Disability Accommodation Information

The following information was prepared by the Disability Services office at the University of Montana-Missoula to provide parents of students with disabilities information regarding the procedures at Universities. This article provides useful information to help you understand the process at public schools but ETBU, as a private university, differs in some ways in our approach to providing accommodations. We hope this article will contribute to your understanding of the Disability Accommodation requirements in higher education.

Documentation of a Disability and Request for Accommodation

A student who wishes to identify himself or herself as having a disability must provide documentation of the disability from an appropriate licensed and qualified professional. The documentation should specify the diagnosis and any recommended accommodations. The documentation should be dated within the past 2 years unless the disability is of a permanent nature.

A student who has submitted documentation to establish the existence of a disability may request one or more accommodations intended to make the programs or activities of the university accessible to the student. Normally the University can process a request for accommodations when all necessary materials in support of the request are in hand within 60 days before the beginning date of the accommodation.

If a student was enrolled at ETBU in the previous semester, the Advising Office will notify all professors listed on the student’s current semester schedule as of the first day of class. If the student changes their schedule after that date they must contact the Advising Office to have the new professor notified. Students not enrolled at ETBU in the semester immediately preceding the current semester must notify Advising that they are returning to ETBU and need accommodations.

Documentation of a disability and any request for accommodation must be submitted to the Advising Office, East Texas Baptist University, 1209 N. Grove St. , Marshall Texas 75670 or faxed to 903‑923‑2077.

Approval Process

A request to recognize a disability will be reviewed by the Disability Accommodations Committee. The Committee may request additional information in order to determine whether a disability exists or what accommodations may be appropriate. Requests for academic adjustments may also be reviewed by an academic committee. The student will be notified when the university has determined whether a disability exists and if an accommodation is appropriate.

Notice to Professors

The student is encouraged to discuss approved accommodations with each professor to insure that there is a mutual understanding regarding the accommodations. Any student who encounters a problem with faculty or staff regarding an approved accommodation should contact the Advising Office immediately.

DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION INFORMATION FROM THE ETBU CATALOG

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

Admission

When seeking admission to East Texas Baptist University, a student with a disability should be aware of the admission standards. The standard admissions criteria also apply to students with disabilities who are interested in attending. Extended time ACT and SAT tests will be accepted. Disability will not enter into the admissions decision.

Academic Program

East Texas Baptist University has no specific programs for students with disabilities. The appropriate academic support, deemed reasonable and necessary by law, will be provided to students with documented disabilities that have been accepted according to the university's admissions criteria. The student must understand that academic standards at East Texas Baptist University are rigorous. A student may be considered unqualified for admission to a program if his/her disability would require individualized supervision or the lowering of program requirements. No modifications will be made and no substitute courses will be accepted if they would fundamentally alter the nature of the educational program. A requirement that is essential to a degree will not be waived.

Financial Aid

All financial aid including federal, state, or private grants; scholarships; and loans will be administered without discrimination to any student, regardless of disability, who is admitted to East Texas Baptist University. The amount of financial aid may be affected by the reduced course load of any student, including

that reduction which learning disabled students may require.

Self-Identification

Students enrolled in an institution of higher education are required to self identify if they would like to request academic support services on the basis of a disability. East Texas Baptist University encourages a student with a disability to self identify after admission and provide required documentation to the Director

of Academic Advising and Career Development. Through self identification and the utilization of appropriate academic services, it is assumed that academic progress must be made.

Documentation

Students are required to provide documentation of a learning or physical disability to the Director of Academic Advising and Career Development prior to the provision of academic support services or facility adjustments if they are requesting accommodation. In the case of a medical disability of mobility, sensory, health, or physical limitations, a complete medical report and formal diagnosis from a physician is necessary. The deadline for providing documentation is 60 days prior to the beginning of the initial semester, to allow time to provide reasonable accommodation and adequate coordination of services. A student who wishes to identify himself or herself as having a disability must provide documentation of the disability from an appropriate licensed and qualified health professional. The documentation should specify the diagnosis and any recommended accommodations. The documentation should be dated within

the past 3 years unless the disability is of a permanent nature.

Academic Support

After appropriate documentation has been provided to the Director of Academic Advising and Career Development, accommodation(s) will be determined on an individual basis dependent upon documented need for services and the university's assessment of the individual's need as related to his or her academic program.

These services may include liaison with faculty members, promotion of self-advocacy skills, and securing appropriate classroom accommodations. Study skills counseling and some tutoring are also available. At the student's request and upon receipt of a signed consent form, the Director of Academic Advising and Career Development will notify the appropriate faculty of recommended specific accommodation(s). The student will then meet with his or her instructors to discuss the accommodation(s). It is expected that students will update their requests for accommodation(s) each semester by completing and returning the update form to the Director of Academic Advising and Career Development in a timely manner. Reasonable accommodation involves a level of shared responsibility, cooperation, and communication among faculty, staff, and students in order to ensure academic integrity and provide equal educational opportunities for students with disabilities. Ultimately, it is the student's responsibility to tell the Director of Academic Advising and Career Development if adjustments are not working out well. Students who receive academic auxiliary aids and services from the university, based on the university's assessment of the need related to the academic program, will be required to apply for state and/or federal funds for which they may be eligible and to reimburse the university for expenses incurred. Examples of those sources include but are not limited to the Texas Rehabilitation Commission, the Texas Commission for the Blind, or the Veterans Administration.