Academic Accommodations

Some accommodations are specific for the classroom, others apply to testing or to print materials and some apply to all areas. Below is an explanation of all accommodations that may appear on an Accommodation Memo.

Computer w/word processing for all writing tasks

Computers are available in the BCL for testing. If there is an in-class writing assignment, the student may be allowed to complete the task outside of the classroom or may use a laptop computer or an AlphaSmart® keyboard inside the classroom. (These may be borrowed from the BCL.)

Copies of instructor notes and/or overheads

If you have prepared notes and or overheads, please provide the student with copies at the beginning of class. If you have these available in digital format, determine whether the student prefers hard copy or digital. If your notes/overheads are not available in digital format, but the student needs them in that format, we can help you scan your hard copy and convert it to electronic copy. If you create overheads during class, give them to the student and he or she can make copies after class. Smartboard or tablet technology will allow you to capture your "overheads" or whiteboard use electronically for use by students after class.

Extended time for tests (1.5X or 2.0X)

The Baker Center is available during the hours of 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily to help you provide this accommodation. Some later hours are available as well. However, you may provide the extended time yourself as well. Please note though, the student must NOT be required to move locations during the test (i.e. begin in the classroom and move to alternate location when class time has ended). If you need help with providing this accommodation for an evening or an extension center student, contact us. Please read about details on the accommodation testing procedures that we use in the BCL.

Large print materials/handouts

In order for students with low vision to see print materials, the materials need to be enlarged. To produce hardcopy, enlargement can be done by by changing the font size in your electronic file and printing, the copy machine, or by duplication.

Electronic materials may be enlarged using magnification software. These large format or digital versions of the printed material should be made available to the student at the same time that the general student population is receiving the materials. The student or the BCL can provide information as to necessary enlarging percentage and/or font size.

Nondistracting test location

The Baker Center is available to provide this accommodation during our regular hours. For classes at other locations or times, please contact us.

Note-taking assistance

Please help the student identify a good note taker in your class who is willing to share a copy of his or her notes with the student. We will provide a copy card to the student for making these copies. We have a brochure and online training for prospective note takers.

Alternate format textbooks and/or course materials

Students with print disabilities may receive their textbooks and all course materials in alternate formats. These formats vary by student need and some times by preference. Available formats include e-text, Braille, enlarged text, audio text, and more. The Baker Center helps the student obtain their textbooks in alternate formats. Some textbooks are now being made available online by the publishers and we encourage you to choose these texts when ever possible. For more information, talk to one of the Baker Center coordinators.

Special seating

Special seating may involve particular furniture put into classrooms for a student's use. This furniture should NOT be moved from the classroom or to a different area of the classroom; it is there to address a specific need. Special seating may also mean a particular location in the classroom. For example, a student with a hearing impairment who reads lips may need to sit in the front of the room or a student with a back problem may need to sit in the back of the room so that he can stand or walk out into the hall as needed.

Speller/Spell-check

This accommodation can be provided by the use of an electronic speller such as the Franklin Speller, or by using a word processor with a spell-check capability. This must be allowed for in-class assignments, as well as tests.

Digital, taped, read or oral exams

The Baker Center can help you provide this accommodation. If you are bringing us hardcopy, we will need at least two business days (48 hours) in advance of the scheduled test so that we have time to scan, tape or otherwise convert it. We can prepare a test delivered electronically in a shorter time. If we receive the test with insufficient time for conversion, we may have to reschedule the test. However, this is a very difficult situation for a student who arrives after having prepared for the test to be told that the test is not ready for him. PLEASE deliver tests to us promptly; it is difficult for both the students and for our staff when we must search the building to find the test.

Use of calculator for all math tasks. This means that the student may use a four-function or scientific calculator for any math task. The student may choose to use this accommodation in the Baker Center in order to avoid an awkward situation in the classroom.

Use of recorder in the classroom

Students who use this accommodation will have previously signed an agreement with the Baker Center. In part, this agreement states,

"Lectures recorded may not be shared with other people without the consent of the lecturer. Recorded lectures may not be used in any way against the faculty member, other lecturers, or other students whose comments are recorded as part of a classroom activity. Information contained in the recorded lecture is protected under federal copyright laws and may not be published or quoted without the express consent of the lecturer and without giving proper identity and credit to the lecturer."

Voice input computer/word processor

Students may use Dragon Naturally Speaking in the Baker Center to write papers, essay exams, final exams, etc. Please be aware that this technology requires a certain amount of forethought on the student's part as she must "train" the software to recognize her voice before it will work effectively. The initial training process takes a minimum of one hour, but ideally three hours or more; effective use requires practice over a period of time. The more the student uses the program, the better it gets at recognizing her voice.

Voice output computer/word processor

This accommodation allows students to use software that will read back to them what they have written. This software is available to all students in the Baker Center computer lab (student must bring his/her own headphones), but students with this accommodation may also use it for testing situations.

Accessible Digital Format

When a student's accommodation memo specifies "accessible digital format," this generally means providing materials such as the course outline and other handouts, as a Word file on a disc or via E-mail. If necessary, the student can then reconvert the electronic file to another format. Ideally, in order to provide equal access this should be given to the student prior to the class period when the general student body will be receiving the material. If the material is not something which you have access to electronically, the Baker Center staff can help you scan the item and then convert it to a digital file. Scanning facilities are also available in the College Teaching Center and in the TC3 library.

Contact

If you feel you need help with any of the above or any other disability related issue, please contact:

Carolyn L. Boone

Coordinator of Access and Equity Services

Room 130
607.844.8222, Ext. 4283
E-mail Carolyn

Khaki Wunderlich

Dean of Organizational Success and Learning
ADA/504 Compliance Officer

Room 248
607.844.8222, Ext. 4375
E-mail Khaki

Marilyn Webb

Coordinator of Tutoring
and Accommodation Services

Room 130
607.844.8222, Ext. 4416
E-mail Marilyn

Baker Center for Learning

Room 130
607.844.8222, Ext. 4415
E-mail the Baker Center

Media Services Desk

607.844.8222, Ext. 4359
(closed caption video and other equipment)