(a) Reasonable Accommodations. The Commission and laboratories administering the general forensic examination shall administer the examination to all eligible applicants in a reasonable manner, while maintaining the integrity of the examination. In each location where the examination is administered, either the Commission or the laboratory administering the examination must ensure the facilities are reasonably accessible and enable persons having disabilities to take the examination.     
      (b) Applicants Requiring Special Testing Accommodations. Any applicant who desires special testing accommodations based upon a disability shall submit a written request to the Commission on the Commission's designated Special Accommodations Request Form at the same time the applicant submits his/her application for a Forensic Analyst License.      
        (1) Requests for special testing accommodations must be accompanied by written proof evidencing the existence of the disability, including a statement from a licensed physician or a professional specialist that specifically sets forth the physical, mental or emotional handicap or disability and the relationship between the disability and the inability to take the examination under standard conditions.       
        (2) The Commission may require additional information or evidence from the applicant and may, at its option, seek professional evaluation of such data.       
        (3) The applicant will be responsible for the cost of obtaining documented medical evidence and other required information.       
        (4) After considering the written request of the applicant and the evidence submitted, the Commission shall determine what reasonable special testing accommodations will be granted.       
        (5) Commission deliberations and determinations regarding the request of an applicant for testing accommodations on an examination shall be closed to the public and associated records are confidential. However, this does not limit the Commission's option under paragraph (2) of this subsection to seek professional evaluation of documented medical evidence and other required information.       
      (c) Examination Scheduled on Religious Holy Day. An examinee who wishes to observe a religious holy day on which the person's religious beliefs prevent the person from taking a scheduled general forensic examination shall be permitted to take the examination on a different date.     
      (d) Examination Accommodations for Persons with Dyslexia. For each general forensic examination, the Commission shall provide reasonable examination accommodations to an examinee diagnosed as having dyslexia. An examinee requesting examination accommodations for dyslexia must follow the same process for special testing accommodations set forth in subsection (b) of this section.     
     Source Note:        The provisions of this §651.214 adopted to be effective May 16, 2018, 43 TexReg 3106