The Office of Disability Services is located in 132 Memorial Library and can be reached at 507-389-2825. This office houses documentation of disability for students, provides verification of disability for faculty, provides accommodations, offers direct services to students such as taped texts, notetakers, interpreters, technology access, acts as a liaison to other offices, issues temporary handicapped parking permits, submits requests for waivers and substitutions of classes, issues permission for early registration and generally coordinates services for students with disabilities.
Common accommodations include:
This service is in place for those students whose disability accomodations recommend adjustments to typical in class testing. Students must have supporting documentation on file with the Disability Services Office indicating a need for testing accomodations. Some of these accomodations include, but are not limited to, a distraction free environment, extended testing time, a scribe, a test reader or a test on tape, a computer for word processing, use of a calculator, oral testing, etc.
Inital Procedures:
On-Going Procedures:
Students with disabilities that make it difficult for them to comprehend what they are reading can get textbooks on tape. Professionally read textbooks are available through Reading for the Blind and Dyslexic, but when a book is unavailable through this source, it is taped in the DSO by student workers.
When a book is taped locally, it is necessary to have an extra copy of the book and an accurate syllabus, so the student will receive the tapes in a timely manner. The DSO will contact the bookstore to borrow a copy of the book to be taped and, if it is unavailable there, will contact the instructor for help in obtaining a copy.
A student who qualifies can access notetaking services by applying for a notetaker in the DSO. Information will then be communicated to the faculty member who is teaching the class and he/she will be asked to announce that a notetaker is needed. Students interested in being notetakers should go to the DSO to fill out the appropriate forms. Notetakers are student employees and are paid for the time they are taking class notes. The DSO provides NCR paper for the notetaker. Students for whom notes are being taken are expected to attend class and take notes to the best of their ability.
The sign language interpreter will accompany deaf students to class. The interpreter will introduce himself/herself to the instructor at the first class meeting and discuss classroom routines. The interpreter will be seated in the front of the classroom so the student has a clear view of the instructor and interpreter. The interpreter's job is to facilitate communication between student and instructor. The interpreter is not a class member. Speak to the interpreter as if you were speaking directly to the student.
Students who are unable to write or type their own material may use the services of a scribe/word processor. The scribe/word processor will transcribe what the student says to written form as it is dictated.
A variety of assisstive technologies are available for students to use. Materials can be checked out at the Office of Disability Services. Charges for unreturned materials will be assessed through the Office of Business Affairs.
FM Systems - This device is available for hard of hearing students. These devices consist of a microphone for the instructor and a receiver with headphone for the student. There are three available.
4-Track Tape Players - Reading for the Blind and Dyslexic (RFBD) provides books on tape for students who qualify. RFBD tapes use a 4-track format. The Office of Disability Services has six 4-track tape players available on loan.
Wheelchair - The Office of Disability Services has a manual wheelchair available for short term use for students who have a temporary need.
Dicatation Computer Software - The Office of Disability Services has dictation software that allows students to verbally dictate their course work and the computer types the dictation into text.
Equipment is added and upgraded on a continuing basis. If you have questions about what is available or if you have suggestions for assistive technology to be purchased, please contact the DSO.
The C.A.S. is a wonderful resource which can provides services like tutoring, study skills help, preparation for post-graduate standardized testing (GRE & PPST), and much more. They are located in the basement of Memorial Library, Room 116, right next to the Office of Disability Services.
Student Support Services (WI 355) is a federally funded program that is part of TRIO and has disability as one of its eligibility criteria. Students who qualify may receive services through this office. It is the intent of this office to retain and graduate students and foster a campus climate conducive for learning. Services include tutoring, advising, counseling, registration information and other activities designed to assist students.
Initial Procedures:
