Student Life

Disability Services

Welcome to Disability Services

Mission Statement

The mission of Disability Services is to provide equal opportunities and equal access to education, programs, and activities for all students with disabilities at New Mexico Tech. Disability Services works collaboratively with University Partners to foster a welcoming, diverse and inclusive community.

Theresa Kappel Disability Case Manager

Phone 575-835-6209

disability@nmt.edu

Brown Hall

Book an appointment

https://calendly.com/theresa-kappel-disability-services

To request accommodations:

1) Complete the Student Request for Accommodation Form

2) Provide Documentation NMT Office for Disability Services Documentation Policy

3) Request a meeting: email disability@nmt.edu or call 575-835-6209

4) Participate in an interactive welcome meeting with the Office for Disability Services

It is the responsibility of the Student to request accommodations and to make their needs known to the Office for Disability Services (ODS). Accommodations are an on-going interactive process in which the student is expected to be a key player and self-advocate. Accommodations are not retroactive.

ODS arranges accommodations for students who have documented disabilities that affect their ability to participate on an equal basis with students who do not have disabilities. NMT will work with the student through an interactive process to provide appropriate and reasonable accommodations. Accommodations cannot fundamentally alter a course, curriculum, the learning outcomes or NMT policy.

New Mexico Tech recognizes its obligations under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended. New Mexico Tech is committed to equality of educational opportunity and ensures that no qualified person shall by reason of a disability be denied access to, participation in, or the benefits of any program or activity operated by the University.

Students are encouraged to request services well in advance of the start of the semester to allow adequate time to make arrangements. Students should provide current documentation to be eligible for accommodations. Documentation will state the impact and specific functional limitations relating to the disability.

Information for New and Returning Students

New Students

The Office for Disability Services assists students with documented disabilities. These include, but are not limited to the following: Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorders, Autism Spectrum, Health Impairments, Learning Disabilities, Physical Disabilities, Psychiatric Disorders, or Sensory Disabilities. Qualified students with a disability that is significantly limiting are provided appropriate and reasonable accommodations, on a case-by- case basis, to afford equal access with respect to the institutions programs, activities and services. Our goal is to create an accessible environment in which students thrive and become independent; develop self-empowerment, self-advocacy, and personal strengths.

The student is responsibilities in procuring accommodations at the post- secondary level. It is important if you have a disability, for which you may need accommodating, that you contact ODS as soon as possible. Accommodations are not retroactive. Our goal is to be prepared with your accommodations when you start classes. This is an area where being proactive is very important.

We also encourage you to visit or contact the office if you have any questions about disability accommodations.

*Please complete the Student Request for Accommodation form before your first appointment with the Disability Case Manager. Please send other diagnostic documentation to the office before your initial meeting.

Student Requst for Accommodation Form (PDF Fillable)

Procedure to Request Accommodation (PDF)

NMT Office for Disability Services Documentation Policy (PDF)

Procedure for requesting Letter of Accommodation (PDF)

Returning Students

At the beginning of each semester/summer session, complete the accommodation letter request form below. Return the form to ODS along with a copy of your class schedule. It would be in your best interest to request accommodation letters at least 2 weeks prior to the start of the semester. This will allow ODS to better serve and accommodate you in a timely fashion.

It is the student's responsibility to pick up and deliver accommodation letters as soon as possible, accommodations are not retroactive. If you have any questions please contact us at disability@nmt.edu or 575-835-6209.

Letter of Accommodation (LOA) Request

Please complete the Student Request for Accommodation Form; email, bring it to ODS prior to your first appointment with the Disability Case Manager along with other diagnostic documentation.

Procedure Request Disability Services (PDF)

Student Request for Accommodation Form (PDF Fillable)

NMT Office for Disability Services Documentation Policy(PDF)

Exam Proctoring

The Office for Disability Services (ODS) has limited space for students requiring extended time or reduced distraction environment when taking exams based on eligible accommodations under the American Disability Act (ADA, 1990). The student is responsible for working with their professor to have the exam test request form completed. Submission of this form to ODS via email disability@nmt.edu or in-person is required at least 48 hours before the exam is to be proctored.

ODS Exam Proctoring Request Form (PDF Fillable)

(To be completed by the student and faculty member)