Attachment VII

Guidelines for Acquired Brain Injury Accommodation

WHO IS CONSIDERED A QUALIFIED STUDENT WITH A DISABILITY?

In order to provide quality services to students with disabilities, Texas State University-San Marcos (Texas State) requires a student provide verification of disability to the Office of Disability Services (ODS) at the time services are requested. A student who has an existing diagnosis or documentation of Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) which has been completed by a certified professional (e.g., psychologist, psychiatrist or physician) within the last five years may submit this documentation to the ODS for consideration. In certain cases, updated information may be required. This information will be used to establish the need for appropriate accommodations.

The disabilities addressed in this guideline include Acquired Brain Injury. For disorders of attention, refer to the "Guidelines for Attention Deficit Disorder Accommodation" (Attachment VIII), for mobility and other disabilities refer to the "Guidelines for General Disability Accommodation” (Attachment IX), for learning disabilities refer to "Guidelines for Learning Disability Accommodation" (Attachment X), and for psychological disabilities refer to "Guidelines for Psychological Disability Accommodation" (Attachment XI).

A student needing documentation of ABI can receive referral from the ODS. It is the responsibility of the student, not the ODS or the University to pay for the cost of an evaluation.

Students should keep a copy of any disability documentation provided to the ODS for their own records. The ODS will maintain a student's file no longer than five years after graduation or the last semester services are requested.

WHAT IS ABI DISABILITY CRITERIA?

The characteristics of ABI may be grouped into three general domains: inattention, impulsivity, slowed processing, and impaired memory. Each student with ABI has a unique set of traits and characteristics. The following list of characteristics may be associated with ABI: inattention, distractibility, slow rate of processing information, impaired memory, poor concentration, irritability, or poor impulse control.

I. Required Documentation

The diagnostic report should include the following information:

1. A DSM-IV diagnostic code*

2. Psychological test results used to support the diagnosis

3. Learning areas impaired by the disorder

4. Academic accommodations recommended by the examiner

5. The time period for which academic accommodations are recommended

6. Examiner's name, address, phone number and credentials to include professional license number.

*Academic accommodations are not granted for Axis I or II codes preceded by a "V".

II. Recommended Documentation

A. Medical evaluation noting medication prescribed, if any, and its effects and side effects.

B. Neurological/neuropsychological evaluation.

RECOMMENDED ACCOMMODATIONS

In addition to the diagnostic evaluation, a report should include recommended academic accommodations. Accommodations for ABI may include extended time on exams, reduced distraction environment for testing, seating in front of the classroom, advance registration of classes and reduced course load. In addition for use by the University, these recommended accommodations might be needed in the future for standardized tests including the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).

HOW ARE ACCOMMODATIONS AND SUPPORT SERVICES DETERMINED?

Within 30 days of receiving the diagnostic evaluation or report, the ODS will review the need for accommodations and support services based on the individual's disability documentation and disability-based need. The ODS will notify the student after determining appropriate accommodations in accordance with Section 504 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act, the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act and university policy. For a description of services available for students with disabilities at the University, see the Office of Disability Services brochure.