (DRL) has several new books available for check out from the library.  Subjects include autism, dyslexia, anxiety, and more!

Unmasking Autism: Discovering the New Faces of Neurodiversity
by Devon Price, PhD

Dr. Devon Price shares his personal experience with masking and blends history, social science research, prescriptions, and personal profiles to tell a story...

A Walk in the Words
by Hudson Talbott

When Hudson Talbott was a little boy, he loved drawing, and it came naturally to him. But reading?...

Born Just Right
by Jordan Reeves and Jen Lee Reeves

When Jordan Reeves was born without the bottom half of her left arm, the doctors reassured her parents that she was “born just right.” And she has been proving that doctor right ever since!...

Click on image above or here to see more of the DRL's new books.