Table of Contents

1. If I register with the ODS will it show up on my academic record?
2. Are there separate admission standards for students with disabilities?
3. When and where do I send my disability documentation?
4. If I am receiving accommodations elsewhere will I automatically qualify at Texas State?
5. Could I be in college and have an undiagnosed learning disability?
6. Do you have designated parking for persons with disabilities?
7. Does the ODS provide books on tape?
8. I cannot write due to a broken arm, can you help?
9. Do you only provide sign language interpreters for classes?
10. Can I receive accommodations on assessment tests?
11. What type of services are offered by the ODS?
12. How do special education services differ from university accommodations?
13. How many students with disabilities does the ODS serve and what type of services do they receive?

If I register with the ODS will is show up on my academic record?

No.  A student’s academic record is maintained by the Registrar’s Office.  All disability documentation and information related to a student with a disability is maintained in a confidential file in the ODS office.

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Are there separate admission standards for students with disabilities?

No.  Students with disabilities must meet the same admission standards as their non-disabled peers.  The ODS encourages students with disabilities to address their disability in the supplemental essay that accompanies the application for admission.  This information may be considered during the admission review process. 

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When and where do I send my disability documentation?

The ODS encourages applicants for admission to send a copy of their disability documentation to the ODS  during the admissions process.  The ODS will review the documentation based on the appropriate guidelines to determine if the applicant would qualify for accommodations and support services at Texas State.  The ODS will then notify the applicant of any approved accommodations or the need for additional information.  This information will be maintained by the ODS should the applicant be admitted.  Enrolled students with disabilities who may require accommodations and support services should submit disability documentation to the ODS as early as possible in order to ensure that accommodations can be provided in a timely manner.

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If I am receiving services elsewhere will I automatically at Texas State?

No.  The ODS reviews all disability documentation according to our Guidelines for Acquired Brain Injury Accommodation, Guidelines for Attention Deficit Disorder Accommodation, Guidelines for General Disability Accommodation, Guidelines for Learning Disability Accommodation, or Guidelines for Psychological Disability Accommodation.  Therefore you may or may not qualify for the same accommodations at Texas State.  For this reason we strongly encourage students to send a copy of their disability documentation to the ODS for a review during the admission process or as soon as you are admitted.  It is important that students have information regarding accommodations in order to make an informed decision about which university can best meet their disability needs.

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Could I be in college and have an undiagnosed learning disability?

Possibly.  Approximately 50% of the students with learning disabilities and Attention Deficit Disorders served through the ODS were not diagnosed until they were students at Texas State.  If you are a currently enrolled Texas State student and suspect you have a disability we recommend you contact the ODS office for an intake interview.

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Do you have designated parking for persons with disabilities?

Yes, available in all parking lots on campus.  If you have a disability that is permanent, or is expected to affect your mobility for more than 60 days, it is recommended that you obtain a disabled person parking placard from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) through the county tax assessor-collector’s office. Applications must include a statement from a physician that certifies the type of disability (mobility impairment or otherwise) and whether the disability is temporary or permanent.

All Texas State Texans must display a valid Texas State permit in addition to the disabled person plate or placard issued by TxDOT to park in a designated disabled person parking space.  If all disabled spaces are full, any legal space can be used with the exception of reserved spaces such as visitor, metered, hall director and service/delivery. 

Texas State Texans who have a temporary disability can obtain an “All-Zone” permit with written notification from the Student Health Center or a personal doctor. The expected period of time must be included and cannot exceed 60 days.  Vehicles displaying this permit are exempt from the color zone classification however the permit does not authorize the use of disabled parking spaces, visitor, service delivery, 30-minute, metered or any other reserved parking space on campus.       

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Does the ODS provide books on tape?

Yes.  The ODS can facilitate access to books on audiotape for enrolled Texas State students.  Upon request the ODS will record books and other academic-related materials on audiotape for students and/or acquire tape recordings from Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic (RFB&D).

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I cannot write due to a broken arm, can you help?

The ODS can provide note taking paper to students who cannot take notes due to a temporary disability.  The student can provide the paper to fellow classmates who will serve as their note taker.  Depending on the nature of the class, the ODS may also assist the student in acquiring copies of overheads used in class or professor notes.  The ODS can also provide a scribe for exams.  

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Do you only provide sign language interpreters for classes?

No.  In addition to providing interpreting services for Deaf and hard of hearing students in class, students can request an interpreter for tutoring sessions, a play, lecture, student organization meeting or any other university-sponsored event by completing a Request for Interpreters: Special Appointment.

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Can I receive accommodations on assessment tests?

Based on an individual student's documentation, accommodations may be approved for the reading, writing or mathematics assessment test. Students registered with the ODS who plan to take any of these tests may request a letter from the ODS listing their approved accommodations. The student will provide this letter to the Testing, Research-Support & Evaluation Center.  This information should be requested and arranged at least three business days in advance of the scheduled test date.  

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What type of services are provided by the ODS?

The ODS reviews disability documentation and determines appropriate accommodations on an individual basis for students with disabilities.  The ODS offers consultation and disability management counseling to students as requested.  Students receive accommodations from faculty members directly, or through the ODS, such as extended time or readers for exams.  Staff also assist students by working with university faculty and staff when problems arise.  The ODS may also refer a student to appropriate on and off-campus services, such as tutoring, counseling, medication review and/or social services.

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How do special education services differ from university accommodations?

Special education is mandated to provide a free and appropriate education to public school students through the provision of instructional services and modifications.  The school is responsible for ensuring a student’s progress.  It does not apply to universities or colleges.  Universities, on the other hand, must ensure that a student does not encounter discrimination due to a disability, and must provide reasonable accommodations that allow the student to fully participate in university programs/classes.

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