Dr. Kr ist ie Orr , D i rector kr is t ieo@disabi l i ty. tamu.edu Sarah Lopez , Accommodat ions Counselorsarahl@disabi l i ty. tamu.edu

DISABILITY SERVICES:WHAT EVERY ADVISOR NEEDS TO KNOW

Participants will be able to identify basic functions of the Department of Disability Services.

Participants will understand academic issues impacting students with disabilities.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Disability Services promotes an inclusive environment at Texas A&M University by facilitating appropriate accommodations, empowering students to be self-advocates, and educating the campus community.

Disability Services staff members interact and collaborate with students, faculty and staff , and provide appropriate referrals to achieve equal access for students with disabilities. 

MISSION

Learning DisabilitiesAttention Deficit

Hyperactivity Disorder

Psychiatric Disorders

Health ImpairmentsVisual

Impairments/Blind

Orthopedic Impairments

Traumatic Brain Injury

Speech ImpairmentsAutism Spectrum

Disorders

EXAMPLES OF DISABILITIES

STUDENTS REGISTERED WITH DS

Fall 2011 Spring 2012Attention Defi cit Hyperactivity Disorder 522 573Learning Disabil it ies 484 472Psychiatric Disorders 287 302Health Impairments 177 189Visual Impairments/Blind 61 49Hearing Impairments/Deaf 44 46Orthopedic Impairments 48 52Traumatic Brain Injury 29 26Temporary Disabling Conditions 20 22Autism 17 17Speech Impairments 11 14Deaf/Blind 1 0

Total Students with Disabil it ies *1059*1108

(* Note some students have more than one diagnosis)

Students from every college including Health Science Center

Every facet of student life is represented: Corps of Cadets, Student-Athletes, Greeks, International Students, Honor Students, and Undergraduates and Graduates

Students with lifelong disabilities, acquired disabilities, and temporary disabilities

STUDENTS WE SERVE

Testing Accommodations Extended time Reduced distraction testing environment Readers Scribes Use of a computer and/or specialized hardware/software

Classroom Accommodations Note-taking assistance Recording lectures FM System (assistive listening system) Preferential seating (at the front or back of classroom)

SERVICES

Adaptive Technology Services (ATS) Adaptive hardware and software in DS Adaptive Technology (AT) assessments Alternative format production and scanning Ensuring access in campus computer labs (Open Access labs

and department labs) Consulting on website accessibility

Sign Language Interpreting/Transcription Classroom interpreting/transcription Interpreting/transcription also provided for S.I. sessions, field

trips, internships, study abroad Consultation for other entities needing an

interpreter/transcriptionist (e.g., Student Health Services, academic conferences & workshops, employee, etc.)

SERVICES

Accessibility Housing (consult with Residence Life) Consultation on accessibility of classrooms, offi ces,

programs, etc. Braille signage for buildings ADA Compliance Committee (represent student needs)

SERVICES

Disability information is strictly confi dential

It is okay to ask general questions if the student discloses their disability to you. Are they working with DS?

If not, make a referral and follow-up. Do they have diffi culty with reading, writing or math

Limit the number of heavy reading, math, or science classes during a semester

Serious psychiatric issues should be referred to Student Counseling Services

Returning Veterans may be more reluctant to register with Disability Services Refer to Veteran Resource and Support Center

TIPS FOR ADVISING STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

Become familiar with the diffi culties imposed by a particular disability: If the student is taking medication, are there certain times

of the day when the student is less alert? This could have important implications when developing a class schedule.

Be aware of the campus: Awareness of the campus could prevent enrolling a student

who uses a wheelchair in a class that can only be accessed by a stairway.

Depending upon the amount of time allowed to pass from one class to another, any student with a mobility issue might have diffi culty with classes scheduled back to back in different buildings.

TIPS FOR ADVISING STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

Know the rules and regulations of Texas A&M University: Financial aid and course substitutions are two examples of areas

that can be used to a student's advantage. As well as early registration. A student with a disability can receive some forms of financial aid even

though the student is enrolled in less than twelve hours, if their disability warrants it.

Other students may qualify for a course substitution. Advisors need to know the procedures on their campus for such things as obtaining a course substitution if they hope to assist students who qualify.

Develop a collaborative relationship with the Department of Disability Services (DS): DS is responsible for establishing eligibility for accommodations,

determining the nature of the accommodations needed by a particular student and helping to insure that the student receives the accommodations for which they are eligible.

TIPS FOR ADVISING STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

QUESTIONS?