Disability Accommodations for Students

Welcome to the Arkansas Tech University Office of Disability Services (DS). We are committed to an inclusive educational environment and actively promote the removal of barriers related to disability. We work with each student to develop a plan unique to their circumstances, taking into account their learning history and personal experiences. 

Students must self-disclose their disability status and formally seek adjustments through DS. Requests for accommodations should be initiated in a timely manner to allow for coordination of services with faculty and staff. Accommodations are not retroactive, therefore students are encouraged to meet with a DS staff member before the start of classes or early in the semester if they suspect an accommodation is necessary. 

Note: While documentation is not necessary to initiate this process, our office reserves the right to request formal documentation as an aid in determining appropriate adjustments on behalf of the university. 

DOCUMENTATION GUIDELINES:

The Arkansas Tech University Office of Disability Services requests that students seeking accommodations submit information describing their disability, their past use of accommodations, and the likely impact of the disability on their educational experiences. Types of helpful documentation supportive of such requests include medical records, psycho-educational testing reports, and school records. If students do not have this documentation readily available, they are encouraged to meet with a Disability Services staff member to discuss other ways to demonstrate a connection between their condition and any academic barriers they anticipate in the university environment.

The Office of Disability Services will consider all forms of documentation including student self-report, observation and interaction with the student, and external information from outside sources such as professionals who have diagnosed or treated the condition. External information can be a valuable tool for helping the Disability Services staff member understand the student's barriers, identify strategies for success, and assign reasonable accommodations which facilitate access.

STEP 1- APPLY FOR DISABILITY SERVICES NEXT STEPS AFTER YOU APPLY

OVERVIEW OF ACCOMMODATION PROCESS