Instructor Rights and Responsibilities

Instructors play a central role in the accommodations process at UT Austin. This page outlines your rights and responsibilities when working with students who have accommodations through D&A.

As an instructor, you have the right to:

• Maintain the rigor and the fundamental nature of your course content.
• Require students to demonstrate their knowledge of essential course content.
• Consult with D&A if you have questions or concerns about an accommodation.
• Request an official accommodation letter from D&A before providing accommodations.

Instructors may not refuse to provide accommodations outlined in an official accommodation letter, regardless of when the letter was shared with instructors, or request to examine a student’s documentation.

As an instructor, you have a responsibility to:

• Use effective teaching practices that support a variety of learners.
• Refer students to D&A if a student discloses having disability-related needs.
• Include a syllabus statement explaining how students can access accommodations.
• Meet with students who provide an accommodation letter to discuss and arrange approved accommodations.
• Provide all approved accommodations in a timely manner.
• Maintain the confidentiality of disability-related information.