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Won’t providing accommodations on examinations give an unfair advantage to a
student with a disability?
No. Accommodations don’t make things easier, just possible. The purpose of academic
accommodations is to put the person with a disability on a level playing field with other
students who do not have a disability.
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Are faculty required to use the testing services as prescribed by SSD when
providing accommodations to students?
Yes. If the Accommodation Form states that a student will test in the Testing Center,
then that accommodation should be honored.
No: If the Accommodation Form recommends that accommodations may be provided
within the classroom when possible, and the Testing Center is an option.
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How can accommodations be provided within my classroom?
If the Accommodation Form indicated an option to test within the classroom, an
instructor may use any available office or room (in addition to the classroom) for
extended time, distraction-reduced environment, or enlarged exams. Please discuss
accommodations with students to make sure that all needs are being met. However, if
the student feels uncomfortable with the testing environment provided by the professor,
the coordinator of SSD will determine if a move to the Testing Center is in order.
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How can I learn more abut the needs of my students?
Open communication between you and your students facilitates a better understanding
of individual needs. Please contact SSD for more information.
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Open communication between you and your students facilitates a better understanding
of individual needs. Please contact SSD for more information.
Ask for the Accommodation Form from SSD. This form describes the accommodations
that instructors are legally required to provide. During office hours or at another
convenient time, discuss the letter and the accommodations with the student. Students
must present an Accommodation Form from SSD to receive accommodations. If a
student does not have an Accommodation Form, he/she should be referred to SSD to
request services. SSD will determine the appropriate accommodation(s) after reviewing
documentation of the disability provided by the student.
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Are accommodations retroactive?
No. Accommodations are not retroactive. Accommodations do not take effect until the
student has completed registration with SSD and has provided the instructor with an
accommodation form. Students must further give the instructors at least three (3)
school days notice before use of an accommodation. SSD cannot require the instructor
or anyone else to make changes in grades for assignments/exams given prior to
notifying the instructor of the accommodations.
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How can I assist a student with getting notes?
Student who cannot take notes or who have difficulty taking notes adequately due to
the effects of their disability can be accommodated in a number of ways including:
allowing them to tape record lectures, assisting them in obtaining an in-class volunteer
note-taker, and providing them with an outline of lecture materials and copies of
overhead transparencies.
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What should I do if a student who is deaf or hard of hearing shows up in my class
without a Communication Facilitator (CF)?
In the unlikely event that a student shows up for the first day of class without a CF, the
student should be referred to SSD. SSD will then attempt to schedule a CF for the
student.
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Do I need to alter my teaching style with an interpreter present?
No. Interpreters are professionals who facilitate communication between hearing
individuals and people who are deaf or hard of hearing.. The role of the interpreter is
similar to that of a foreign language translator: to bridge the communication gap
between two parties.
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What if a student with a disability is failing?
Treat the student as you would any student who is not performing well in your class.
Invite the student to your office to discuss reasons for the failing performance and what
resources the student may use to improve. Encourage the student to see SSD to
discuss any additional concerns.
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What if a student with a disability is often absent?
Keep in mind that consideration for absences is an accommodation that is provided for
some students. Talk with the student and discuss your concerns that absences are
affecting class performance. Remind him/her of your policy on class absences.
Determine with the student whether the missed work can be made up and arrange with
the student to do so. Refer the student to SSD if too much class work has been missed,
or call SSD yourself with your concern. If you have any questions or concerns regarding
this accommodation, please contact SSD. 473-6545
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What is a note-taker?
A note-taker is usually another student in class who agrees to provide copies of lecture
notes taken during class. Some students with disabilities may require a note taker as a
reasonable accommodation. The note-taker may pick up carbonless note-taker paper,
available at no charge, in SSD. If a student in the class cannot be found, SSD hires
someone to perform this service for the student. This is expensive. It is always
appreciated when faculty will share notes, outlines, power points with a disabled
student. This sharing saves the University money.
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Can I review the student’s documentation of the disability?
No. SSD is the office designated to receive and interpret documentation of the
disability. The SSD coordinator certifies eligibility for services and determines
accommodations. Disability information is confidential and students are not required to
disclose this information to instructors. If you are concerned that a student is not
disabled or otherwise qualified for the program, you should consult with SSD.
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What if I suspect that a student has a disability?
Talk with the student about your concerns regarding his/her performance. Whether to
self-identify to SSD is the decision of the student; however, to receive accommodations,
disclosure to SSD with proper documentation is required.
If the student has never been evaluated for a Learning Disability and/or Attention
Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, SSD will provide a list of local resources where the
student may be screened or tested. Some of the resources may offer a sliding fee
schedule. SSD does not test students for disabilities.
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Are “disability” and “handicap” the same thing?
A “disability” is a condition caused by accident, trauma, genetics, or disease that may
limit a person’s mobility, hearing, vision, speech, or mental function. A person may have
more than one disability.
A “handicap” is a physical or attitudinal constraint imposed upon a person; for example,
stairs, narrow doorways, and curbs are handicaps imposed upon people with disabilities
who use wheelchairs.
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How does a student become eligible to receive accommodations?
To become eligible, a student must have a documented disability and inform the
University that he/she is requesting accommodations based on that disability.
- Contact the Services for Students with Disabilities Office
- Provide SSD with documentation of the disability from an appropriate qualified professional, and
- Consult with SSD to determine appropriate accommodations.
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Who determines the accommodation?
The SSD coordinator determines the accommodations using:
- documentation of the disability from qualified professionals provided by the student, and
- information gathered from a diagnostic student intake process.
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The determination of reasonable accommodations considers the following:
- the barriers resulting from the interaction between the disability and the University environment;
- the array of accommodations that might remove the barriers;
- whether or not the student has access to the course, program, service, job, or activity without accommodations; and
- essential elements of the course, program, services, job, or activity are not compromised by the accommodations.
Source: LSU Baton Rouge, Office of Disability Services website