Temporary Accommodations

Student Disability Services can provide temporary academic accommodations for students whose short-term injury, illness or other condition creates disability-related barriers in the academic setting.

Temporary accommodations are based on the student's current functional limitations and are provided only for the period in which those limitations affect access to courses or other academic requirements.

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When Temporary Accommodations May Apply

Temporary accommodations may be appropriate when a short-term condition substantially affects a student's ability to participate in academic activities.

Examples may include:

• A broken arm, hand, leg or other significant injury.
• Temporary mobility limitations following an accident or surgery.
• A medical condition that creates short-term academic access barriers.
• Another temporary condition that affects a student's ability to complete academic requirements in the usual manner.

The accommodation is based on the functional limitation created by the condition, not simply on the diagnosis or injury itself.

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How to Request Temporary Accommodations

The eligibility process for temporary accommodations is generally the same as the process for other SDS accommodations.

1. Apply for services through SDS. Students must complete the SDS application using their Texas Tech eRaider credentials.
2. Provide supporting documentation. Submit documentation that explains the temporary condition and how it affects you in the academic setting.
3. Complete an intake meeting. An SDS counselor will review your application and documentation with you and determine whether temporary accommodations are appropriate.
4. Request your Letter of Accommodation. If approved, request an LOA for each course in which you plan to use your accommodations.
5. Communicate with your instructors. Discuss how the approved accommodations will be implemented in each course.

Request Accommodations

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Documentation

Documentation should provide enough information for SDS to understand the temporary condition, its expected duration and the functional limitations affecting the student's academic access.

Depending on the situation, documentation may include information from a physician, medical provider or other qualified professional.

Useful documentation should describe:

• The nature of the temporary condition or injury.
• The functional limitations caused by the condition.
• The expected duration of those limitations, when known.
• Any relevant recommendations related to academic access.

Documentation Guidelines

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Using Temporary Accommodations

Students approved for temporary accommodations use the same Letter of Accommodation process as other SDS students.

After receiving approval:

• Request your LOAs through AIM.
• Select the approved accommodations you need for each course.
• Communicate with your instructors about how those accommodations will be implemented.
• Complete any additional procedures required for accommodations such as testing, note-taking or interpreting services.
• Contact SDS if your condition changes or an approved accommodation is not working as expected.

Temporary accommodations apply only while the related functional limitations are present. The exact length of time depends on the student's individual circumstances.

Managing Your Accommodations

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Review & Continued Accommodations

SDS reviews temporary cases to determine whether accommodations are still needed. Students may be asked to provide updated information or documentation if the temporary condition continues longer than originally expected.

Temporary Status While Obtaining Documentation

In some circumstances, SDS may approve temporary accommodations for a student who is still obtaining current or appropriate documentation.

When temporary status is granted for this reason, accommodations may be limited to the semester in which updated testing or documentation is being completed. Updated documentation must be submitted for accommodations to continue beyond the temporary approval period.

If a temporary condition develops into an ongoing disability-related need, contact your SDS counselor so your case can be reviewed and appropriate documentation can be considered.

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Questions About Temporary Accommodations?

If you are unsure whether your injury or condition may qualify for temporary accommodations, contact Student Disability Services. SDS can help you determine the appropriate next steps.

Email Student Disability Services