Get Started with the DRC
Start Here
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Getting started with the DRC involves completing our online form. Students can access a paper copy or request assistance in completing the form with the DRC office (University Center 352, 423-425-4006, [email protected]). Once the form has been completed, the student will receive an automated email about scheduling to meet with one of our access coordinators to further discuss accommodation needs, history, etc.
Interactive Process
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During the individualized meeting with an Access Coordinator to discuss any barriers student are experiencing, the history of accommodations if applicable and any reasonable accommodations we can apply in the college setting. Not all accommodations translate to college, so we may need to discuss alternative accommodations for what students have received in the past. Through this process, the Access Coordinator will determine the accommodations that can be considered reasonable.
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If a student is dissatisfied with the decision of the Access Coordinator of the Disability Resource Center, students may appeal the decision in writing to the Executive Director of the DRC at [email protected]. If the Executive Director upholds the decision of the Access Coordinator, student may appeal that decision to the ADA Coordinator of UTC at [email protected].
Documentation Guidelines
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Federal law requires students' requests for academic adjustments, auxiliary aids, and other accommodations be determined on a case-by-case basis. The guidelines below were created to facilitate the individualized review of each students' request and to assist the Disability Resource Center (DRC) in developing an appropriate accommodation plan together with the student.
Definition of a Disability
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Disability documentation is needed along with a completed Connect with the DRC Form to determine appropriate academic services, modifications, and reasonable accommodations.
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The individual is a primary source of information regarding institutional barriers they may experience on the basic of a disability.
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Documentation guidelines vary from one institution to another. If attending a different institution or taking a standardized test administered by an outside agency, students are responsible for researching those documentation policies/guidelines and requirements. Due to varying documentation guidelines, it may not be appropriate for the DRC to complete paperwork certifying eligibility for standardized tests.
Disability Documentation
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The DRC has created guidelines to assist us in understanding specific disability related impacts. The DRC utilizes individualized information to determine what documentation we may need to understand individual impacts of disability and what reasonable accommodations could help alleviate barriers to an equitable experience.
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Generally, sufficient documentation includes but is not limited to a psychological/psycho-educational evaluation or a letter from a medical/mental health provider such as:
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Qualifications of Clinician/Provider: documentation should be typed on office or practice letterhead, dated and signed by a professional who is licensed or certified in the area for which the diagnosis is made. Name, title, and license/certification credentials should be stated and shall not be family members or others with a close personal relationship with the individual.
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Diagnosis and History: a diagnostic statement identifying the disability including ICD or DSM classification along with any relevant personal, psychosocial, medical, developmental and/or educational history.
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Current Impact and Functional Limitations: a clear description of the level of severity along with the current impact and functional limitations of the condition pertaining to the academic and/or residential settings. Information regarding if symptoms are constant or episodic, and the frequency and/or duration should be addressed. The information provided should reflect the condition substantially limits a major life activity or major bodily function.
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Any treatments, medication, and/or assistive devices/services currently prescribed or in use should include a description of the mediating effects and potential side effects from such treatments.
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Please note that Emotional Support Animal (ESA) documentation must speak to an existing and continuing therapeutic or clinical relationship with the student and include the diagnosis/es. The provider's letter should confirm that the ESA has been recommended for treatment purposes and is necessary to help alleviate symptoms associated with the person's condition and/or to help the person use and enjoy university housing services. Furthermore, documentation should include a clear description of how the animal will mitigate functional limitations.
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Provisional Accommodations
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The DRC will offer provisional accommodations for a limited one-semester basis. Situations where provisional accommodations may be appropriate may include, but are not limited to:
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When a student is undergoing an evaluation from a medical provider and more time is needed to complete a diagnosis;
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When time is needed to research a permanent accommodation solution, to acquire equipment, arrange a service, or identify an alternative reasonable accommodation;
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When it is necessary to test an accommodation to determine if it is effective;
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When the medical impairment is temporary but sufficiently severe enough to entitle the student to an accommodation;
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When it is necessary to avoid temporary adverse conditions in the academic environment; or
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When an accommodation can currently be provided, but may eventually pose an undue hardship if provided long-term.
Submitting Documentation
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Materials may be uploaded via your Accommodate portal. This can be done when you initially complete your Connect with the DRC form or at a later date.
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Fax 423-425-2288
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Hand delivery to the DRC main office, located at University Center 352.
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Digitally through the UT Vault, located here. (Must be sent to a staff member's email address)
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US Mail. Please note that time sensitive material are recommended to be sent via fax, hand delivery, or the Accommodate portal.
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University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
Disability Resource Center, Dept 2953
615 McCallie Avenue
Chattanooga, TN 37403
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All materials received are scanned and uploaded to a DRC maintained secure electronic database before paper copies are shredded. Individuals are encouraged to keep originals and a copy of all disability documentation submitted for a personal record and future use.
Student FAQs
- Q: Will I be able to have all the accommodations I had in high school?
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A: Accommodations can differ in the college environment from the K-12 environment. In your access appointment, the access coordinator will be able to walk you through which accommodations seem reasonable for your individual circumstances and which accommodations may not.
- Q: What if I am requesting accommodations for housing?
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A: The DRC connect form has a place where you can tell us about your housing accommodation requests. These are reviewed by our DRC committee, and all approved housing accommodations are then sent to the Housing Department.
*Please note that although we do our absolute best to meet all approved accommodations, we are limited based on availability of housing resources. If you are requesting housing accommodations, we recommend reaching out to connect to the DRC as soon as possible.
- Q: What if I am requesting meal plan accommodations?
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A: The DRC connect form has a place where you can tell us about your meal plan accommodation request. If you are requesting meal plan accommodations based on an allergy, medical impacts, etc., please include any documentation you have regarding the diagnosis and the impacts the diagnosis has on your dietary needs, The DRC will connect you with the campus dietician to further discuss what options are available to you on campus. If a meal plan accommodation is approved, Aramark will make the changes in their system regarding your meal plan status.
*For more information specific to meal plans at UTC, please click here.
- Q: What if requesting an emotional support animal (ESA)?
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A: Please note that this is a process and can take some time. All ESAs allowed in campus housing must be approved through the DRC before they can be allowed on campus. In your access appointment, the access coordinator will review the process with you and answer any questions you have. You will complete our ESA forms and submit required information on you and your animal. Once the DRC has all the needed information, the DRC committee will review to determine if the ESA request is reasonable. If approved, DRC will notify both the student and housing for next steps.
- Q: What if I have a service animal?
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A: Service animals do not need to be disclosed to the DRC. However, there are benefits in the working with the DRC if you have a service animal. The DRC can serve as a resource and advocate for you and your service animal while you are on campus navigating your higher education experience.
- Q: What if I do not have documentation regarding my disability or impacts?
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A: Please connect with our office even if you do not have documentation. The DRC offers non-accommodation resources and makes referrals to other supports on campus that could be helpful. The DRC can also advise on obtaining the necessary documentation.
For any additional questions, please contact the DRC:
University Center 352, 423-425-4006, [email protected].