Being a student at the University of Tennessee can often be confusing,

difficult and sometimes a hassle.

Registering for classes, purchasing books and going to classes without

getting lost can be difficult for someone who is not used to the campus.

Imagine how difficult these simple tasks would be for a handicapped

individual. Not being able to see, hear or get around campus like an

average student can be a huge hurdle for those with disabilities.

The staff at UT’s Disability Services help about 575 students each semester

with problems dealing with visual, mobile, hearing and learning

disabilities.

“We try to figure out by working with individual students to find the most

reasonable and best solution for their problems,” said Jan Howard, director

of Disability Services.

The Disability Services office is located in Hoskins Library. It has a

staff of five full time interpreters and two to three work study students

who help those with disabilities.

Howard said that the majority of students that are registered with

Disability Services are learning-disabled. These students can get special

test and note-taking services for all of their classes.

Hearing-impaired students can have all of the same experiences as normal

students. Disability Services provides note takers in classrooms and helps

professors work with hearing and visually-impaired students.

“Anything that any other student can do we can provide an interpreter for,”

said Howard. This includes anything from whitewater rafting to going to

concerts.

Blind students have access to scanners that read print in the library and

books on tape. Visually-impaired students can get tests and handouts in

large print.

The office also provides services for people who have trouble getting

around campus. Disability Services helps place students in suitable

housing. Vans run for students in wheelchairs and those who are temporary

immobile, such as pregnant women and people with broken legs.