Tuition Exemptions for Students Who are Deaf or Blind

Dear Student:

Senate Bill 183 was implemented September 1, 1993.  For those of you who do not already know, S.B.183 makes students who meet the criteria below eligible for tuition exemption.  You must:

• Be a Texas resident as defined by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board rules
• Be a high school graduate or its equivalent (GED)
• Be either deaf or blind -
  (Deaf is defined as a person whose sense of hearing is nonfunctional for normal conversation after all necessary medical treatment, surgery, and use of hearing aids are utilized. Blind is defined by Section 91.051(5) of the Human Resources Code.)

In order to use the tuition exemption, you must drop off or send the three following documents to any Office for Students with Disabilities at least 10 days prior to registering for classes.

1. Certification of your disability

• Statement on letterhead from the Texas Rehabilitation Commission, Texas Commission for the Blind, or Texas Commission for the Deaf stating that you are a person who is deaf or blind according to the above mentioned criteria; or
•  Diagnostic, proof of disability from an Opthamologist, Audiologist, ENT, or other appropriate practitioner.  This information must also be on letterhead with the appropriate signature.

2. Letter of recommendation

• From a principal, public official, instructor, or otherwise responsible person.

3. Written statement of purpose 

• Describe your reason for attending ACC and your plan for how this will help you vocationally.   

Your documentation must have a cover letter requesting that you be considered for the tuition exemption under S.B.183, your name, Social Security number, phone number, and address.

All documents must have your name and Social Security number written on them. Document must be turned in 10 days before registration. Incomplete packets will not be accepted.