March, 2023
Content Overview:
-Reserving Space in the Campus Testing Center
-Course Load Reduction/ Q Drop Information
-Priority Registration Information
-Ally Tool
-Disability Cultural Center Website and Events
-Students Group Updates
Reserving Space in the Campus Testing Center
Be sure to talk about how your testing accommodations will be provided before submitting a test reservation for the Campus Testing Center (CTC). If you’ve decided with your instructor that you will be testing in the CTC, both students and instructors will use RegisterBlast, a reservation system integrated within Canvas, to book accommodated tests in the CTC.
Instructors will first need to schedule tests through RegisterBlast at least 5-business days prior to the test date. Students will then need to reserve their seats in the CTC at least 3 days (72 hours) prior to their scheduled test. For more information, visit the CTC Website or contact the Access Coordinator listed on the student’s Accommodation Letter.
Important Spring semester deadlines:
April 17, 2023: Final date for instructors to submit spring semester final exam schedules in RegisterBlast
April 20, 2023: Final date for students to book spring semester appointments in RegisterBlast
Course Load Reduction/ Q Drop Deadline is March 21st
Undergraduate students who need to drop a class must do so by Tuesday, March 21st, either by dropping through their college or submitting a course load reduction application through D&A. Click the following links for Q Drop information or Course Load Reduction information.
Priority Registration is April 3rd
Priority Registration for undergraduate students will be Monday April 3rd from 2pm-midnight. Registration Information Sheets will be uploaded with the correct Priority Registration time slot on March 1st and should be updated on March 2nd for you to review. Undergraduate students who are approved for this accommodation and are eligible to use this to register for summer and fall 2023 classes will receive an email on Friday (March 3rd) with more information. Students should check their email and follow the instructions in order to use this accommodation.
Ally Accessibility Platform
The university is launching the Ally Accessibility Platform in all Canvas courses following spring break. The platform helps guide faculty to improve digital course content and make it more accessible and user-friendly for all students. Students will see new options for downloading alternative formats of files. If the file in Canvas is a supported content type, students will be able to download alternatives including PDF, HTML, ePub, Immersive Reader, Electronic braille, and even audio files. Alternative formats can better support reading on a mobile device, offline reading, listening to readings, text-to-speech, and the use of electronic braille displays. For more information on how to use the new alternative format option in Canvas, visit the Help for Students page provided by Ally. On this page, you can navigate to a Quick Start Guide, informational videos, and an FAQ page. For support with the Ally Accessibility Platform, please contact allyplatform@utlists.utexas.edu.
Disability Cultural Center Events
The Disability Cultural Center (DCC) is a new unit within DDCE that will be focusing on developing programming and building community around disabled community and identity. Check out the DCC website for upcoming events and opportunities.
March DCC Events:
DCC Hangout
Tuesday March 7th, 6:30-8PM, DDCE 3rd floor space
Students (and faculty and staff) are invited to drop by monthly evening “hangout” sessions to build community with other disabled member of the UT Community. Snacks, activities and conversation prompts will be provided. RSVP Requested.
Navigating Career Resources as a Disabled Student: Discussing Steps to Becoming Career Ready with Texas Career Engagement.
Wednesday, March 22: 1-2pm, VIRTUAL
Join the Disability Cultural Center & Texas Career Engagement (TCE) for a virtual presentation and discussion on tips for navigating the job and internship search as a disabled student. RSVP to receive the Zoom link.
Disability Culture Conversation: Talking about Disability: Identity Vs Person First Language
Thursday, March 23, 12-1pm, VIRTUAL
This session will discuss the importance of language when discussing disability, focusing on identity first and person first language. RSVP to receive the Zoom link.
Donuts, Coffee, and Conversation with the DCC
Thursday, March 30, 9-10:30am DDCE 3rd floor space
Join us for a come-and-go event to start your day, featuring donuts, coffee and conversation with the founding director of the DCC! RSVP Requested.
Student Group Updates
Students on the Spectrum (SOS) is a space for students who have been diagnosed with autism or who identify as autistic to share experiences, ideas and resources with each other. This spring, Disability and Access and Longhorn TIES will be hosting SOS social activities and discussion nights. Food and beverages provided.
The next Students on the Spectrum event will take place on Wednesday, March 8th from 5:30 – 7:00 PM at 2609 University Avenue (UA9 2.106). Please RSVP.
The Disability Advocacy Student Coalition (DASC) is the student organization associated with Disability and Access which aims to promote awareness, advocacy, and education about disability and accessibility on campus and in the community. Students with and without disabilities are welcome!
During Spring 2023, virtual and hybrid meetings will be held on Monday from 6-7pm. Email dascatut@gmail.com or fill out an interest form to get connected and learn more.
Texas Law Disability and Neurodivergence Alliance (TLDNA) is an organization of law students dedicated to fostering the next generation of Disability Rights Advocates, creating space for the experience of disability and neurodiversity in law school, and educating about accessibility. They can be reached at TexasLawDNA@gmail.com.
Law students are invites to join Emily Shryock, director of the DCC, and the board of TLDNA for snacks and solidarity as a break from all that studying. This event will take place TODAY, March 1st at 4pm in the Law School Jury Room (CC 2.310).
Important Dates
March 13-18: Spring Break
March 21: Course Load Reduction/ Q Drop Deadline
