Q: The letter says that the student needs a notetaker. How do I help a student find a notetaker in my class?
A: The SSD office typically locates the notetaker. In the event that we are unable to locate a notetaker we will contact you to assist the student in the following way:
a) If you have thorough outlines or notes for your lectures, you can provide the student with these.
b) Work with the student to identify a good student notetaker in the class and ask that student if s/he would be willing to share his/her notes with the student needing notes. A good way of doing this is to announce to the class that a student in the class (student's name should not be disclosed) requires someone to take notes for him/her and then ask if someone willing to share his/her lecture notes will meet with you after class. Refer the interested student to the SSD office who will arrange to pay the student and provide him/her with NCR paper to simplify the process. All notetakers are required to complete an online notetaker's training program (information on request).
Q: The letter indicates that a student is allowed extended time on tests. How do I assist with this?
A: A student may not use "other class" time for extended testing. For this reason, students must often schedule tests so that there are no conflicts with other classes. There are two basic options, and you can work with the student to see which will work best in your situation:
a) If it is feasible, you may arrange for extra time and/or a non-distracting environment for the student to test, OR
b) The student may take the test through the Testing Center. The student is familiarized with the process when accommodations are requested.
Q: The letter states that the student should have a non-distracting environment for testing. Where do I send him/her?
A: The student must make arrangements, in advance, with the Testing Center. If the student does not need a proctor and an empty classroom is available, the instructor may arrange for the student to use that space. Testing space can be made available through the Testing Center at the scheduled testing time.
Q: The letter says that the student needs tests read and answered verbally. How do I implement this?
A: Here are three options:
a) Instructors may read the test to the student so that any questions can be clarified and have the student respond verbally to them.
b) Advance arrangements can be made with the Testing Center to have the test read and/or scribed for the student.
c) Instructors may also record test questions and accept recorded answers.
Q: How do I grade a student with a disability?
A: The student has accommodations to provide him/her with equal access and to demonstrate his/her learning. He/she should not be graded any differently from any other student. The integrity of your course should not be compromised; the student is expected to meet the objectives of the course and submit quality work. To grade a student differently is discriminatory.
Q: How can I encourage students with disabilities to seek services?
A: Include a statement on your syllabus as follows: "“The ADA is designed to ensure that students with disabilities have an equal opportunity to access academic programs and successfully complete their studies.” Peninsula College is committed to providing accessibility to all students. Any student with a disability needs to complete and return a Letter of Accommodation Request Form to the SSD office. This information will remain strictly confidential.