Disability Services

Disability Policy

Southwestern Adventist University complies with the provisions set forth in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008, offering reasonable accommodations to qualified students with documented disabilities. In keeping with Southwestern Adventist University policy, any student with a disability who requires academic accommodations will need to call Disability Services at 817-202-6614 or email: cruzd@swau.edu, to arrange a confidential appointment with the Coordinator of Disability Services during the first week of classes. 

Accommodations for disabilities are available only as recommended by the Coordinator of Disability Services after review of supporting documentation. Accommodations will not be provided if they fundamentally alter or impact the nature of the program, or inappropriately impede access for others. The University’s goal is to provide an academic experience and learning opportunity, not to guarantee the success of the student’s education or career.

Our Mission:

It is the mission of the Disability Services Office to help student with disabilities develop academically, socially, and spiritually through support.  

Goals of Disability Services Office

The Disability Services Office seeks to empower students with disabilities to access all aspects of university life at Southwestern Adventist University through:

1. The implementation of appropriate accommodations in accordance with Section 504/ADA policy.
2. Assisting students with disabilities as they learn to self-advocate. Assist them with academic excellence, time-management, and self-knowledge.
3. Coordinating academic and other support services by collaborating with the students, faculty and university staff.
4. Education of the university faculty and staff about disability issues and concerns.
5. Fostering student development academically, socially and spiritually through the support of the Disabilities Services Office.

Services and Accommodations:

The Disability Services Office offers a range of accommodations and support services designed to assist students with disabilities.  Each person has a unique set of needs, and reasonable accommodations are determined on an individual basis, utilizing the student's disability-related documentation.  The accommodations and services are available to students with appropriate documentation on file.  Accommodations and services include: 

Accommodations

The following services may be available on a case-by-case basis depending on the documented disability:

• Determination of appropriate accommodations
• Notetakers
• Extended testing time
• Classroom accommodations or modifications
• Communication with faculty and advisor regarding student needs
• Assistance in obtaining recorded textbooks and identifying readers/scribes/attendants
• Information and referral for additional services
• accessibility information
• advocacy
• audiobooks
• braille materials (limited)
• Distraction-Free Testing
• sign-language interpreters

Additional services and accommodations may be offered based on documented needs.

Department of Disability Services

The Coordinator of Disability Services serves as a liaison for students with the faculty, staff, and administration.  The Coordinator's office is in Moran Hall, located at 300 N. College Drive.