Thinking about setting up academic accommodations through SSD? Here’s what current students with disabilities have to say!
“You should totally sign up. The SSD office is the most reliable on UT’s campus. They helped me so much before and throughout my freshman year. ” ~Freshman, College of Liberal Arts
“The accommodations are worth it, even if you don’t use them. You have the opportunity and choice to actively use the accommodations. The accommodation process allows you to have equal and fair accommodations that allow you to have the same opportunities as your peers.” ~ Senior, Moody College of Communication
“Just do it! Becoming educated about my disability allowed me to approach school in a whole new way and transform myself as a student. We all learn differently, and if you have a disability, it is even more important to understand your learning style and cater to your strengths. Don’t worry about what other people think about your accommodations. You have been at a disadvantage your whole life, it’s time to put yourself on an equal playing field. “ ~Doctoral Student, Cockrell School of Engineering
“If you believe that the SSD could help you in any form or fashion, please utilize their resources. Getting accommodations from the SSD was the most helpful thing I did my entire time at UT, and I do not regret it at all. Do not be ashamed!” ~Sophomore, College of Liberal Arts
Currently enrolled UT students can set up accommodations at UT at any time during the semester. Incoming students for the fall semester will be able to schedule intake appointments starting on June 1st.
Students interested in setting up academic accommodations through SSD should follow the steps below:
(1) Students should submit documentation of their disability that meets SSD documentation guidelines and, if applicable, a history of accommodations in prior educational environments to SSD. Students may also have their provider complete a Verification Form specific to their disability type to serve as documentation. Documentation may be brought in, mailed, emailed, or faxed to the SSD office. Documentation should include the student’s name, EID, email address and phone number so students can be notified when their documentation arrives.
(2) Once the student has been notified that the submitted documentation meets SSD’s documentation guidelines (typically via email 1-2 business days after submitting documentation for review), students should call SSD at (512) 471-6259 or come in person to the Student Services Building, Suite 4.206, and ask to schedule an initial intake appointment with an SSD Coordinator.
(3) When making an intake appointment, students should briefly describe the nature of their disability so that the appointment can be scheduled with the SSD Coordinator most familiar with their type of disability. The types of disabilities SSD regularly works with include:
- Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD)
- Learning Disabilities (LD)
- Psychological Disabilities (e.g. depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, etc.)
- Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
- Medical Disabilities (diabetes, epilepsy, irritable bowel disorders, migraines, etc.)
- Mobility Disabilities
- Blind and Visually Impaired
- Deaf and Hard of Hearing
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
- Temporary Disabilities
(4) Visit SSD’s Web site for more information about accommodations and services.
(5) Arrive 5 to 10 minutes prior to the scheduled appointment at the Student Services Building, Suite 4.206 to fill out the Student Data Form (also available on our website http://diversity.utexas.edu/disability/forms-and-documents/.
(6) Meet with the assigned SSD Coordinator to discuss what services are available from SSD and other University offices and what academic, programmatic and/or physical accommodations might be appropriate.
Note: All disability related information including medical documentation, educational correspondence, and educational accommodation records are considered confidential. The University of Texas and SSD have an obligation to maintain the confidentiality of such documentation.