Student Resources & FAQs
Student Disability Services provides resources to help students access their courses, navigate campus and understand disability-related services at Texas Tech. Use this page for general questions, accessible reading options, parking and transportation information and other helpful resources.
Student FAQ
Student FAQ
A reasonable accommodation is a modification or adjustment that provides a qualified student with a disability equal access to a course, program, service, activity or facility without changing essential academic requirements.
Students requesting accommodations must register with Student Disability Services, provide appropriate documentation and complete the SDS intake and accommodation review process. Approved accommodations are determined individually based on disability-related barriers and the requirements of the academic environment.
Student Disability Services determines reasonable accommodations after reviewing documentation, information provided by the student and the barriers the student may experience in the academic environment.
No. Registration with Student Disability Services and the use of approved accommodations do not appear on a student's transcript or diploma.
No. Student Disability Services does not participate in university admission decisions. Students with disabilities complete the same admissions process as other applicants and may request disability-related accommodations separately through SDS.
No. Students transferring to Texas Tech must register with Student Disability Services. Accommodations are reviewed individually and may differ from accommodations provided by another institution.
Student Disability Services does not provide comprehensive diagnostic testing for learning disabilities or attention disorders. Students who need an evaluation may contact SDS for information about appropriate outside providers.
Students are responsible for working directly with Student Disability Services and their instructors. Parents or other supporters may assist, but SDS works primarily with the student as the person responsible for managing accommodations at the university.
No. Attendance requirements and decisions about excused absences are established by instructors, academic departments and university policy. When appropriate, Student Disability Services may help address disability-related barriers connected to attendance through the accommodation process.
Students select the instructors who receive Letters of Accommodation through the AIM system. SDS does not automatically send a student's accommodation information to advisors, deans or other university employees who are not part of that process.
No. Accessibility requirements and available accommodations can vary by location and program. Students planning to study abroad should contact Student Disability Services and the Study Abroad Office early to discuss accessibility needs and available arrangements.
Accessible Books & Reading Tools
Students who need textbooks or other course readings in an accessible electronic format should begin looking for accessible versions as early as possible. Student Disability Services can assist registered students when accessible course materials are not otherwise available.
Bookshare
Bookshare is an accessible online library that provides electronic books compatible with text-to-speech, braille and other reading tools. Students can search the Bookshare catalog to determine whether a textbook is available.
Students who need SDS assistance establishing access to Bookshare should contact their SDS case manager.
Electronic Textbooks
Before requesting conversion of a textbook, check whether the required book is already available as an accessible electronic edition through the publisher, bookstore or another legitimate electronic book provider.
If an Accessible Copy Is Not Available
Contact your SDS case manager. Additional options may be available for eligible students, including conversion of purchased course materials into an accessible electronic format.
Students requesting conversion may be required to provide proof that they purchased the textbook. Processing time depends on whether SDS already has an accessible copy or whether the book must be converted.
Additional Reading Tools
Mac, Windows and mobile devices also include built-in accessibility features that can provide text-to-speech, screen reading, magnification and other reading support.
ADA Parking & Transportation
Accessible parking is available throughout the Texas Tech campus. Students who need to park in designated ADA spaces must meet state requirements for accessible parking and register their vehicle and parking credentials with Texas Tech Transportation & Parking Services.
Transportation & Parking Services
State-Issued Accessible Parking Placards
Texas accessible parking placards and license plates are issued through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles and county tax offices. Students who need a placard should follow current state requirements for applying or renewing.
Texas Disabled Parking Placards & Plates
Campus Transportation
Texas Tech Transportation & Parking Services provides information about campus bus routes, Raider Ride and other transportation options. Citibus also provides fixed-route transportation in Lubbock and offers ADA paratransit service for eligible riders through CitiAccess.
For current parking rules, bus schedules and transportation service information, use the official transportation websites rather than relying on older schedules published on SDS pages.
Helpful Videos
Student Disability Services provides instructional videos to help students understand common accommodation processes and use the AIM system.
How to Request Letters of Accommodation
This video walks through requesting accommodations in AIM and generating Letters of Accommodation for your instructors.
How to Schedule Exams Through AIM
This video explains how students registered with SDS can schedule accommodated testing through AIM.
How to Request Supplemental Notes
This video walks through the process for requesting supplemental notes as an approved accommodation.
How to Meet With Instructors
This video provides guidance for meeting with instructors to discuss approved accommodations and Letters of Accommodation.
Other Student Resources
Many disability-related needs are addressed on dedicated SDS pages. Use the appropriate resource for the service you need.
- Academic support and tutoring: tutoring and academic support services for students who need additional academic assistance.
- Accommodated testing: information about approved testing accommodations and scheduling exams.
- Note-taking accommodations: information for students approved for supplemental note-taking support.
- Interpreting and realtime transcription: information for students approved for interpreting or realtime transcription services.
- Housing and dining accommodations: disability-related housing and dining requests.
- Assistance animals: information about service animals and emotional support animals.
- Scholarships: scholarship opportunities available through Student Disability Services and the TECHniques Center.
- Appeals and complaints: information about appealing an accommodation decision or addressing disability-related discrimination concerns.
Still Have Questions?
If you cannot find the information you need or are unsure which resource applies to your situation, contact Student Disability Services.
Student Disability Services
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Address
130 Weeks Hall, MS 45007 | Lubbock, TX 79409 -
Phone
806.742.2405 -
Fax
806.742.4837 -
Email
sds@ttu.edu