WHAT?

The Special Needs Program (SNP) is a comprehensive academic support program which assists male and female student athletes with disabilities (physical, psychological, and learning).

WHO?

All student-athletes who have an official disability and diagnosis documentation from a psychologist, physician, audiologist, or learning specialist.

HOW MUCH?

The program is funded by the Thornton Athletics Student Life Office. Services are free to all disabled student-athletes.

HOW CAN WE HELP?

• The program provides the following services:
• administration and evaluation of LD screening tests,
• one-on-one tutoring specifically designed for the learning needs of that student,
• student advocacy and liaison w/faculty & Disability Services to arrange for oral exams, readers, extra time, note-takers, and alternate materials as each student's exceptionality calls for,
• equipment and special materials, e.g. voice activated computers, audio recorders, books on tape, flash cards, etc.,
• interpretation expertise on disability laws for waiver & petitioning purposes,
• time management and study skills training
• problem solving training to help students handle difficult situations, anger and frustration,
• teaching compensatory techniques to help students understand their learning strengths and weaknesses to foster learning, and

WHAT'S THE FIRST STEP?

The first step in taking advantage of our services is to let us know you're here - or that you will be soon. You should contact our office and arrange an interview with Mr. Scott Swain, 974-9657. During that meeting your educational background will be discussed and your diagnostic documentation will be reviewed to determine what services will best fit your needs at the University of Tennessee. Then an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) will be developed and implemented when you start classes.

Student-athletes already enrolled at the University who suspect that they have a disability should also call the SNP office. An initial screening and interview will be done to assess if deficiencies exist. If additional testing is needed, students will be referred for a complete assessment, at not cost to the student-athlete. If the results indicate a disability, the necessary interventions and accommodations will be determined and provided.

HOW TO CONTACT US:
Mr. Scott Swain
(865) 974-1250
email: jswain2@utk.edu