About
Welcome to Student Accessibility Services (SAS). SAS is committed to assisting students with disabilities to obtain meaningful academic accommodations in an environment with equal access to the many excellent programs and activities offered by the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.
SAS services include evaluating disability documentation, arranging academic accommodations, and providing consultation to students with disabilities, including those with temporary disabilities (e.g., mobility limitations and transient but severe illnesses).
We also strive to serve the broader University community by raising awareness of the needs and rights of persons with disabilities. We facilitate dialogue about issues of diversity and inclusion and promote respect for the unique needs, challenges, strengths, and contributions of community members. In doing so, we support the UTRGV priority of student success. We are available for consultation on a broad range of disability issues to the UTRGV community (faculty, staff, and all students).
We invite students to explore SAS resources, ask questions, visit with SAS staff, and utilize the programs and services designed to support students' academic goals.
The staff of Student Accessibility Services looks forward to working with students as they explore and recognize their full potential at UTRGV.
MISSION
Student Accessibility Services (SAS) exists to facilitate students’ equal access to university programs and services, promote student learning and development, foster independence and self-advocacy, and provide leadership to the campus on disability issues.
What is a disability?
The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) defines disability as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, which may include learning disabilities (dyslexia, etc.), psychological (PTSD, depression, anxiety disorders, etc.), physical/mobility, hearing, vision, speech, and other health impairments (attention deficit disorders, medical conditions, etc.).
Services available
SAS offers accommodations such as
- Extended time on tests
- Distraction-reduced testing environment
- Alternate format textbooks and class materials
- Sign language interpreting
- Volunteer note-taker services
- Assistive technology
- Accessible furniture
- Referrals to campus and community resources
Registering for services and requesting accommodations
mySAS is available online: www.utrgv.edu/mySAS
- Request accommodations through the mySAS portal.
- mySAS Tutorials: https://www.utrgv.edu/accessibility/students/mysas/index.htm
- For assistance navigating mySAS, please contact SAS: 956-665-7005 (Edinburg) or 956-882-7374 (Brownsville)
Student new to SAS
- Students with a qualified disability are invited to contact Student Accessibility Services for an appointment. Students are required to provide documentation of disability from a qualified professional.
- Documentation can be uploaded using the mySAS portal. Please refer to the SAS Documentation Guidelines: https://www.utrgv.edu/accessibility/students/documentation-guidelines/index.htm
- Students with temporary disabilities, such as broken bones and recent surgeries, may also apply.
Returning SAS students
- If you are requesting the same accommodations which have been previously approved by SAS, simply login to mySAS to request accommodations for each of your courses.
- If you are requesting any new accommodations, please contact SAS to schedule an appointment. Documentation to support the new request may be required.