University of North Texas 
Programs for Students with Special Needs
The University of North Texas College of Health & Public Service is home to a variety of inclusive programs that empower students with special needs.
UNT ELEVAR
UNT ELEVAR (Empower, Learn , Excel, envision, Advance, Rise) is a four-year inclusive postsecondary
education program for students with intellectual disability (ID). Following this definition
of the program’s name, ELEVAR (lift, soar, rise in Spanish), the program’s vision
is the empower young adults with ID who wish to continue postsecondary education (PSE)
to become self-determined, independent, and healthy adults readied for integrated
competitive employment. Most importantly, the UNT ELEVAR program welcomes young adults
with ID to be part of the Mean Green family experience. The program provides support
and services related to academic success, employment, social and emotional goals,
and independent living. The UNT ELEVAR program also provides support and services
required by ADA through university services.
As the first Hispanic serving institution to house an inclusive postsecondary education
program in Texas, UNT ELEVAR will strive to facilitate natural and culturally responsive
individual supports and services for students with ID from diverse and underrepresented
communities through an inclusive college experience across academics, employment,
community engagement, health, and well-being.
In addition, the College of Health & Public Service Deparment of Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology provides speech-language services for UNT ELEVAR students where they focus on social
skills and articulation.
UNT ENGAGE
UNT ENGAGE stands for Embracing Neurodivergent Groups in Academics and Gainful Employment. ENGAGE serves neurodivergent students (diagnosed with ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, etc.) enrolled at UNT with reaching their academic and vocational goals through person-centered planning and individualized services. Students participate in assessment and planning meetings to identify personal, academic, and vocational goals. We take a person-centered, holistic approach to serving our students and collaborate closely with other support services on campus that the student utilizes or could benefit from.
The UNT ENGAGE mission is to improve the quality of life for neurodivergent students
by supporting their academic, vocational, social, and personal success at the University of
North Texas and beyond.
ENGAGE students meet with ENGAGE staff individually and through group activities hosted
by ENGAGE weekly or co-facilitated by partners on campus. Students are always encouraged
to attend UNT affiliated events at their availability and per their interest. Each
individual meeting is tailored to the students' goals and any objectives, and change
based on mastery and student request. Students often participate in other events hosted
by the UNT Neurodiversity Initiative partners such as UNT EPIC, Perspectives of Communication
Group, and the UNT WELL Clinic. For more information, please visit our website.
UNT WISE
UNT WISE (Workplace Inclusion & Sustainable Employment) is the premier training and
consultancy group for programs seeking to enhance employment outcomes for individuals
with disabilities. They offer College WISE a one-week residential summer program for young adults with disabilities, ages 14-22,
interested in pursuing a post-secondary education. An overview of the expectations
and demands of community college and a four-year university are explored. Participants
engage in a variety of activities aimed at demonstrating skills necessary to be successful
in higher education, including independent living, social, and recreational skills.
Overnight accommodations in campus housing are provided and public transportation
will be utilized for travel around campus and the community. This program opens the
door to the realities of community college and university life.
UNT WISE’s College WISE activities include instruction and hands-on activities focusing
on:
- Study Skills & Time Management
- Disability Disclosure & Self-Advocacy
- Student Engagement
- Resources for Academic Success
- Degree Exploration
- Transportation Training
- Cooking & Nutrition
- Professional Communication
- Money Management & Budgeting
- Recreation Activities /Leisure Time
- Work & College Life
For more information, visit the UNT WISE website.
UNT Speech & Hearing Center
The UNT Speech & Hearing Center provides free services to all UNT students including
those with disability. Some of the services offered include:
For more infromation:
UNT Speech & Hearing Center
speechhearingclinic@unt.edu
940-565-2262
907 W. Sycamore St.
Denton, TX 76201
- Social skills
- Reading skills
- Articulation & stuttering therapy
- Accent modification
For more infromation:
UNT Speech & Hearing Center
speechhearingclinic@unt.edu
940-565-2262
907 W. Sycamore St.
Denton, TX 76201