Frequently Asked Questions : Disability Services : Texas State University

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Disability Resources
- What is the definition of a disability?
  
  A disability is defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as a mental or physical impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities. Learning is an example of a major life activity. If you have a mental or physical condition, a history of such a condition, or a condition which may be considered by others as substantially limiting, you may have a legally defined disability.
- What are the most common types of disabilities that TXST serves?
  
  TXST provides accommodations and supportive services for students with varying disabilities including, but not limited to: blindness or low vision, deafness or hard of hearing, AD/HD, learning disabilities, mobility/physical conditions, chronic medical conditions, neurological conditions, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and mental health conditions.
- Where is the DS located on campus?
  
  DS is located at the San Marcos campus on the fifth floor of the LBJ Student Center in suite 506.
Registration Process
- How do I register with DS?
  While documentation may be submitted at any time, students are encouraged to submit accommodation requests as early as possible. Requests submitted fewer than 60 days before the start of a semester, or during peak periods (August, September, and January), may limit the Disability Services' ability to guarantee that approved accommodations will be in place by the first day of classes.
  
  After being admitted to Texas State University:
  - Complete the Online Student Application within the Accessible Information Management (AIM) system. This application is required to register for services with Disability Services (DS).
  - Securely provide documentation of your disability/disabilities to our office. If you have the requested documentation, you may submit it by uploading it through the Upload Documentation link in AIM, delivering a copy to our office, or faxing it to 512-245-3452.
  - Disability Services (DS) accepts documentation at any time throughout the semester. Upon receipt, DS will review the documentation to determine eligibility for accommodations and support services based on the documented disability and disability-related needs. Please allow 1-2 weeks for documentation review and processing.
  - Once your documentation has been received and meets DS guidelines, a staff member will contact you via email to schedule an Accommodation Review Meeting.
  Please Note: Because email is not considered a protected form of communication, please do not email any confidential information or documentation to the office.
  
  If you do not have a copy of the requested documentation, you may complete a Consent for Release of Confidential Information Form, and DS can request the documentation on your behalf. Please complete your name, provider information (on-campus or off-campus), and signature. The completed form may be emailed to our office, and DS will fax the request to the provider listed on the form.
  For additional information, please visit the How to Register with DS webpage.
- What does TXST consider as appropriate documentation?
  
  Sources of information used for determining a disability and/or accommodation include a student’s self-report, direct observation, interaction with the student, and/or documentation from qualified evaluators or professionals. For additional information, please visit the DS office and the Documentation Guidelines webpage.
- What kinds of services does TXST provide for students with disabilities?
  DS determines accommodations that ensure students with disabilities have equal access to all university programs and activities. Types of accommodations include but are not limited to:
  - Extended time on examinations
  - Reduced distraction environment for testing
  - Note-taking assistance
  - Text in alternate format (e.g., electronic text, Braille, etc.)
  - Special Groups (Early) Registration for classes
  - Sign language interpreting services
  - Real-time captioning services
- If I register with DS, will it show up on my academic record?
  
  No. A student’s academic record is maintained by the Registrar’s Office. All disability documentation and information related to a student with a disability is maintained in a confidential file in DS.
- Where can I be evaluated if I believe I have Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD), a learning disability, or a mental health condition?
  
  DS has a Community Resource List of off-campus diagnosticians to whom we refer students for professional assessment.
Incoming First-Year & Transfer Students
- Does TXST provide services to students with disabilities?
  
  Yes. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, TXST strives to ensure that students with disabilities have equal access to all aspects of the university.
- How are the laws governing postsecondary education and accommodation process different at Texas State University (TXST)?
  
  Students with disabilities and their parents are encouraged to learn about the differences between high school and college including legal principles, self-advocacy, role of parents/guardians, confidentiality, time and attendance, studying, tests, and promoting student success. For additional information, please visit Disability Services’ (DS) Transition to College webpage.
- If I am receiving disability services elsewhere (e.g., high school, college, university, etc.), will I automatically receive them at TXST?
  
  No. You will need to register with DS and securely provide documentation of your disability or disabilities. If applicable, you are encouraged to submit information regarding your previously approved accommodations in order to assist DS in making an informed decision about the need for accommodations and support services. You may not qualify for the exact same accommodations at TXST.
- Does TXST have a special admissions policy for applicants with disabilities?
  
  No. All students must meet the same minimum requirements for admission and go through the same competitive admissions process.
- Am I required to reveal my disability on my admissions application?
  
  No. You provide the information only if you wish to do so.
Additional Questions
- I am a student with special dietary needs. Who do I contact, or where can I get additional information?
  
  Students with special dietary needs may contact the Hospitality Dietitian online via the Schedule a Consultation Form. Whether you have specific dietary needs, questions about nutrition, or just want tips on making balanced choices, they’re here to help.
  You can explore dining options designed for safety and satisfaction, offering allergen-friendly spaces that cater to your needs by visiting the Hospitality Dining website.
- I am a student with a disability and am unable to attend my face-to-face classes. Are faculty required to provide me with online or remote access to my classes as an academic accommodation?
  
  No. Although students may discuss alternatives with their instructors if they are unable to attend face-to-face classes. A faculty member is not required to accommodate a request that represents a fundamental alteration to a course or program methods of delivery.
- Can I get additional time on course assignments?
  
  Students can request additional time on course assignments as an academic accommodation; however, the accommodation is not typically approved. Academic accommodations and support services are not intended to alter essential elements or academic expectations of a course or program. Assignment deadlines are an element of the course determined by course instructors. DS encourages students to communicate their concerns regarding coursework with their instructors.