Accommodations
In order to provide equal access to opportunities for persons with disabilities, UTRGV provides accommodations as mandated by ADA and Section 504. The purpose of accommodations is to “level the playing field” and ensure equal access to the University’s programs and services.
Accommodations provided are unique to each individual and are based on the nature of the disability, the resulting functional limitations, and curriculum requirements. UTRGV is not required to provide the “best” or “most desired” accommodation. UTRGV can meet its obligations as long as the proposed accommodation is sufficient to satisfy the learning accessibility needs of the student.
Some examples of accommodations include but are not limited to:
- Extended testing time
- Use of audio recorder in class
- Distraction-reduced testing environment
- Use of a volunteer note taker
- Priority registration
- Students who are registered with SAS have priority registration and may begin registering for classes once registration is open.
Accommodations that are considered “unreasonable” are those that would result in a substantial change in an essential element of the curriculum, require a substantial alteration of a program or service, be an undue financial or administrative burden, or pose a direct threat to the health or safety of others.
Following a student’s initial registration and participation in the interactive intake process, the student must register with SAS each semester (or academic term) in order to receive accommodations. SAS reviews accommodations each semester to determine if they are appropriate for a student’s courses during the new semester. In the event an accommodation is determined to fundamentally alter curriculum requirements, it can no longer be approved. In these cases, SAS will communicate with the student regarding the necessary change.
For additional information, please see the SAS Accommodations Glossary:
https://www.utrgv.edu/accessibility/accommodations/glossary/index.htm