As a student with a disability you have certain rights and responsibilities when it comes to ensuring equal access at a postsecondary institution. The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights has put together a pamphlet outlining the rights and responsibilities of students with disabilities. You can find this document online or order a free copy at the following link: Students with Disabilities Preparing for Postsecondary Education: Know Your Rights and Responsibilities.
D&A has put together a document regarding rights and responsibilities that are specific to students using accommodations at UT. Students who register with D&A are asked to review and acknowledge their understanding of these rights and responsibilities in order to facilitate the process of receiving and using accommodations at UT. Students with disabilities who know their rights and responsibilities are much better equipped to succeed as students seeking a higher education degree.
As a registered student with Disability and Access (D&A) it is important to understand your rights and responsibilities related to using your accommodations at UT. Follow up with your Coordinator if you have questions after reviewing this document.
RIGHTS
- It is your right to have equal access to your educational experiences at UT. It is your right to use individualized accommodations to remove or reduce disability-related barriers you experience in your classroom or learning environment.
- It is your right to decide if and when you will use your accommodations each semester. You must request and discuss your Accommodation Letter(s) with instructors BEFORE any accommodations can be provided. Accommodations will not apply to any coursework that takes place prior to discussing the Accommodation Letter with the instructor.
- It is your right to request adjustments to your accommodations at any time. All requests will be reviewed by your coordinator and approved, as appropriate, in order to ensure equal access. Changes made to accommodations will be in effect after an updated Accommodation Letter is delivered and discussed with the instructor(s).
- It is your right to have your disability kept confidential as the law allows. D&A will not share information regarding your disability with any faculty, staff, parent, or other entities unless you have completed a Release of Information and given permission to do so or there is an explicit need to know.
- It is your right to have your approved accommodations provided to you free of charge, as mandated in the Americans with Disabilities Act. D&A will never charge you for your accommodations.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- It is your responsibility to request and discuss your Accommodation Letter with each instructor prior to using any of your accommodations. Accommodations become effective on the date the Accommodation Letter is discussed with your instructor(s). Accommodations are not retroactive.
- It is your responsibility to read each class syllabus and talk with instructors about the ways in which the course structure and essential requirements may impact the use of your accommodations.
- It is your responsibility to report problems to your D&A Coordinator regarding instructors who are not providing accommodations appropriately. This should be done in a timely manner, during the semester the problem is occurring, and not after grades have been given for the course.
Notetaking Accommodations: Notetaking accommodations supplement in-class learning and are not a substitute for attending class. Notetaking accommodations may not be provided for classes which you do not attend.
Testing Accommodations: If you have testing accommodations, it is your responsibility to discuss testing accommodation options with your instructors. Instructors who would like to use the Campus Testing Center (CTC), will need to submit exam information at least 5 BUSINESS DAYS prior to the exam. Students will need to submit their exam registration at least 3 BUSINESS DAYS prior to the exam.
Texts in Alternative Formats: If you have texts in alternative format as an accommodation, you must submit an online request for any materials you need in an alternative format. All requests must include a receipt showing the purchase of the requested books/materials required in an alternative format. Requests will be processed in approximately 5-10 business days.
Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing Services: Requests for interpreter and/or live captioning (CART or Typewell) services should be completed immediately following your registration for classes in order to assure these services can be provided on the first day of class.
For more information, see Rights and Responsibilities of Students and Faculty
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