Access Services
Transitioning from High School to College
Beginning college is an exciting moment in your journey; full of many firsts but also many questions. If you currently have accommodations with your high school, one of your top questions may be, "How will Austin College support my academic success?"
We invite you to schedule a meeting with our office during your visit to campus. Simply let the campus visitor coordinator in the Office of Admission know you would like to meet with Access Services. Our office is here to support you through the transition by providing you with information on what to expect. We look forward to meeting you soon.
Austin College is committed to making reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008.
Executive Director of Student Accessibility
James Reed
Arranging for New Accommodations
To arrange for accommodations, students must submit the online Accommodation Request form. Documentation in support of specific accommodation requests can be uploaded with the online request form, emailed, or delivered in person.
- Documentation must be on letterhead, dated, and signed by the diagnosing physician or evaluator.
- The report should include a description of the nature and severity of the substantial limitation to learning (or other major life activity), specific diagnosis, and recommended academic accommodations with a rationale to support them.
Semester Accommodation Renewals/Current Students
Each semester, students registered with Access Services must submit a Semester Request through their Accommodate portal. Faculty will receive their students' accommodation forms through their faculty Accommodate portal. Students are then responsible for discussing their approved accommodations directly with their instructors.
Emotional Support Animal (ESA)
Students requesting approval to bring an ESA to campus must first submit a completed ESA Packet.
The CSSAS will review this information and notify the student in writing when it is approved. Please note that animals are not allowed on campus until approved. Failure to follow this policy will result in an automatic denial of the student's ESA request.
The College reserves the right to change the ESA policies and procedures without notice to ensure best practices for the campus community's safety.
Divider Roo Curved Line
Spotlight: Neurodivergent Lounge
A relaxing space for students with neurodivergent and other disabilities.
The room is abundantly furnished with comfortable furniture, along with various items to calm and relax during times of stress (board games, fidget items, television, workspaces, etc.).
Game night, a weekly event to help students with disabilities build social skills and friendships.
Students gathered in the lounge.