Disability Services

As with all disabilities, the accommodations you receive for vision loss will be based upon the severity of the limitations created. Disability Services requires documentation of your current visual acuity in the form of a recent eye exam (preferably within the last three years), and a Certificate of Blindness from the State of Texas. In Texas, legal blindness is defined as having a visual acuity of 20/200 or worse in your better eye. A Certificate of Blindness may also make you eligible for a tuition exemption. To apply for a certificate contact your local office of the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services Division of Blind Services.

For students who meet the definition of legally blind, typical accommodations include, but are not limited to, a reserved seat near the front of the class, enlarged font sizes, extended time to take exams and complete class work, and the use of magnifiers and other equipment in class. For vision loss worse than 20/200, students may also use our Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) to magnify their readings and documents, receive extra time on exams and in class work, and assistive technology may be utilized in the classroom such as portable CCTV's and note taking.

For severe to total blindness, the accommodation process is more complicated and involves the cooperation of Disability Services, the Texas Division of Blind Services, and Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic (RFB&D). These organizations provide taped books and other services free of charge. To take advantage of these services you must make your requests for alternative formats as early as possible. Requests must be made using the Alternative Format Request form which is available in the Disability Services office. The creation of alternative formats takes time, so it is important that you decide what classes you want to take and identify the necessary texts and assignments. If you are approved for alternative formats through Disability Services, you are also eligible for early registration through our office. If you are a new student, you must apply for Disability Services before any of these accommodations can be created or provided. Note, you must bring to Disability Services an actual copy of the book or a receipt showing you purchased the book before conversion begins. Occasionally, instructors do not release their booklists until a few days before the start of the semester and assistance from the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) can be delayed. Contact the Disability Services Coordinator, Kerry Tate at disabilityservices@utdallas.edu or 972-883-2098 if this is a problem.

In preparing to attend classes at UT Dallas, it is essential that you become oriented to the campus. Orientation is defined as a "personal service" which universities and colleges do not provide. You either must hire your own orientation specialist or request this service from the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services Division of Blind Services.

The above accommodations are only examples of typical services students receive. All services are individualized and based on your medical documentation. For further information regarding vision documentation requirements, please visit the ETS (Educational Testing Service) website and view the ETS vision documentation report.

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