Accessibility Appeals and Grievances

Texas Tech Health El Paso is committed to providing students with disabilities equal access to its programs, services and activities. Students may use the procedures on this page to address concerns involving accommodations, accessibility services or disability discrimination.

Students may contact Accessibility Services for assistance understanding or navigating any of these procedures.

Choose the Appropriate Process

Resolve an accessibility concern: Use the informal resolution process for concerns involving communication, services or implementation of an approved accommodation.
Appeal an accommodation decision: Use the accommodation appeal process when you disagree with a decision made by Accessibility Services.
Report disability discrimination: Use the institutional grievance process when you believe you have experienced discrimination, harassment or retaliation based on disability.

Resolve an Accessibility Concern

Some concerns result from a misunderstanding or miscommunication and may be resolved through direct discussion.

Contact the person or office most directly involved in the decision or incident.
Contact the individual’s supervisor or department chair if the concern is not resolved.
Contact Accessibility Services for assistance resolving the concern.

Students are encouraged to report concerns as soon as possible and provide clear, specific information about the issue.

Students should expect to be treated respectfully, receive a timely response and have their information handled as confidentially as possible. Retaliation against anyone who requests an accommodation or reports a concern is prohibited.

Appeal an Accommodation Decision

When an Appeal May Be Submitted

An accommodation may not be approved when it would fundamentally alter an essential academic, clinical or technical requirement. These decisions are made through an interactive process involving the student, the academic program and, when appropriate, qualified experts.

A student who disagrees with an Accessibility Services decision is encouraged to first discuss the concern with the Manager of Accessibility and Student Advocacy. If the concern is not resolved, the student may submit a formal appeal.

Appeal Deadline and Submission

A written appeal must be submitted within 20 days after the student receives the accommodation decision from the Manager of Accessibility and Student Advocacy.

Download the Appeals Form.

Completed appeal forms may be submitted by email or delivered in person to the assistant vice president for Student Services and Student Engagement at 137 Rick Francis Street, MSB II, 2nd Floor, 2C201, El Paso, TX 79905.

Appeal Review Process

The assistant vice president for Student Services and Student Engagement, acting as the vice president for Academic Affairs’ designee, reviews accommodation appeals.

After receiving a completed appeal, the assistant vice president will:

Review the appeal and the student’s Accessibility Services file.
Meet with the student to discuss the request.
Request additional documentation when necessary.
Consult with health care professionals or other qualified experts when appropriate.

The initial review will occur within 10 institutional days. When additional information is requested, the review will be completed within five institutional days after the information is received. The assistant vice president’s decision is final.

Review OP 77.14, Establishing Reasonable Accommodations for Students with Disabilities for the complete appeal requirements.

Report Disability Discrimination

Students who believe they have experienced discrimination, harassment or retaliation based on disability may use Texas Tech Health El Paso’s formal complaint procedure.

This process may also be used when a student believes the institution has not met its obligations under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act or the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act.

Review OP 51.02, Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy and Complaint Procedure

Institutional Contacts

Student Services and Student Engagement

Assistant Vice President for Student Services and Student Engagement
915-215-4918

Academic Affairs

Vice President for Academic Affairs
915-215-4864

Student Support Services

Director of Student Support Services
Glenn.Yri@ttep.edu

University Policies and Resources

External Complaint Option

Students may file an external complaint with the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights. External agencies may have separate filing requirements and deadlines.

U.S. Department of Education
Office for Civil Rights, Dallas Office
1999 Bryan Street, Suite 1620
Dallas, TX 75201-6810
Phone: 214-661-9600
Fax: 214-661-9587
Email: OCR.Dallas@ed.gov

Students may also seek advice from a private attorney. Texas Tech Health El Paso cannot provide personal legal advice.