What does the Special Populations Office do?

The Special Populations office offers services for students with diagnosed disabilities and offers referrals to surrounding community agencies for students who need other types of assistance.

Where is the office located?

The Special Populations office is located in the Eagles' Nest Room 129.

Does the Special Populations office charge a fee for services?

No, all services are free for Lamar Institute of Technology students.

How do you define a disability?

Section 504 of the Americans with Disabilities Act defines a disability as a physical impairment, which substantially limits one or major life activities, for ex: breathing, speaking, seeing, walking, learning, working or taking care of oneself. Even if others do not perceive you as having such impairment, you may have a disability. The key here is the term substantially limits. This means a person is restricted as to the condition or manner, or duration under which a major life activity can be performed, in comparison to the average person or to most people, or that a person cannot perform the activity at all.

What types of disability services are offered?

Accommodations can be made for a physical and/or learning disability. A request for services must be made at least four weeks before the beginning of the semester. Appropriate documentation of a disability must be submitted before accommodations can be arranged. Services include, but are not limited to: career counseling/advising, interpreter services, note takers, scribes, specialized testing arrangements, registration assistance, mobility/accessibility accommodations, and procurement of assistive/adaptive equipment.

How do I request disability services?

1. Student must make an appointment with the Special Populations Coordinator (409) 839-2018.
2. Student must provide a copy of testing, medical records, and /or letter from a physician which indicates a disability. If you are learning disabled you must supply test scores accompanied by a professional diagnosis. Documentation must be within the past five (5) years.
3.  Postsecondary institutions are only required to guarantee equal access, not equal outcomes.
4.  Accommodation memos will be printed out. It is the student’s responsibility to come by the Special Populations Office to pick up their memo. 
5. The Student must then personally deliver the memo to each of their instructors. It is best to do this during his or her office hours. Accommodations do not become effective until the instructor receives the memo.
6. Steps 3, 4, and 5 must be done each semester that you require accommodations.

How do I continue to receive services for my disability each semester?

Follow steps 3, 4, and 5 on “How do I request disability services”

How do I arrange to have a sign language interpreter for my classes?

Hearing impaired students should contact the Communication Access Provider via email at least six weeks in advance so that the Communication Access Provider will have adequate time to locate a qualified interpreter.

What assistance is available for Pregnant and/or Parenting Students?

Under Section 51.982 of the Texas Education Code, Title 3. Higher Education, Subtitle A. Higher Education in General, Chapter 51. Provisions Generally Applicable to Higher Education, Subchapter Z. Miscellaneous Provisions, LIT will "provide reasonable accommodations to a pregnant student, including accommodations that:

1. would be provided to a student with a temporary medical condition; or
2. are related to the health and safety of the student and the student’s unborn child, such as allowing the student to maintain a safe distance from substances, areas, and activities known to be hazardous to pregnant women or unborn children."

Lamar Institute of Technology is committed to providing a welcoming learning environment for pregnant and parenting students through policies that protect academic rights guaranteed under fedearl and state law as stipulated in Policy 8.38 of LIT's Policy and Procedure Manual. Here is what you need to know:

• Accommodations - If you have a pregnancy-related impairment that is considered a disability under The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) you are entitled to reasonable support measures.
  These support measures may include, but not limited to:
  • More frequent restroom breaks
  • Seating closer to the door
  • Larger desk
  • Provide a stool


• Please contact our Coordinator of Special Populations for further questions on accommodations. Additional information is provide in LIT's Policy and Procedure Manaual.
  Coordinator of Special Populations:
   855 E. Lavaca St.
   Beaumont, TX 77710
   Eagle’s Nest
  Phone Number: (409) 257-0046
  E-mail: specialpopulations@lit.edu
• Leave & Absences - Students must be allowed to take time off of school for pregnancy, childbirth, miscarriage, abortion and/or recovery for as long as their doctor says is medically necessary. That could mean a few absences for necessary medical appointments, or a longer leave of absence for a high-risk pregnancy or childbirth. This rule applies even if taking medically necessary leave would require an absence for longer than the school’s leave policy ordinarily allows. Students cannot be penalized for taking leave and must be able to return to school in the same status they held before taking leave.


• Make Up Work - Professors may require you to complete missed assignments or other work to make up for missed participation, but the make-up work should be comparable with the work given to other students, not extra. When setting timelines for make-up or missed work, professors need to treat leave as leave; for example, assignment deadlines should not be the day you return. This means at least the same amount of time as other students, even beyond the semester schedule if necessary.


• Participation Grades/Credits - If a teacher's grading is based in part on class attendance or participation, the student should be allowed to earn the credits she missed so that she can be reinstated to the status she had before the leave.


• Doctor's Note - If your professor requires other students who have “excused” absences to provide a doctor's note, they can ask you to provide one as well. Be sure your doctor clearly states that the absence is/was medically necessary.


• Financial Aid - Taking leave may have an impact on your student loans, depending on your registration status during your time off. Schools cannot terminate or reduce merit or need-based scholarships because of pregnancy.
  
  
  Be sure to meet with the financial aid office before taking any extended absence and ask about your financial aid status for details about your particular situation.
  
  Financial Aid:
   855 E. Lavaca St.
   Beaumont, TX 77710
   Eagle’s Nest
  Phone Number: (409) 880-2137
  E-mail: finaidoffice@lit.edu


• Admissions - Schools can't require a pregnant student to produce a doctor's note in order to stay in school or participate in activities, unless the same requirement to obtain a doctor's note applies to all students being treated by a doctor. Schools cannot presume that a pregnant student is unable to attend school or participate in school activities.
  
  Employees, students, or associated third parties cannot discourage your participation in the school's programs.


• Breastfeeding - Lamar Institute of Technology is pleased to provide a Lactation Room in the Eagle's Nest to meet the needs of parents with babies. Lactation Rooms provide a private place to nurse, pump, bottle feed, and change a diaper.
  
  If your class is scheduled when you need to nurse or pump, your absence should be excused, and you should not be penalized for your time away. This means your grade cannot be lowered due to poor attendance, you must be given the ability to make up any work missed, and you must be able to get the information you missed as well. You may need to provide a doctor's note stating that it is medically necessary for you to pump on a certain schedule.


• Report Discrimination - If you've experienced any discrimination due to pregnancy or parenting, you're encouraged to submit a report regardless of whether or not you would like to follow through with the grievance process. Be sure to contact the Title IX Coordinator to report any discrimination.
  
  
  Title IX Coordinator:
   855 E. Lavaca St.
   Beaumont, TX 77710
   Eagle’s Nest Room 136
  Phone Number: (409) 247-4838
  E-mail: titleix@lit.edu

What services are in place for Displaced Homemakers?

A Displaced Homemaker is an individual who is considered to be the homemaker of the family and is forced into the workplace due to divorce, death or injury of a spouse who was the income provider for the family. The Special Populations office regularly refers Displaced Homemakers to surrounding community agencies that can provide support services.

What services are in place for Economically Disadvantaged students?

The Special Populations office works with surrounding community agencies on a regular basis. The Special Populations coordinator will help you locate an agency that will be able to help you with your need(s).