Who is eligible for Disability Services? The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act define a disability as a physical or mental condition that substantially limits one or more major life activities. These civil rights laws protect students with disabilities from discrimination. The ADA and Section 504 protections also extend to students who have a record of, or are regarded as having such an impairment.

Disability Services for Students for UTMI, is primarily handled by the Director of Education. However, this is a cooperative effort between the student, the DOE and the instructors. All levels of management are aware of the process and support it’s success. The DOE works with students and all employees of UTMI to foster an inclusive, welcoming, and accessible environment. We work with you, our students, to support your academic success, independence, and self-advocacy.

To receive services, students take the following steps:

Step 1 »

Contact Disability Services or the Director of Education at 505-888-0020 and make an intake appointment. This intake appointment will last approximately 1 hour.*

Step 2 »

Complete an intake appointment with the DOE. Provide disability documentation. The DOE provides information about the various reasonable modifications that address the student’s functional limitations.

Also, some disabilities may also involve the use of prescription medications. Some of these medications may be contra-indications for massage. Please also bring a complete list of medications for review. After the DOE reviews these medications, you may be asked to provide a doctor’s permission slip to receive and/or give massage. (Be aware that massage is best taught and learned by giving and receiving massage. If you are unable to receive or conduct massages, you need to strongly consider if this is the right career choice for you.)

*If students are more than 15 minutes late for their appointments, Disability Services will ask the student to reschedule the appointment.

Do you need accommodations to perform at your best in an academic setting?

If so, we can help. However, the student must realize that they will be required to pass the MBLEx exam which is not administered by UTMI. In order to receive accommodations for this mandatory exam, you must submit an additional application form plus documentation of your disability as well as a doctors assessment of the accommodations you will need (such as a reader, extra time etc).  Ask for a copy of the MBLEx Special Accommodation Handbook from the DOE before making a decision to enroll at UTMI.

Also remember that a High School Diploma or GED is required for state licensing in New Mexico (as well as many other states as well.)Massage therapy training/education is more than learning massage hands-on techniques. There is a great deal of Anatomy, Kinesiology, Pathology and Physiology. This information is quite technical and a major portion of the MBLEx exam. If you like we can provide you with a sample reading assignment and practice quiz. This will help you decide if this program is right for you. We offer this self-screening process to all of our students regardless of any disabilities. All we want you to be aware of is that this is an intense and technical program. Some people may find it beyond their capability regardless of any disabilities.

The Disability Services for Students (DSS) specializes in assisting students with various disabilities including physical, psychological, learning, neurological, medical, vision, hearing, and temporary impairments to achieve their academic goals. We work with you and your instructors to facilitate accommodations and to link you to resources – tutoring, mentoring and internship programs – essential to success. We may also have a list of public assistance sources as well.

Here are a few types of disabilities that we can assist you with . . .

• Attention Deficit Disorder
• Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Blind and Visual Impairments
• Chronic Health Impairments
• Communication Impairments
• Deaf and Hard of Hearing
• Intellectual Disabilities
• Learning Disabilities
• Mobility Impairments
• Psychiatric Disabilities (Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, etc.)
• Temporary Disabilities such as broken limbs
• Traumatic Brain Injuries

What Disability Services can do for you:

• Help you with your academic success
• Encourage an on-going relationship with this office
• Meet with you periodically to support your problem solving
• Meet with you periodically to assist you in arranging reasonable accommodations and other necessary supports
• Advise you about communication with your instructors
• Help you learn about yourself and equal opportunity for all students
• Help you develop effective coping strategies like time management, study skills, stress management, navigating the campus, etc.
• Assist you with identifying appropriate resources on and off campus
• Help you connect with student groups working towards greater campus awareness of disability, diversity, and civil rights
• We work by appointment, so please call 505-888-0020 if you would like to meet with our management staff to learn more about our school and program.