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About ETBU

Disability Services Information

 

Self-Identification

Students enrolled in an institution of higher education are required to self-identify to request accommodations based on a disability. Therefore, East Texas Baptist University encourages students with a disability to self-identify after admission and provide the required documentation to the Office of Academic Success. Through self-identification and appropriate academic services, successful academic progress must be evident.

Documentation

Students requesting accommodations for a learning or physical disability must provide documentation of disability before the provision of academic support services or facility adjustments are approved. In the case of a medical disability of mobility, sensory, health, or physical limitations, a complete medical report and formal diagnosis from a physician are required. The deadline for providing documentation is 60 days before the beginning of the initial semester to allow time to provide reasonable accommodation and adequate coordination of services. A student who wishes to identify themselves as having a disability must provide documentation of the disability from an appropriate licensed and qualified health professional and complete the Accommodation Request and Consent Form. The documentation should specify the diagnosis and any recommended accommodations. The documentation should be dated within the past three years unless the disability is permanent.

Admission

East Texas Baptist University standard admissions criteria apply to students with disabilities. Disability does not enter into the admissions decision.

Academic Program

East Texas Baptist University has no specific programs for students with disabilities. However, the appropriate academic support, deemed reasonable and necessary by law, will be provided to students with documented disabilities.  

A student may be considered unqualified for admission to a program if their disability would require individualized supervision or the lowering of program requirements. Further, program or class modifications will not be made, and substitute courses will not 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 admitted to East Texas Baptist University, regardless of disability. 

Academic Support

After submitting appropriate documentation to the Office of Academic Success, accommodation(s) will be determined on an individual basis dependent upon the documented need for services and the university's assessment of the individual's need as related to their academic program. These services may include liaison with faculty members, promoting self-advocacy skills, and securing appropriate classroom accommodations. Study skills, counseling, and some tutoring services are also available. 

At the student's request and upon receipt of a signed consent form, the appropriate faculty will be notified of recommended specific accommodation(s). The student will then meet with their instructors to discuss the accommodation(s).  

Reasonable accommodation involves shared responsibility, cooperation, and communication among faculty, staff, and students to ensure academic integrity and provide equal educational opportunities for students with disabilities. 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.

Name/Title Division Phone
Ms. Dana Blackaby
Assistant Professor of Education
Thrive Coordinator
School of Education 903.923.2041 Send Message View Bio