Welcome, students and families! The Office of Accessibility Services is here to support your access needs through the accommodation process.
We are excited for you to continue your lifelong learning journey at Concordia University Texas. As you prepare to join us, you may need to request specific accommodations to help you achieve your academic goals and engage with our campus community. The Office of Accessibility Services is here to assist you!
Please review the general information below about the accommodation process and life as a college student with disabilities. If you have any specific questions about what you’ve read or your own story, please email us at accessibilityservices@concordia.edu.
Looking to start the Accommodation Process?
A great place to start is our Guide to Requesting Accommodations. This document outlines the entire process, from start to finish, so you know what to expect throughout.
When you are ready, your first step will be to complete the Request for Accommodations form, detailing the barriers you face because of your disability or health condition. Supporting documentation is encouraged at this point because, in most cases, it will be required to understand the impacts of your disability on your daily life or education.
Quality documentation includes:
- high school accommodations plans (e.g., 504 plans or IEPs)
- medical provider’s statement of eligibility on letterhead
- medical records
- diagnostic assessments
- Office of Accessibility Services Forms found in the Guide to Requesting Accommodations
The Office of Accessibility Services will review your complete request and determine the appropriate accommodations. Previously granted accommodations or recommendations from third-party providers do not guarantee accommodations.
Guide to Requesting Accommodations Complete Your Request Form
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Getting Started
How do I receive accommodations at CTX?
In college, students must self-identify as having a disability. This process begins by completing the Accommodation Request Form to register with the Office of Accessibility Services. For more information about the entire process, view our Guide to Requesting Accommodations below or contact us.
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Accessibility Services Policies
What accommodations and services are available?
Upon completing the Accommodation Request Form with the necessary supporting documentation, students will meet with the Office of Accessibility Services staff to review the approved accommodations and services. Accommodations are considered on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the specific barriers each student faces. In the college setting, though, typical accommodations include support with notetaking, text-to-speech tools, access to digital versions of texts, and testing accommodations. Concordia University Texas also protects students’ rights to have service animals and emotional support animals while on campus. For more information about these policies and procedures, see:
Accessibility Services Handbook (PDF)
Service Animals (PDF)
Emotional Support Animals (PDF)
Taking Tests in the Testing Center (website)
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Differences from High School
How will college be different from high school?
Typically, in the high school setting, the school is responsible for identifying a student’s disability and maintaining his or her educational plan. Once the transition is made to college, the student becomes responsible for his or her educational goals and disability management. Students should self-identify their disability to receive services and accommodations from CTX. During their studies at CTX, students should self-advocate for their needs and work with the Office of Accessibility Services and their professors to reach their educational goals. For further reading on the differences between high school and college, please see the following resources:
The Differences Between Secondary Post-secondary Disability Laws (PDF)
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Scholarships and Financial Aid Resources
Are there additional funding opportunities for students with disabilities?
YES! Students with disabilities should begin by completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to access federal financial aid opportunities. In addition, there are many external scholarships available specifically to help cover the cost of attendance for students with disabilities.
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Assistive Technology Resources
What assistive technology resources are available?
Course materials are made available through Blackboard Ultra with many features thoughtfully constructed ahead of time. Watch Blackboard Ultra’s accessibility design process or learn about more key accessibility features of Blackboard Ultra. You may be offered assistive technology tools, such as Read Speaker, when gaining access to digital textbooks or completing exams in the Testing Center. No matter what, the Office of Accessibility Services is here to help problem solve any needs that may arise during your studies at CTX and can connect you to any additional resources needed.