The antecedents of the University of Northern Colorado’s (UNC) Disability Support Services began in 1972 when the university conducted an architectural barriers survey and began an extensive barrier removal project. As the campus was made more accessible and the enrollment of student with disabilities increased, the Dean of Student Services in 1974 shifted one administrative staff person to half-time concentration on the development and coordination of special services for the disabled students. Additionally, UNC received funding from the State Legislature to appoint a coordinator-counselor position, a role which would become the Director of the Office of Resources for the Disabled. From there the office continued to grow, adding staff members but also operating through the efforts of volunteers and work study students from various disciplines across campus.

Office of Resources for the Disabled coordinated and provided resources for students with permanent physical disabilities. General services included: health service, housing, registration assistance, testing, academic aids, counseling, placement, recreation, learning lab-study, as well as orientation for faculty. Specialized services were provided for the deaf and hearing impaired, orthopedically disabled and visually handicapped.

The name was eventually changed to the Disability Support Services (DSS) Office with the mission to provide the University with resources, education, and direct services to design a more welcoming and inclusive environment. As of 2018 its services include sign language interpretive services, adaptive technology (such as Braille, screen readers, enlarged print, audio books, etc.) note-taking services, captioning, testing accommodations, assistance with housing, and resources for faculty. In July 2019, the name was changed to the Disability Resource Center (DRC).