The Office of Disability Services (ODS) is a department under Student Affairs at Tennessee Technological University that is dedicated to providing services to students with documented permanent or temporary disabilities. Our goal is to ensure equal access to all university programs. Our functions include, but are not limited to, proctoring tests, providing adaptive technology demonstration/orientation, and consulting with university faculty and staff on disability-related matters.
As defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, a disability is a mental or physical impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. If there exists a mental or physical condition, a history of such a condition, or a condition that may be considered by others as substantially limiting, then you may have a legally defined disability.
According to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, "substantially limiting" is defined as being unable to perform a major life activity, or being significantly restricted as to the condition, manner, or duration under which a major life activity can be performed, in comparison to the average person or to most people.
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, defines a major life activity as caring for self, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working.
When applying to TTU, prospective students need to follow the guidelines of the Admissions Office and the Registration Office. There are no special admissions procedures. Registration with the Office of Disability Services (ODS) is a separate procedure. Please contact the office for more information.
Tennessee Tech University
Office of Disability Services
Box 5091, Roaden University Center, Room 112
Cookeville, TN 38505-0001
(931) 372-6119
If you suspect that you have a disability that is impacting your academic performance, you need to provide the Office of Disability Services with appropriate documentation of that disability from a qualified professional. The qualified professional must be licensed or certified to diagnose the disability in question. Documentation is required by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 in order to provide requested academic adjustments. An appointment for an intake should be scheduled with ODS in order to review the documentation and determine what academic adjustments may be appropriate.
ODS does not diagnose disabilities. However, please feel free to contact the office for help in obtaining a referral to a qualified professional in our community.
Acceptable documentation must reflect the following:
Academic adjustments include, but are not limited to, testing adjustments, adaptive technology services, and assistance in arranging other support services (e.g., interpreters, notetakers, scribes, and readers).
While the IEP is a valuable resource of information, it cannot be used as documentation for a disability.
Students who are 18 years old or older are legally recognized as adults. As such, each student is responsible for his or her own accommodation requests and disability-related decisions. However, students are encouraged to have open communication with parents or other significant family members.
Students with physical disabilities are encouraged to register with ODS for support and advocacy with access to buildings and other university activities. Please contact ODS for more information.
If you have a VR counselor in your hometown, you are encouraged to have your counselor contact ODS at Tennessee Tech so that services can be coordinated.
Civil and Equal Opportunity Rights
Please contact ODS for more information.
Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure
TTU is committed to assuring the constitutional and statutory confidentiality protections and the rights of non-disclosure of students with disabilities. Documentation required while verifying a disability is not shared with any person or entity without consultation with and written permission by the student unless prescribed by law.
Non-Discrimination and Advocacy
TTU promotes the elimination of discriminatory attitudinal barriers to students with disabilities and provides awareness and advocacy support in this mission. TTU does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, disability, or any other constitutionally or statutory impermissible reason.
Individualized Services & Inclusion
TTU determines all services and support needs on an individual basis. The specific disability and the essential functions of classes and programs determine reasonable academic adjustments and auxiliary aids. The University community works as a team to promote inclusion of students with disabilities in all programs and activities of the University.
Student Self-Determination
TTU recognizes that the development of self-determination skills and resources is critical to the academic, personal, and employment success of students with disabilities. The University strives to provide and promote services and opportunities to support this need.