The SSD office on campus is closed and our staff are all working remotely. Please read through the information below so you are aware of the changes to SSD processes so you can plan accordingly. Since the situation continues to evolve, there may be additional changes as more information becomes available. Students are encouraged to check their email regularly for updates from UT and SSD. Please continue to check the UT website to stay informed.
Accommodations in online classes: With online classes, accommodations may look a bit different. Students are encouraged to read through this webpage and consider how or if their accommodations apply in their online classes. Some accommodations may no longer be relevant since online courses offer more flexibility than face to face classes. Instructors are still required to provide accommodations that are necessary to provide students with equal access to the class instruction, material and evaluation. SSD staff will still be available by phone/email to support students and instructors who have questions or concerns.
Submitting documentation: Due to SSD’s current remote operations SSD will accept documentation in the following ways: You may attach PDF versions of your documentation and email to SSD@austin.utexas.edu or Fax documentation to 512-475-7730. Students should not to come to the SSD office in person.
Drop In/Office Hours: Students can still contact their SSD/their Disabilities Services Coordinators via phone or email. Non-registered Students can schedule a virtual Drop In appointment and registered students can schedule a virtual Office Hours appointment here. In person appointments will not be available at this time.
Intake Appointments: Intakes are still being offered so students can get set up for accommodations. All appointments will be conducted via phone or Zoom.
Testing: SSD will not proctor tests in our office until classes/exams are being held on campus. Many testing accommodations may no longer be relevant in online classes if students are testing in their own spaces using their own technology. See this webpage for more information about testing accommodations.
Alternative Text: Students should check out this list of free resources to see if they can find accessible, and often free, versions of their materials online. If necessary, students can still submit requests for texts in alternate formats using the online link. SSD will coordinate with students individually if they need to drop off/pick up hard copies of materials.
Notetaking: The SSD Notetaking Module will still be available to students and notetakers. However, students should check to see what materials will be available online as notes may no longer be relevant if lectures are audio/video recorded and slides/materials are available to all students online.
Sign Language Interpreter/Captioning Requests: In person interactions are being discouraged at this time; however if students have a need for an interpreter or captioning they can follow the regular procedure for submitting a request. The SSD DHH Team is still coordinating with campus departments and instructors to ensure courses are accessible to Deaf and Hard of Hearing students.
We realize this is a time of uncertainty and change for everyone and we appreciate your patience as we all do our best to continue to learn how to live and learn in a primarily online environment. All community members should continue to diligently monitor their personal health and hygiene and take preventive measures.
Useful UT Links
https://www.cmhc.utexas.edu/coronavirus_update.html
https://healthyhorns.utexas.edu/coronavirus.html
https://coronavirus.utexas.edu
The university and SSD will keep you updated as we work to make adjustments to our policies and operations. Please continue to check our website to stay informed.