Even “Hidden” Disabilities Matter

By KAIREY MARKS/Staff Writer

The University of Texas at Tyler has an office dedicated to helping students with disabilities, but many are not aware of all the ways it can benefit them.

John Herndon, the accessibility coordinator for Student Accessibility and Resources, reviews students’ applications for academic or housing accommodations as part of his job. According to him, even more students with “hidden” disabilities might qualify for help.

“Don’t be embarrassed,” Herndon said. “Better to apply in case you need it.”

First-year criminal psychology major Emily Anderson took advantage of the SAR office. 

“Anything I need, they make sure I know how to use it if I ever have any problems,” Anderson said. “They have been very helpful.”

The SAR office made sure her professors know her accommodations, gave her braille and music in braille, set up the testing center for her needs, and is also working on making The Met more accessible for her, Anderson said.

Most students assume the SAR office is just for students with disabilities. However, while it revolves around disabilities, the focus is really on inclusion. It tries to include and provide for everyone in need, Herndon says.

Inclusion is important to Herndon because, growing up, his grandmother was paralyzed with polio. He always saw how she struggled to get around places with her wheelchair. Her apartment complex added a wheelchair ramp specifically for her, so that she could feel included, and Herndon said that left an impression on him, too.

Students believe that anxiety or depression does not count, but it does. To that end, when it comes to housing accommodation, SAR even helps with the registration of service and emotional support animals. The SAR office also matches up students with the right academic accommodation, so it can help benefit them in their pursuits. The SAR also helps students get access to the counseling center, student advocacy and the CARE Team. All accommodations are different depending on the person, but anyone can get them.

Many students do not know about the SAR office and the resources available to them. Unless you are a student who has been in the special education system, it is not something a lot of students think about, Herndon noted. However, Herndon notes that the SAR office would rather have a hundred students submit an application and not need accommodations than have one student who needs accommodations not submit.

Feel free to reach out to the SAR here!