|
Disability Services will work with students to individualize the type
and level of services/accommodations to be provided. Services are available to all
students with disabilities at Southern West Virginia Community College
whether full or part-time. Students are required to submit
documentation of their disability to the Disability Services office before
services can be provided.
Academic Adjustments
Academic Adjustments are those changes made by the instructor that
render classes accessible. Examples of academic adjustments may
include:
- extended testing
- tape recording class lectures
- lecture notes provided by the instructor
- substitution of nonessential courses for degree requirements
- flexibility in attendance policy
- modifications of test taking/performance evaluations
Test Accommodations
Students are responsible for arranging test
accommodations with instructors. The process, however, begins with a meeting with the
Disability Services Specialist to determine appropriate accommodations. The
Disability Services Specialist prepares a 'Notice of Need for
Accommodation' which validates the
need for accommodation and makes suggestions for test taking
modifications. The student presents the accommodation request to
the instructor. The student and instructor should discuss and
agree on a testing procedure. The student should ask instructors for
accommodations in a timely manner. The course instructor has the final
determination as to the method of evaluation. Modifications
in testing may include:
- testing in a quiet environment;
- extended testing time of 1-1/2 times in most cases
and twice the standard time in rare instances;
- provision of readers, sign language interpreters,
and scribes;
- provision of assistive technologies such as
computers and calculators;
- provision of tests in alternative format such as
large print, tape cassette, computer file, and;
- other reasonable accommodations
Auxiliary Aids and Services
Auxiliary Aids and Services include a range of people and devices that
ensure effective communication within the College. Disability
Services honors reasonable preferences of students in deciding which aids
and services to apply. The Disability Services Specialist authorizes
auxiliary aids and services but the management and application
responsibilities rest with the student. Examples of Auxiliary Aid
and Services may include:
- Note takers, readers, sign language interpreters, scribes, materials
in alternate format, etc.
- Assistive listening devices, tape recorders/players, adaptive
computer equipment and other assistive technologies.
Note Taking Services
Tape Recording: The most frequently used note
taking accommodation is tape recording class lectures.
Volunteer Note takers: Experience has shown that the best note takers in a
course are other students in the class. These students have taken
the necessary prerequisites and are more than motivated to take accurate
and complete notes because the notes are also their own. The
student and instructor working together can identify a competent
"volunteer" note taker. Copy facilities are available on
each campus.
When note taking assistance is requested, an
attachment to the 'Notification of Need for Accommodation' will further
explain to the instructor the various methods of providing note taking
assistance.
Reader Services
Readers may be provided for students who are unable to
use regular printed materials, texts, or tapes from Recordings for the
Blind and Dyslexic (RFB&D).
Readers are not professionals and will need direction from the student
in order to be successful, as well as a copy of the book/materials to be
read.
Assistive Technologies/Equipment
Disability Services has a limited equipment inventory
available to loan to students on a semester basis.
Academic Advising Guidance
While Disability Services does not advise students on academic matters,
students are encouraged to meet with the Disability Services Specialist to
determine strategies for addressing program accommodations or
modifications with their academic advisors.
Advocacy
Advocacy is one of the most critical skills students with disabilities
can develop in their pursuit of equality in education and, later, in
employment and society. Disability Services works with students to
help them understand their rights and responsibilities and to identify
strategies for effective self-advocacy.
Alternate Formats
Students are encouraged to utilize Recordings for the Blind and
Dyslexic (RFB&D) to acquire commonly used textbooks free of
charge. Assistance will be provided to students applying for
services from RFB&D. Due to frequent delays in getting books
from RFB&D, it is important that students plan ahead. The
College maintains an institutional membership to assist students who are
not working independently with RFB&D at the time of enrollment.
Kurzweil 1000 ( Text to Speech software) and Zoomtext (magnification
software) are also available in designated computer labs.
Placement Exam
The College Placement Exam, ACCUPLACER, is
an untimed, computerized test. If you have a disability that
requires testing accommodations (other than additional time), call
Disability Services prior to scheduling your testing so that we may
authorize your accommodation(s). Disability Services must have
documentation before accommodations will be provided.
Information Technology Access
Information technology refers to computers, telephones, and other tools
that facilitate communication at the College. To ensure access to
information technology, Disability Services provides a range of auxiliary
aids and services.
Liaison with Faculty
Upon request, the Disability Services Specialist will contact
instructors and discuss with them the student's appropriate classroom
accommodations.
'Notice of Need for Accommodation' to Faculty
Disability Services encourages students to advocate for reasonable
accommodations with faculty at the start of each semester. The
Disability Services Specialist provides students registered with
Disability Services with "Notice of Need for Accommodation"
letters to present to instructors. These letters provide written
verification that:
- validates the student's request for specific accommodation, and
- verifies the functional limitations of the disability that
substantiate the need for accommodation.
Tutoring Services
Tutoring is considered a personal service.
However, the Student Government Association on each campus has
appropriated limited funding for tutoring. Students should make
their tutoring requests to the Campus Counselor. Tutoring is also
available to eligible students through Student Support
Services.
Voter Registration
Disability Services encourages students with disabilities to register
to vote. Voter registration cards, accommodations in completing the
forms, and voter registration information is available at Disability
Services.
Last Update -
05/21/2007
|
