Office for Students with Disabilities
Hardin-Simmons University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 regarding students with disabilities.
No other qualified individual shall, solely by reason of his handicap, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity at Hardin-Simmons University. Hardin-Simmons University shall provide reasonable accommodations for each student who
- has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity,
- has a record or history of such an impairment, or
- is regarded as having such an impairment.
How do I apply for services?
Students must apply and be accepted for admission at Hardin-Simmons University. Students with disabilities go through regular admissions procedures. Once accepted to HSU, students requesting accommodations must apply with the Office for Students with Disabilities. Current (within the past three years, or as an adult) and comprehensive documentation of the disability must be provided to the Coordinator for Students with Disabilities. Information concerning a student's disability is treated in a confidential manner in accordance with University policies as well as state and federal laws. Documentation presented to the Coordinator shall be reviewed to verify the existence of a disability. If the documentation provided by the student is determined to be insufficient by the Coordinator, Hardin-Simmons University reserves the right to request additional documentation considered reasonably necessary to determine appropriate and effective accommodations on the college level.
Eligible students seeking accommodations should contact the Coordinator as soon as possible in the academic term (preferably during the first two weeks of a long semester) for which they are seeking accommodations. The Coordinator shall prepare letters to appropriate faculty members concerning specific, reasonable academic adjustments for the student. The student is responsible for delivering accommodation letters and conferring with faculty members. The Coordinator shall consult with the student and with HSU faculty and staff to ensure delivery of appropriate support services and shall serve as liaison between the student and the faculty member as needed.
Documentation Criteria
Guidelines for documentation of a disability are available in the Office for Students with Disabilities. Hardin-Simmons University is a member of the Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD) and follows the Association's guidelines for documentation of a disability.
Each eligible student is responsible for presenting relevant, verifiable, professional documentation and/or assessment reports to the Coordinator for Students with Disabilities. Information concerning a student's disability is treated in a confidential manner in accordance with University policy as well as applicable federal and state laws. Documentation presented to the Coordinator shall be reviewed to verify the existence of a disability or to assist the University in determining appropriate accommodations.