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Disability Services
Information, Policies, & Procedures for Students

SECTION 5:  DS POLICIES

The following policies apply to DS operations.  Registered students should be familiar with those policies that apply to their particular requests.  DS may change, alter, or modify policy.  Students will be notified by mail of policy changes.  It is imperative students keep their address updated with the registrar because DS secures student address information from the registrar. 

Accommodation Memo

The following is the official notice of accommodation needs that students' request from DS at the beginning of each term and present to professors:

The student whose name appears below is eligible and is registered for services with Disability Services (DS).  The following is a request for accommodations, in compliance with Section 504 of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.  If you have any question or need any further information about academic accommodations, please feel free to contact DS at (256) 306-2630.

 Audiotape Recording Policy

 Students that are eligible to audiotape class lectures must agree to the following terms in order for DS to request this accommodation. 

I agree to abide by the policy of audiotape recording lectures as established by DS.  I will not copy or share audiotape recordings from any of my classes with other students.  I will not copy or share audiotapes with non-students.  I will not divulge the contents of audiotape recordings from any of my classes with agencies, representatives of organizations, the media or any entity other than myself.  

I understand that failure to abide by the audiotape recording of lectures policy may result in a charge of academic misconduct. 

Following the term, I will erase audiotape recordings from all my classes or donate tape recordings to the DS audiotape recording library. 

Excused Absence Policy

Students should sign and keep a copy of this statement for reference following a disability-related absence.  Students that are eligible for excused absences should keep in mind that disability-related absences only apply when reasonable.  Students that are absent frequently or for long periods may not be eligible to receive excused absences, but may be able to take an incomplete in the course.

Any student who is eligible for the academic accommodation of excused absences is responsible for the following in the event such student is absent from class because of disability-related issues: 

1.      At your earliest convenience, inform your instructor that you are absent due to disability-related symptoms.  DS recommends you e-mail your professor and save the message you sent for records.  If you do not have access to e-mail, you should contact your professor via telephone.  It is imperative that your professor is aware of your absence as soon as possible.

2.      If you visit a physician or other type of care-giver, please obtain a signed excuse from that person to give to your professor.

3.      You are responsible for any work or exams you miss due to an absence.  Make arrangements to complete missed assignments and/or exams with your professor in a timely manner.

4.      If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact DS at (256) 306-2630. 

Sign Language Interpreter Policy 

The Goal of DS in Interpreting Services

The goal of Disability Services (DS) in the area of interpreting services is to facilitate the process of providing high quality interpreting services to Deaf, hard-of-hearing and hearing clients.  DS will serve in a mediator capacity to ensure appropriate accommodations are provided to Deaf and hard-of-hearing (D/HH) students as mandated by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the American's with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The Interpreter's Role

An interpreter is a professional communication facilitator between D/HH individuals and hearing individuals.  The purpose of an interpreter is to provide a meaningful communication exchange equal to that of a hearing individual.  The interpreter uses a specific sign language to communicate the spoken word to D/HH clients.  Interpreters will use their voice to communicate sign language to hearing clients.  Some D/HH individuals however, prefer to voice for themselves.  The interpreter is ultimately responsible for ensuring that the environment is appropriate and conducive for interpreting.

The interpreter is not a tutor, instructor, note-taker or counselor and should not engage in these roles. 

Requesting an Interpreter

It is critical that D/HH students notify DS of their communication needs and preferences as early as possible to ensure appropriate accommodations.  Requests for interpreter services must be submitted 4 weeks prior to the beginning of the term.  DS will require a copy of the student's schedule and a completed Interpreter Request Form.  Forms are available at DS or via email. 

Students should inform DS when any changes are made in the class schedule (Adding or dropping a class, room change, day/time change). This will allow DS to coordinate interpreters appropriately.

Students that experience problems with interpreting services should attempt to address their concerns with the Interpreter and/or professor.  If no resolution can be reached, the student should contact the DS office as soon as possible.

Notetaker Announcement

Notetakers are provided to students that have a visible need for notetaker services or have documentation that substantiates a need for notetaker services.  Instructors will locate a classmate to obtain notes.  The notetaker will deliver the notes to the instructor, and the instructor will deliver the notes to you.  However, if you prefer, you may ask a classmate to take notes for you.  DS has a supply of NCR (No Carbon Required) paper available for this purpose.

If you have any questions about this process please do not hesitate to call DS at (256) 306-2630.

Reader Services Policy

DS utilizes Recordings for the Blind and Dyslexic (RFB & D) to obtain books on tapes for students.  Four weeks prior notice is required for reader services.  Typically readers are secured for texts that are unavailable through (RFB & D) or too difficult to scan.  Reader services for exams are seldom because students are able to access exam materials via technology assistance.

Eligible students should notify DS at least four weeks in advance if reader services are needed.  Students should not acquire reader services on their own without prior approval from DS. DS is not responsible for compensating unapproved readers.

Role of a Reader: The purpose of a reader is to provide access to print materials.  Readers are not available to offer interpretations or explanations for documents read.  Students should consult their professor for clarifications. 

Exam Proctoring Policy

Role of Exam Proctoring at DS

• DS is NOT a testing center.  The purpose of DS is to ensure reasonable academic accommodations as requested for Registered students with disabilities.
• DS proctors exams for students that need to use assistive technology to access and respond to test content.  DS will proctor exams for professors that do not have the time or resources to conduct proctoring. 
• Students that do not need assistive technology are required to attempt working out exam accommodation requests with their professor.  If an agreement is not achieved, DS will then proctor the exam.

Rules of Exam Proctoring for Students 

• DS is NOT responsible for ensuring student exams are delivered to the office.  It is the student's responsibility to ensure delivery of exams to DS.
• DS cannot grant extensions for exam completion beyond requested accommodations.  Students should consult with their professor regarding extensions.
• Professors have a right to establish exam parameters such as the day and time students are to take exams.  DS will only ask for adjustments when a scheduled exam interferes with DS operations.
• Students are not allowed to take books, book bags, notes, or any class related material into a testing area unless the student has expressed written permission from the instructor as indicated on the Test Proctoring Form.
• Students are not allowed to consult with tutors or office personnel about exam questions.  To do so constitutes academic misconduct unless a student has expressed written permission from the instructor as indicated on the Test Proctoring Form.
• Students will be served by appointment only. 
• Please remember that reduced distraction test environment is not defined as "private test room."  Reduced distraction means fewer disruptions.  No environment is 100% free of distractions.

Policy for Review of Personal Records by Students 

1. According to federal law as outlined by the Family Education and Privacy Act (FERPA), students have a right to review academic records.

2. Students that wish to see their file should make a request to DS.

3. A request to review a file will be honored within 45 days, the period specified by FERPA. 

4. An appropriate DS Staff member will be present when a student reviews his/her file

5. Documentation received from doctors and/or outside agencies is not available for review.  Students must contact those individuals and/or agencies for information regarding those documents.

6. Students are not allowed to photo-copy the contents of their file.

Release of Information Policy

DS will release no written information about a registered student.  Verbal communication regarding a student's disability is not given without expressed written consent of a student.  You are not required to sign a release of information to access reasonable accommodation requests. 

NOTE:            DS will not release disability documentation for a student to any entity.  Requests for duplication should be directed to the document's author.

                        DS will, however, verify accommodations granted at CALHOUN COMMUNITY COLLEGE for students that request such information.

Priority Registration Policy 

Priority registration is available to all students who have registered and remain on active status with Disability Services.  Priority registration dates are published each term in the class schedule.  DS cannot approve priority registration outside of the assigned priority registration period.

Steps:

1.      Consult with your academic advisor for course scheduling.

      2.   Take your completed schedule to the data entry point at the approved location.

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last updated 06/26/03