What is an accommodation?

An accommodation is a modification or adjustment to a course, program, service, activity or facility that enables a qualified student with a disability to have fair treatment. Fair treatment means an opportunity to attain the same level of performance or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges as are available to a similarly-situated student without a disability. The University is obligated to make an accommodation only to the known limitations of an otherwise qualified student with a disability.

To determine accommodations, the Office of Student Accessibility Services may seek information from appropriate University personnel regarding the essential standards for courses, programs, services, activities and facilities. Students and the practitioners directly involved in assessing the individual student’s disability may provide recommendations for accommodations. However, final determination of accommodations that will allow the student equal access will be made by the Office of Student Accessibility Services.

Accommodations are determined by examining:

The barriers resulting from the interaction between the documented disability and the campus environment;

• The possible accommodations that might remove barriers;
• Whether or not the student has access to the course, program, service, activity or facility without accommodations;
• Whether or not essential elements of the course, program, service, activity, or facility are compromised by the accommodation.

The Office of Student Accessibility Services realizes that accommodations are individualized and flexible, based on the nature of the documented disability and the environment. Accommodations will be continued only if they are shown to be effective in providing equal access and/or the student receiving accommodations uses them responsibly. The student should make an appointment prior to the start of each semester to discuss ongoing or new accommodations.

Under provision of the ADA regulations, students are guaranteed fair treatment with no guarantee of specific outcomes. In addition, Tarleton State University reserves the right to define the essential skills for its various degree programs and certificates; to refuse services to students who do not meet the standards establishing them as a person with a disability; and who do not follow procedures for accessing services.