Disability Services
The Students with Disabilities Office makes educational opportunities more accessible
by coordinating support services for students with disabilities. Our goal is
to help students achieve their goals to the fullest potential possible. All
services – except Scoptic Screening – are provided free of charge
to students who are eligible. All documentation is kept confidential.
Contact Information
Disability Services Office
Eileen Cross, ADA Counselor
Building A, Room 136
Phone: 281.756.3533
TDD: 281.756.3845
Fax: 281.756.3843
Email: ecross@alvincollege.edu
Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Register for Disability Services
Arrange a personal interview with the ADA Counselor at least 45 days prior to your first semester. Bring to the meeting documentation of disability from a psychologist, physician, TCB, DARS, or school. Suggested guidelines are available upon request. During the initial meeting, you will be asked to complete forms requesting service, and discuss accommodations with the counselor.
Qualifying for Disability Services
You qualify for disability services when you have appropriate documentation of a disability that qualifies under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (1973) or the Americans with Disability Act (1990) and; you require academic accommodations due to the disability.
Types of Services Available
• Specialized guidance and counseling
• Building and campus accessibility
• Irlen/Scoptic screening
• Learning style and strategy inventories
• Reasonable accommodations, which might include:
o Testing accommodations
o Books on tape
o Referrals
o Interpreters
o Registration assistance
Specialized Equipment Available for Checkout
• Brailer
• Closed circuit television
• Alpha Smart Keyboard
• Adaptive computer hardware
Placement Testing for Students Needing Disability Services
Effective as of September 1998, all students are required to take a placement test before registering for a college credit class at a Texas public college. For exemption qualifications, contact the ADA Counselor. Individuals may be approved for special testing accommodations if they request the accommodations and provide the required documentation in advance. Students with a documented learning disability must have accommodations on their first attempt at the placement test to qualify for TEC 51.306.
We recommend that you meet with the ADA Counselor before registering for placement testing if you need to request accommodations.
Off-Campus Services
Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS)
Individuals with disabilities that constitute a substantial barrier to employment
may qualify for vocational rehabilitation services. Services offered to eligible
individuals may include job readiness, referrals, tuition assistance, diagnostic
testing, counseling and guidance, and assistance in acquiring adaptive equipment.
Prospective clients should apply at the DARS Office five months prior to admission
to ACC. Contact the ADA Counselor for area DARS referrals, tuition assistance,
diagnostic testing, counseling and guidance, and phone numbers. Website: www.dars.state.tx.us.
Phone: 1-800-628-5115 (Voice/TDD).
Texas Commission for the Blind (TCB)
Texas Commission for the Blind is the state agency that provides assistance
to individuals who are blind or visually impaired. The client assistance toll-free
number is 1-800-252-9605.
Texas Relay Service
This service allows users of TDD to call someone without a TDD. Call 1-800-735-2988
and operators will relay information between the two parties. All information
relayed is confidential.
Student Organizations
Alvin Community College enjoys an active Student Organization for Disability
Awareness (SODA) where members have the opportunity to:
• Increase knowledge and understanding of issues facing persons with disabilities
• Develop an understanding of self empowerment and advocacy
• Access employment and career information pertaining to persons with disabilities
• Attend off campus activities and conferences
• Meet new friends and learn to network