Fall 2021 Virtual Accommodation Orientation
Week of August 16th – August 20th
SSD is excited to welcome students to their first semester at UT! To help navigate the new responsibilities and rights students have in using their accommodations at UT, SSD will be hosting virtual sessions with assigned Disabilities Services Coordinators and informational special sessions.
Students’ assigned Disabilities Services Coordinator will have a designated session to share more about strategies for students to successfully use accommodations. There will also be opportunities to ask questions and meet other students.
Special sessions will be dedicated to specific topics such as using Assistive Technology, Self-Advocacy Skills, connecting with student groups, using the SSD Student Portal and information on the NEW Campus Testing Center and more. Students can choose to attend any or all special sessions that may be relevant to their accommodations and interest.
Students should review and RSVP to their assigned Disabilities Services Coordinators session and any special sessions they’re interested in attending. A zoom ID for each session will be emailed once the form is submitted.
Special Session Descriptions:
Self-Advocacy Skills: Monday, August 16th from 12:00 – 1:00 PM
This session will prepare students to have effective and confident conversations with instructors about their accommodations. Students will learn tips for becoming an effective self-advocate as we discuss potential scenarios, communication strategies, and campus resources.
Attendance Policy Addendum Overview: Thursday, August 19th from 3:00 – 4:00 PM
The nature of some disabilities may create barriers around class attendance for a variety of reasons. Most students share that they just need occasional flexibility from their instructor, while instructors often indicate that it is essential for students to be physically present in the classroom. In this session we will review the role of the Attendance Policy Addendum (APA) in conversations between students and instructors regarding flexibility with attendance. We will review the nature of course structure in these determinations, how to talk to your instructors, what to do if your instructor does not want to complete the APA, and when to reach out to your DSC for support.
Student Portal and NEW Campus Testing Center Overview: Wednesday, August 18th from 11:00 – 12:00 PM
Learn how to navigate the SSD Student Portal modules and how to make reservations to take tests in the NEW Campus Testing Center.
Assistive Technology Overview: Wednesday, August 18th from 2:00 – 3:00 PM
Learn more about Assistive Technology services and resources from our SSD Assistive Technology Lab team.
Connecting with Student Groups: Tuesday, August 17th from 3:30 – 4:40 PM
Come learn about some of the disability-related student organizations on campus and how you can get involved.
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Overview: Tuesday, August 17th from 12:00 – 12:30 PM
Learn more about Deaf and Hard of Hearing services at UT, including making reservations for sign language interpreters and live captioning and how to learn these services effectively.
Make sure to RSVP before August 16th to join the virtual sessions.
If students have any questions they should contact their assigned Disabilities Services Coordinator.