Disability Services

The Office for Disability Services (DS) is responsible for achieving and maintaining program accessibility for all students who self-identify as having an officially documented disability (Rehabilitation Act, Section 504 and Americans with Disability Act). Students are encouraged to become self-advocates; however, the Office for Disability Services provides leadership in advocating for removal of altitudinal and physical barriers that may impede successful progression toward achievement of the student's educational objectives.

Students requesting service through the Office for Disability Services (DS) must submit all documentation and meet all eligibility requirements each semester. Services are determined based on individual assessment, but generally involve academic adjustments that will support the student's access to programs and services within the University.

For information about the complaint and appeal procedure and other services available from the Office for Disability Services (DSS), visit Evans Hall, Room 315 or call 936.857.2610.

Complaints

Students who request academic adjustments from faculty and staff and who believe that such academic adjustments have been unjustly denied, or who believe they have been discriminated against on the basis of their disability, should first try to resolve the issue with the instructor or staff. If not satisfied with the instructor or staffs response, the student should proceed to the Dean of the School/College; or if the issue involves a staff member, the student should speak with the immediate supervisor or Director of the division in which the staff member is employed. Such matters can usually and preferably be resolved through informal consultation with the identified faculty or staff member. If the issue is not resolved to the student's satisfaction, the student should bring the issue to the attention of the Disability Services Program Coordinator, who serves as an advocate for students who have officially registered and been accepted for services in the Disability Office. If the DS Program Coordinator is not able to reach a reasonable decision within five (5) working days, the student may file a written complaint with the appropriate Vice President who is the Senior Administrator in the area in which the complaint is an issue. A decision should be rendered within five (5) working days of receipt of the complaint. If the response is unsatisfactory, the student may appeal the decision to the University Compliance Officer who is the final arbiter in matters involving disability issues. The student should continue to receive reasonable academic adjustments while the written complaint and appeal is under review.

Appeals

If the student is not satisfied with the response received from the appropriate Vice President, the student may file a written appeal with the University Compliance Officer. The Compliance Officer will review all documentation, and may need to interview students or complainant, employees and others to gather additional information as needed. Upon completion of a thorough review of all of the information, the compliance officer will render a final decision within 30 working days of receiving the complaint.

The complaint and appeals forms are available in the Office for Disability Services.

Office for Disability Services (DSS)
Evans Hall, Room 315 or call 936.857.2610