Frequently Asked Questions-Student FAQ's
What is a disability?
An individual with a disability is defined as any person who:
"Has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more
major life activities (including walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing,
learning, working, caring for oneself, or performing manual tasks), has a record
of such an impairment, or is regarded as having such an impairment."
What is meant by "is regarded as having such an impairment" in the definition of disability?
For example, a person with a facial disfigurement may not have an impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities, but others may regard him or her as having one due to how he or she appears.
Isn't "disability" and "handicap" the same thing?
A "disability" is a condition caused by accident, trauma, genetics or disease that may limit a person's mobility, hearing, vision, speech, or mental function. A person may have more than one disability. A "handicap" is a physical or attitudinal constraint imposed upon a person; for example, stairs, narrow doorways, and curbs are handicaps imposed upon people with disabilities who use wheelchairs.
What is a reasonable accommodation?
A reasonable accommodation is a modification or adjustment to a course, program, service, job, activity, or facility that enables a qualified individual with a disability to have an equal opportunity to attain the same level of performance or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges as are available to an individual without a disability. Some common academic accommodations include extended time on tests, use of peer note takers, use of computer with spell check, and provision of sign language interpreters.
How does a person become eligible to receive accommodations?
To become eligible, a person must have a documented disability and inform
the University that he or she is requesting accommodations based on that
disability.
A student must:
1. Contact Student Disability Services;
2. Provide specific documentation of the disability from a qualified
professional;
3. Consult with an advisor in Student Disability Services to determine
appropriate accommodations.
Who determines the accommodation?
Student Disability Services staff determine the accommodations using: Documentation of the disability from qualified professionals provided by the student, information gathered from an intake process, and information from history of the disability. The determination of reasonable accommodations considers the following: Classroom or physical barriers, The array of accommodations that might remove the barriers, Whether or not the person has access to the course, program, service, job, activity, or facility without accommodations, and Whether essential elements of the course, program, service, job, activity, or facility are not compromised by the accommodations.
What is a note taker?
A note taker is another student, recruited by the faculty member, who agrees to provide copies of lecture notes taken during class. The note taker may make copies of notes at Student Disability Services or use carbonless note taker paper available at no charge from Student Disability Services.
Who is responsible for requesting an interpreter?
Students requiring an interpreter for class must make the request to the Student Disability Services Office. A student can either come into the office and fill out the required form, or request an interpreter electronically through the SDS website. For outside class requirements, such as field trips or other assigned activities, as well as office hours, students should request the interpreter from Student Disability Services at least two weeks ahead of time or more, depending on the event. Student Disability Services cannot guarantee an interpreter when requests are made less than two weeks before the event.
If a student registers with Student Disability Services, will it show up on transcripts and/or diplomas?
No. The fact that a student is registered with our office or receives reasonable accommodations does not appear on student records. Students who receive reasonable accommodations do not receive a modified degree; they have earned the same degree as all other graduates of Texas Tech University.
As a high school senior, what do I need to do to attend Texas Tech and register with Student Disability Services
Students with disabilities go through the regular admissions procedures. Application materials can be requested by calling the Admissions Office at (806) 742-1480. Please contact Student Disability Services for an application and to find out what the documentation standards are for your disability. It can certainly help to work with your high school to ensure that your records are in order before you arrive at Texas Tech.
How do students go about transferring to Texas Tech and registering with Student Disability Services?
Students with disabilities go through the regular admissions procedures. Application materials can be requested by calling the Admissions Office at (806) 742-1480. Please contact Student Disability Services to get an application and find out what the documentation standards are for your disability. Please be aware that just because one institution provides an accommodation, another institution may not provide the exact same accommodation.
Does Student Disability Services play a role in students with disabilities' admission to Texas Tech?
No. Student Disability Services does not have a role in students with disabilities' admission to the institution. Please forward all questions to the Admissions Office at (806)742-1480.
How do students request a course substitution based on their disability?
Course substitution requests are made to the Academic Dean of the students' college. The Student Disability Services staff can provide a letter for the student that states whether the student is registered with Student Disability Services and how their disability may affect their performance in the academic area for which the substitution is being requested. The student then provides this letter to the appropriate Academic Dean. This process may differ for graduate students.
Does Texas Tech University provide testing for learning disabilities or attention deficit disorders?
Texas Tech University does not provide comprehensive testing for either learning disabilities or attention deficit disorders. Testing for learning disabilities and attention deficit disorders must be obtained through an appropriate off-campus professional. Student Disabilities Services offers a referral list of licensed professionals in Lubbock.
How does a student request disability parking?
Please forward all inquiries regarding disability parking to University Parking Services at (806)742-3811.
Can Student Disability Services excuse absences?
No. Academic departments set their own attendance policies and class attendance is an expectation of Texas Tech students. Please make further inquires regarding attendance policies to the specific department. A statement regarding absence may be added to a letter of accommodation to explain circumstances to instructors, but it is still up to the department's discretion whether or not absences are excused.
What tutoring is available through Student Disability Services?
The main office of Student Disability Services does not provide tutors, but tutoring is available for students who participate in the TECHniques Center. The Program for Academic Support Services (PASS) Center, also provides free drop-in tutoring in a variety of subjects. Please contact the PASS Center at (806) 742-1313 for additional information.
Does Texas Tech University have staff sign language interpreters?
Yes. Texas Tech employs full time sign language interpreters. These interpreters provide interpreting services for classrooms and other academic situations.
Can my parents take care of all this for me?
While parents can be of assistance, the student is responsible for working with Student Disability Services and instructors. We prefer to work directly with students from the beginning as they will be responsible to work with their instructors and other Texas Tech employees.
What role does Student Disability Services play in facilitating accommodations for the THEA?
Accommodations for the THEA are not made through Student Disability Services. Please contact the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) Office at (806)742-3242 for more information.
What role does Student Disability Services play in facilitating accommodations for the GRE?
Students will need to contact the GRE to receive information about their accommodation request procedures. There is typically a paper request form that Student Disability Services needs to fill out. If you are registered with Student Disability Service, you can leave your GRE accommodations request form with us and we will fill it out and return it to you as soon as possible. While all requests are handled in a timely manner, please be aware that we can not guarantee on-the-spot processing. Please factor in ten university working days for response time when you are making arrangements to send your application in by the GRE deadline.
What role does Student Disability Service play in facilitating accommodations for the GMAT?
Students will need to contact the GMAT to receive information about their accommodation request procedures. There is typically a paper request form that Student Disability Services needs to fill out. If you are registered with Student Disability Services you can leave your GMAT accommodations request form with us and we will fill it out and return it to you as soon as possible. While all requests are handled in a timely manner, please be aware that we can not guarantee-on-the spot processing. Please factor in ten university working days for response time when you are making arrangements to send your application in by the GMAT deadline.
Can Texas Tech forward a copy of my documentation to another school if I transfer?
While a student should always keep a personal copy of documentation, Texas Tech University will release a copy of your documentation upon receipt of a written request by the student. This request must include the student’s social security number, date of birth, date of request, and specific information about where the documentation is to be sent. This request must be signed and dated by the student.
Can Student Disability Services provide copies of documentation once is has been submitted?
Yes. However, the student must come into the Student Disability Services Office and make the request, in writing, for a copy of their documentation. Original documentation can not be released as it is part of the permanent university record.
Will a copy of my testing or Letter of Accommodation automatically be forwarded to my advisor, dean, etc.?
No. In order to protect each student's right to confidentiality, Student Disability Services does not mail out letters of accommodation. If you would like for someone to have a copy of your letter, it is your responsibility and right to deliver that information to that individual.
Is there an office on campus that coordinates testing accommodations?
Yes. The PASS Learning Center, located at 205 West Hall, coordinates testing accommodations. Students who qualify for testing accommodations may use the PASS Learning Center or make arrangements individually with instructors. For information call (806)742-3664.