To read more about the Academic accommodations facilitated by the OSWD, please click on the title below for more information.
Alternative Format Texts
Accommodations Available:
- Electronic texts
- Text-to-speech software (available in Assistive Technology Lab)
- Text enlargements
Making a request:
- Complete the Alternate Text Request Form and return it to the OSWD at least 2-4 weeks prior to the start of each semester. This allows the OSWD time to prepare materials in an accessible format or to make requests from publishers.
Policies and Guidelines:
- You must have a qualifying disability and be registered with the OSWD.
- You must own a physical copy of the text that is provided in an alternative format and provide a copy of the receipt or proof of purchase before access may be given to the alternate format.
- You may not copy, reproduce, revise, convert, disassemble, modify, sell, rent, lend, give or share the alternate formats of the textbooks with any individual, group, business or other entity. Sharing alternate format materials with any unauthorized source may result in prosecution for copyright infringement under federal law.
Assistive Technology
Technology available:
- Assistive listening devices
- Software and other materials
- CCTV (Aladdin)
Making a request:
- Before classes begin, notify the Coordinator to discuss your needs and accommodations.
Exams
Accommodations available:
- Extended time
- Distraction-reduced environment
- Scribe(s) and/or assistive technology
- Reader(s) and/or assistive technology
Interpreters and Captioning
Accommodations available:
- Interpreting/captioning in the classroom and in non-classroom settings
Make a request:
- Submit your class schedule to OSWD at least four (4) weeks in advance of the start of classes.
- Try to meet with your instructor prior to the first day of class to introduce yourself and explain your communication needs.
- Let the OSWD know of any problems or needs immediately, including a need for interpreting in non-classroom settings;
- Communicate with student leaders, club advisors, residence hall directors, and the like in advance, about interpreting needs for these non-classroom activities. Be aware that four (4) weeks advance notice is needed for requesting interpreters for a theatrical performance.
- Communicate with your Residence Director and the Director of Public Safety about any changes or special needs, including emergency evacuation preparation, you have in their areas of responsibility.
Policies and Guidelines:
- The interpreter/captioner should introduce themselves to the instructor and explain the role of the interpreter/captioner in the class.
- The interpreter/captioner will interpret the lecture material as accurately as possible. It is your responsibility to prepare for class so that you will understand the information being interpreted.
- Please do not socialize with the interpreter during class. Communication is a two way process; the instructor has the right to request that the interpreter interpret all of your comments.
- Interpreters have the responsibility to arrive to all classes on time. If you want to communicate with the instructor or another student after a class, please check with the interpreter to see if there is enough time before his/her next scheduled assignment. If the interpreter is not available, you can schedule an appointment with the instructor and request an interpreter for that meeting through OSWD.
- You have the responsibility to arrive to all classes on time. If you are more than 15 minutes late, the interpreter has the right to leave.
- Communicate with the interpreter at least 24 hours in advance if you will be absent from class. If you are absent from class three (3) times without notifying the interpreter/captioner 24 hours in advance you must meet with the OSWD in order to continue your accommodations.
- Notify the OSWD and the interpreter immediately of any change in your class schedule;
- Let the OSWD know of any problems or needs immediately, including a need for interpreting in non-classroom settings
Note Taking
Accommodations Available:
Make a request:
- Try to find a classmate to share notes with you.
- Meet with your professor, preferably before classes begin, and ask your professor to help you. Your professor may choose another student to be the note-taker or announce the need for volunteers to the class without identifying you.
Student Responsibilities:
- Once your notetaker has been identified, you and your notetaker will arrange a system for sharing notes. Some ideas include:
- Your notetaker may use the copy machine in the Library or in the Health Center and give you copies.
- Your notetaker can take notes on a laptop computer and then e-mail the notes to you.
- You can use NCR paper, which is available in the Health Center.
- Discuss with the note-taker any abbreviations and symbols that might be used in the notes.
- Note-takers are not obligated to share notes with you when you do not attend class. Please let the note-taker know in advance if you will be absent from class.
- Mutual respect and courtesy are important in all relationships. Remember that the note-taker is performing this duty voluntarily.
- Send your notetaker’s name and address to the OSWD and a letter of recognition will be sent to them at the end of the semester.
Student, Faculty and Volunteer Guides:
Information for Students Utilizing a Note Taker
Note Taker Information for Faculty
Guidelines for Note Takers
Tables, Chairs, and Rooms
Accommodations available:
- Adjustable-height tables
- Accessible classrooms
Making a request:
- Before classes begin, notify the Coordinator that you will need an accessible table, chair or classroom.
Course Substitution, Reduced Courseload, and Class Attendance
Accommodations Available:
Course Substitution
- If you are a student with a disability, you are expected to complete the same degree requirements as your peers. However, in some cases you may request a substitution or replacement as a reasonable accommodation. For further information please see the foreign language replacement guide/form.
Make a request:
- To request a course substitution accommodation, please notify the OSWD Coordinator to begin the request process as early as possible for planning of program requirements.
Reduced Courseload
- You may request, as an accommodation, a reduced number of credit hours without negatively affecting your status as a full-time student.
Make a request:
- At least two (2) weeks before classes begin, notify the Coordinator that you would like to request a reduced courseload accommodation.
Policies and Guidelines:
- You may request an accommodation to be considered full-time for purposes of institutional financial aid only, while taking nine (9) credit hours or above. NOTE: All credits must be registered before the Add/Drop deadline each semester. Further information is available from OSWD Coordinator.
- The Financial Aid Office is responsible for individual financial aid assessment, including budget allowance, family contribution, and program eligibility. Financial accommodations may include budget allowances for extra expenses related to the disability, in some circumstances.
Class Attendance
- Generally students are expected to follow established classroom attendance policies. However, some disabilities are episodic, and students may have to miss class for medical concerns or other individual needs.
Make a request:
- At least two (2) weeks before classes begin, notify the Coordinator that you would like to request a class attendance accommodation.
Policies and Guidelines:
- In general, students must maintain ongoing proactive communication with faculty and OSWD Coordinator in order to discuss arrangements for, and manage their accommodation, to be able to make up missed work due to missing class due to exacerbation of condition, within course, program and University essential requirements. NOTE: Each course may have different attendance requirements determined to be essential. Further information and support available from OSWD Coordinator.
Other accommodations as needed on an individual basis - contact the Coordinator for assistance.
