Making UT Austin Inclusive, Accessible and Welcoming
August 2023 D&A Newsletter
Content Overview:
Important Accommodation Letter Reminder
Accommodation Orientation
Disability Resource Fair
Neurodiversity Welcome Mixer
Connect with the Disability Cultural Center
Important Accommodation Letter Reminder
Classes for the Fall 2023 semester start on August 21st and the accommodation letter process has changed! You can find more information about the new accommodation letter process on the Using Accommodations at UT page. Your Access Coordinator will be sending an email next week with important instructions about using your accommodations for fall so be sure to read through it carefully so you can follow any instructions specific to your accommodations.
Accommodation Orientation
Accommodation Orientation consists of sessions for incoming students and returning students. Please read through the list of sessions and RSVP to those that apply to you. You can RSVP for any of the sessions using this form.
Introduction to Disability and Access for Incoming Students
Date and Time: Wednesday, August 16th, 2023 from 1:00-2:00PM
This session will review the process for how to effectively use accommodations at UT, prepare students to have conversations with instructors about their accommodations, and provide time to meet the D&A Access Coordinators. Set yourself up for success by making sure you are prepared and ready to use your accommodations this semester! All incoming students are strongly encouraged to attend.
Content specific sessions for incoming and returning students
Incoming and returning students are invited to attend the virtual sessions that are focused on specific types of accommodations and topics. A zoom link for each virtual session will be sent out before the event if you RSVP.
How to Register with D&A (for students who have not yet registered for accommodations)
This event will provide an opportunity for participants to learn more about the process of applying for academic and testing accommodations at UT Austin.
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Overview (D/HH Students only)
The Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing (D/HH) Accommodation Orientation will focus on discussing accommodations and services typically utilized by D/HH students registered with Disability and Access. This event is for students who have already registered for accommodations with D&A.
This session will provide students with tools and tips they can use to advocate for themselves when discussing their accommodations. This event is for students who have already registered for accommodations with D&A.
Flexibility with Attendance and the Attendance Policy Addendum (APA)
Reserved for students who have been approved for Flexibility with Attendance as an accommodation, this session will provide guidance regarding the use of this accommodation and an overview of the attendance policy addendum tool. This event is for students who have already registered for accommodations with D&A.
Accommodated Testing at D&A and the Campus Testing Center
Learn about the different options for accommodated testing options and how to request tests in the Campus Testing Center. This event is for students who have already registered for accommodations with D&A.
The deadline RSVP for Accommodation Orientation and Special Sessions is Thursday, August 10th! Click the button below to RSVP. Learn more about Accommodation Orientation, Disability Resource Fair, and more campus-wide events on the D&A Website.
Disability Resource Fair
Disability and Access, the Disability Cultural Center, and the Disability Advocacy Student Coalition are excited to be co-hosting the Disability Resource Fair. This event will give students the opportunity to connect with disability-related campus resources, from support services to student organizations. All campus members are welcome!
Wednesday, August 30th, 2023 from 12:30PM-2:30PM
Location: Student Services Building, 100 West Dean Keeton Street, Glenn Maloney Student Assembly Room (G1.310)
We looking forward to meeting you at our Accommodation Orientation Sessions virtually and the Disability Resource Fair in person! Students can contact their Access Coordinator if they have specific questions about their accommodations.
Neurodiversity Welcome Mixer
Stay tuned for more information about an upcoming Neurodiversity Mixer on Thursday, August 24 from 3 – 5p.m. in the WCP Black Box Theater during Longhorn Welcome! Co-hosted by Longhorn TIES Neurodiversity Support, Disability & Access, and the Disability Cultural Center, this come-and-go social event will be open to the UT community of neurodivergent students, faculty, staff, and allies. Stop by and bring your friends for snacks, crafts, fidgets, giveaways, games, and more. More details to come!
Connect with the Disability Cultural Center
UT’s Disability Cultural Center is focused on Disability Community, Education and Advocacy and will be offering a variety of opportunities for disabled students to connect with each other and other members of the UT community. Check out the calendar of events and ways to get connected on campus. Complete the DCC Student Interest Form to receive updates on topics that interest you!
D&A encourages you to reach out to your assigned Access Coordinator with any questions and concerns throughout the semester! You can find your Access Coordinator’s contact information on the bottom of your Accommodation Letter. If you do not know who your Access Coordinator is, please reach out to D&A using the contact information below: