Ability Services

The process for obtaining reasonable accommodations is an interactive one that begins with the student’s disclosure of his/her disability. The student has the responsibility of providing Ability Services with the appropriate documentation from a qualified physician or clinician who has diagnosed his/her disability. Students with disabilities should contact Ability Services directly. The contact must be made by the student and not a representative of the student, however parents/family are encouraged to participate in the process. Students taking online classes can contact any of the ability services to request reasonable accommodations.

Students must be on file with our office in order to obtain services including, but not limited to:

• Placement testing with reasonable accommodations (Learn more about TSIA2 Accommodations already available and built-in for all test takers)
• If needed reasonable classroom accommodations
• Interpreting or cart services
• Textbooks in an alternate format
• Assistive technology
• Referrals to agencies such as the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) and the Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD, etc.

Note: Ability Services works closely with other college departments, but does not replicate those services. We direct students to the appropriate service and facilitate referrals as needed.

Obtain appropriate documentation of your disability from your Healthcare Provider, High School, Licensed Therapist, etc. Appropriate documentation is required for the intake appointment and before accommodations can be provided. The ADA Counselor will review your documentation and determine eligibility for services.

• For a Learning/Intellectual Disability: Most recent diagnostic assessment including:
  • Diagnosis
  • Intelligence and achievement test results
  • Most recent Full and Individual Evaluation (FIE)
  • ARD documentation alone is not sufficient
  • Describe the specific accommodations requested
  • Example: one-and-one-half the amount of time allowed for other students for testing, etc. Your licensed health care provider knows what reasonable accommodations are for school/college, work, etc., based on the diagnosis of a particular disability. 
• For Other Disabilities: Recent comprehensive medical, physical, or psychological evaluation; OR typed letter on office letterhead with a signature from a licensed professional including the following:
  • Diagnosis
  • Functional limitations
  • How diagnosis of disability impacts your educational process
  • Describe the specific accommodations requested
  • Example: one-and-one-half the amount of time allowed for other students for testing, etc. Your licensed health care provider knows what reasonable accommodations are for school/college, work, etc., based on the diagnosis of a particular disability. 

For additional guidance and direction please visit the Ability Services Counselor.

Turn in your documentation to an ADA Counselor.

For additional guidance or after a student registers for classes and has their documentation, please contact the ADA counselor at the campus where you take your classes at to request your Accommodation Letter. Students taking online classes can contact any of our ADA counselors

Whether you are a student with a disability, or an instructor working with a student with a disability, we look forward to assisting you.

Please connect with an Ability Services Counselor.