Accommodation Process
Student Disability Services (SDS) engages in an interactive process with each student and reviews requests for accommodations on an individualized, case-by-case basis.
Depending on the nature and functional limitations of a student’s documented disability, the student may be eligible to receive academic accommodations.
When submitting an accommodation request, you or your provider can also, email, fax to (512) 464-8830, mail (3001 S. Congress Ave, Austin, Texas 78704), or drop off in person (Moody Hall 102).
Attend an intake appointment with a disability counselor.
This is an opportunity to discuss how your disability impacts your college experience, how to obtain qualifying documentation, and how the accommodation process works.
If you have questions or if you would like to set up a brief 15-minute informational meeting with our office, please call (512) 448-8561, email, or stop by Moody Hall 102.
Accommodation Guidance
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 provides for "reasonable accommodations" for qualified individuals and requires that these persons not be excluded from, denied access to, or subjected to discrimination under any program. In addition to reasonable accommodations, Section 504 requires access to participation in all programs, facilitates communications for people with hearing or visual disabilities, and provides accessible construction and alteration in physical facilities.
All requests for accommodation should be made directly to Student Disability Services. Notice to other campus partners (e.g. Admissions, Orientation Staff, Health and Counseling Center, Faculty or Residence Life) is not considered notice to St. Edward’s University.
Understand the Types of Accommodations
Reduce Barriers
Accommodations are intended to reduce or eliminate barriers to equal access, they are not intended to waive academic requirements considered essential to a particular course, program, or degree.
Promote Equal Access
Accommodations are not a guarantee for success, but rather seek to promote non-discrimination and equal opportunities.
Consideration for Preferences
While student preferences are considered, accommodations are determined through an established review process based on documentation received regarding the student's disability.
Dealing with Temporary Illnesses
A student who has a temporary illness (e.g. cold or flu), or is recovering from surgery not based on a long-term condition would not be considered to have a disability.
Helpful Information
Physical Accessibility: A classroom must be readily accessible to individuals with disabilities. Student Disability Services collaborates with the Facilities Department to provide equal access. Alterations may include: relocation of classes or class-related activities, classroom modifications, or structural alterations.
Flexibility with Attendance, Class Breaks, Deadlines, and Tardies: Students may qualify for various types of flexibility in order to manage disability-related symptoms. The level of flexibility is determined by the professor in keeping with the integrity of the course and the technical standards of the program.
Note-taking Accommodations: Students may qualify to have a variety of accommodations to support their access to class lectures.
Alternative Format for class materials: Students may qualify to have access to class materials in an alternative format (e.g. enlarged, electronic, Braille, video captioning). Faculty should provide equal access to all class materials.
Priority Registration: Students may qualify for this accommodation if managing their disability requires more control over their class schedule. This accommodation allows students to register one hour in advance of their assigned registration time (i.e. 7am rather than 8am).
Extended Time on Exams/Quizzes: This accommodation can be provided by Student Disability Services in the SDS Testing Center located in Moody Hall 155, or by the professor in an alternate location. The amount of extended time granted will depend on the nature of the disability and will be determined on a case by case basis.
Exams/Quizzes in Alternate Space: This accommodation can be provided by Student Disability Services in the SDS Testing Center located in Moody Hall 155, or by the professor in an alternate location.
Use of a 4-function Calculator: Students can use a 4-function calculator on exams in keeping with the academic integrity of the course.
Use of a Reader for Exams/Quizzes: Students with print disabilities may qualify to have exams/quizzes read aloud. This accommodation is typically provided by the SDS Testing Center using screen reading software.
Use of Scribe for Exams/Quizzes: Students with print disabilities may qualify to have exams/quizzes scribed by a SDS staff member. This may include transferring written responses or oral responses onto Scantrons or into text.
Computer for Exams/Quizzes: Students may qualify to use a computer for exams or quizzes containing short answer and/or essay questions. In either of these situations, the SDS Testing Center can provide computer access without access to the internet.
Scantron Exempt: Students may be exempt from use of a scantron or answer sheet. Faculty should consider an alternative or allow the student to respond on the exam.
Breaks During Exams: Students may qualify to have breaks or access to the restroom during exams due to a medical condition.
Students may qualify for a reduced course load. Unlike part-time status, authorization for a reduced course load permits a student to register for a course load that is less than full-time, while still being considered a full-time student.
Some students with disabilities experience difficulty with learning a modern language or math. The decision to grant a substitution is based on reasonable accommodations, an individual's learning history, documentation of a disability that impairs modern language acquisition, and future educational goals.
Students who are deaf or hard of hearing may use a variety of services including Interpreting Services for all academic activities (e.g. class lecture, group work, tutoring). For scheduling and information regarding this or other accommodations please contact Student Disability Services.
Student Disability Services collaborates with Residence Life and the Hilltopper Card Office to facilitate Housing and Meal Plan Accommodations for students.
SDS collaborates with Study Abroad to support students navigating the accommodation process while studying abroad depending on the program type, destination and third party provider.
Assistive Technology and Support
St. Edward’s University makes available technologies to facilitate equal access to educational materials for individuals with a variety of print, vision, hearing, and/or mobility-related disabilities. Student Disability Services provides alternative format accommodations, operates the SDS Testing Center and its technologies, and connects students with alternative format resources.
Assistive technologies are ever-changing and are delivered in a variety of formats across devices. Students should consider their specific circumstances (devices owned, budget, preferences, etc.) when choosing the technology that best fits their needs. SDS has created the toolkit to help you get started.