Students who have a temporary injury or illness that may impact their academics are encouraged to talk to their instructors about any accommodations they may need for the duration of their impairment prior to contacting Disability and Access. Students may consult with D&A after talking with their instructor to determine if any additional accommodations are needed beyond what is being provided by the instructor.
In many cases, students with temporary disabilities do not need to come to D&A and can work informally with instructors to get the support they need. Examples of support that could be provided by an instructor without needing an Accommodation Letter from D&A could include note-taking support and additional testing time (for students with hand/arm injuries) or leniency with arriving late (for students temporarily using crutches or wheelchair).
If a temporary injury and need for accommodation is obvious (cast, sling, crutches, etc.) instructors are encouraged to informally work with students related to their impairment. If an instructor is unsure about an accommodation being requested by a student or the need for accommodations is not obvious instructors are encouraged to contact D&A.
Conditions lasting 4 weeks or more may qualify for temporary accommodations through D&A. Examples include:
- Concussions
- Broken bones
- Mononucleosis
- Complex/multiple injuries
Temporary Disabilities Requests: Quick Reference Matrix
The information below summarizes the most frequently received requests from students with temporary conditions or injuries and the recommend pathway for addressing each.
- Virtual attendance due to mobility difficulties caused by a cast/brace/crutches
- Recommendations: Students should speak with instructors about flexibility with class arrival or departure times to accommodate extra time needed to travel across campus. Accommodations cannot fundamentally alter the University expectation that in-person classes be attended in person.
- Handled by: Student and Instructor
- Extra time on exams/use of computer on exams due to hand injury
- Recommendations: Instructors may informally provide exam accommodations, for example extended time or use of a computer for essay exams, without the need for a formal accommodation letter from D&A.
- Handled by: Student and Instructor
- Copy of class notes due to hand injury
- Recommendations: Students should ask instructors and/or classmates about obtaining a copy of class notes, access to slides or the ability to record audio without the need for a formal accommodation letter from D&A.
- Handled by: Student and Instructor
- Flexible deadlines and/or attendance for work missed due to doctor’s appointments or surgery
- Recommendations: Students should submit documentation to Student Outreach and Support (SOS) for review. D&A does not provide class absence notifications.
- Handled by: SOS
- Transportation to classes due to mobility difficulties caused by a cast/brace/crutches
- Recommendations: Students should view transportation options available through Parking and Transportation Services (PTS), including the PTS Pick-Up service and CapMetro. D&A does not provide personal transportation services.
- Handled by: PTS and CapMetro
- Make-up exams due to temporary condition/injury
- Recommendations: Students should work directly with instructors to explore options for making up missed exams. D&A is not involved in make-up exams.
- Handled by: Student and Instructor
Considerations and Tips for Improving Accessibility
Instructors are encouraged to work informally with students related to the temporary disability. The following list includes examples of potential informal accommodations:
- Accommodations for note-taking (access to class slides/overheads, etc.) and/or written assignments & exams
- Flexibility with time to complete assignments
- Physical Accessibility: Flexibility with arriving late, seating etc.
Resources
- Guidelines for Documenting Temporary Disabilities
- Temporary Disabilities Verification Form
- Student Outreach and Support (SOS): If students missed class due to a medical emergency, SOS may provide absence notifications to assist.
- Texas Disability Parking Placards & Plates
- ADA Parking at UT Austin
| Back to top |
