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Handbook for Students With Disabiilities
ABOUT THIS HANDBOOK NOTE: This handbook is intended for those students who have been verified as eligible to receive academic accommodations. Students who have not disclosed a disability, submitted documentation, and/or been verified as eligible must contact the Office of Student Disability Services for additional information. This handbook is written to assist you, the student, with receiving your accommodations and answering any questions you may have. If you have a question or concern that is not discussed in this handbook, please do not hesitate to contact us for additional assistance. It is your responsibility to make yourself familiar with the policies and procedures for receiving accommodations at The University of Mississippi. Please read and become familiar with the information presented in this handbook. In addition, keep this handbook in your possession for future reference. This handbook is not a contract and nothing herein should be construed as such. Please be aware that the policies and procedures in the handbook are subject to change without notice. We look forward to working with you while you are a student at The University of Mississippi. CONTACT US The Office of Student Disability Services (SDS) at The University of Mississippi is committed to ensuring equal access to a quality education for qualified students with disabilities through the provision of reasonable academic accommodations and auxiliary aids which support University standards and academic integrity. We are here to assist students with the implementation of academic accommodations and program accessibility. Because of this we encourage you to contact us if you have any questions about your accommodations or if problems occur regarding your accommodations. We cannot assist you with a problem or concern if we are unaware that there is a problem or concern. The Office of Student Disability Services is located in room 234 of the Martindale Student Services Center. Our hours of operation are Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm. Office of Student Disability Services P.O. Box 1842 Phone:
(662) 915-7128 Do not hesitate to contact us if we can be of assistance to you! TYPES OF VERIFICATION It is important that you be aware of the type of verification status you have been assigned. Some types of verification are temporary pending additional documentation being submitted to this office. If your verification is temporary, please make every effort to submit all necessary documentation before your temporary verification expires. Newly verified students are notified by way of a verification letter and again during their accommodations meeting regarding the type of verification which has been approved and any expiration date which may be assigned.
Yearly Renewal - A renewal verification is approved for those students who have a disorder or impairment, the impact of which may change over time. These students will be required to submit updated documentation once each calender year so that SDS can adjust verification status and accommodations as needed. For example, if you receive a renewal verification in August 2006, you will be required to submit up-dated documentation in August 2007 or your verification for accommodations will expire. Temporary - Temporary verification status may be given to students who have submitted documentation which may confirm a diagnosis but who have not submitted the requisite documents for "on-going" status. Examples of this include students who submit outdated documentation or partial documentation. These students are verified on a temporary, semester-long basis, allowing them time to gather the necessary documentation.
Do not hesitate to contact us if you require additional information about your verification status.
Accommodations are provided for the purpose of ensuring equal access to an education. They are not a guarantee of a certain grade or of success in a particular class; rather, they are intended to "level the playing field" for students with disabilities. Students with disabilities are expected to fulfill all academic and course requirements and evaluation standards, as is expected of all students. Accommodations are approved on a case-by-case basis. They are assigned depending on the documentation that each student submits, the impact of each student's disorder, and our conversations with each student regarding his/her strengths, weaknesses, and needs. Accommodations are also provided on a class-by-class basis. An accommodation which is reasonable in one class may not be reasonable in another. No accommodation will be provided if it compromises or alters essential elements or evaluation standards of a course. Accommodations are considered to be classroom supplements. They are NOT intended to replace regular classroom attendance or participation. Accommodations are
NOT provided retroactively. SDS is unable to provide accommodations
for academic work completed before the student is verified as eligible
for accommodations or before the student requests accommodations
each semester. Therefore it is imperative that you request
accommodations as early in the semester as possible.
Some students decide after being verified that they may benefit from an additional accommodation which was not previously approved or that a change in their accommodations may be helpful. If you would like to request additions or changes to your previously approved accommodations, it will be necessary for you to complete a Request for Change of Accommodations form detailing the new accommodation and your reasons for requesting it. We will review your documentation to see if it supports your request. We may also arrange to speak with you about the reasons you've requested the new accommodation. In some cases, we may request additional documentation to support your request. You will be notified within 10 working days of our decision regarding your request. (top)
STEP 1: Meet with your academic advisor, determine your desired course schedule and request that your advisor lift the advising hold that is on your record. Please note, SDS does not provide academic advising for students with disabilities, nor can we lift the registration hold from a student's account. Students should contact the Academic Support Center at 915-5970 or the department of their scholastic major for advising information. STEP 2: Register for classes by logging onto your personal online account at https://secure.olemiss.edu/services/cur_stu_info_index.htm STEP 3: Make an appointment to meet with the senior staff assistamt at the Office of Student Disability Services in order to:
STEP 4: Make an appointment to meet with each instructor to deliver the Instructor Notification forms and discuss accommodations. You should NOT just hand the forms to your instructors and walk away! It is extremely important to discuss with instructors the implementation of approved accommodations in each class. Priority Registration: If you use priority registration, you may make your appointment with the senior staff assistant at that time. Keep in mind that the beginning of each semester is extremely busy at SDS and, if you want to request accommodations at that time, you may have to wait several days for your appointment. You may want to consider meeting with the program assistant immediately after you use priority registration. (top)
INSTRUCTOR NOTIFICATION OF THE NEED FOR ACCOMMODATIONS If direct classroom accommodations are recommended and you choose to use them, you will be given an Instructor Notification of Classroom Accommodations form to give to each instructor. A new Instructor Notification form must be completed for each semester. Instructor Notification forms verify for the instructor that you are registered with SDS and inform the instructor of your approved reasonable accommodations. It is your responsibility to deliver the Instructor Notification of Classroom Accommodations forms to each of your instructors. Because of regulations regarding the confidentiality of disability-related information, SDS does not automatically inform your instructors that you may require accommodations. Students are required to self-disclose the need for accommodations by delivering the Instructor Notification form directly to instructors. As previously stated, you SHOULD NOT hand the Instructor Notification form to the instructor and then walk away. It is in your best interest to make an appointment to meet with each of your instructors to discuss your approved accommodations and the implementation of those accommodations in each class. PLEASE NOTE: When requested, instructors will be expected to assist in the provision of classroom accommodations when reasonable and necessary. Instructors are not expected to compromise essential elements of the course or course evaluation standards. (top) ACCOMMODATION DESCRIPTIONS Listed below are descriptions of some of the most common accommodations assigned through the SDS office. Also included is the procedure for requesting and receiving each accommodation. Please remember that accommodations are assigned on a case-by-case basis and therefore, inclusion of an accommodation in this handbook does not constitute individual verification. You should review the accommodations listed, paying particular attention to those for which you have been approved. This is not an all-inclusive list. You may have been approved for an accommodation that is not listed in this handbook. If so, you will have been given information about that accommodation in a separate document. If you have any questions or concerns about your approved accommodations, please do not hesitate to contact us. As previously stated, we cannot assist you if we are unaware that you need assistance. (top)
Alternate Format Reading Materials 1. Books on Tape 2. Kurzweil 1000 Scanner/Software 3. Manual Reading Helpful Hint: If you use priority registration, you can locate your instructors and ask for your class syllabi early. This way you can give us a list of books on tape you need before classes begin. If you get us your list early enough, we may even be able to have your tapes for you on the first day of class. (top) Alternate Testing Environment (as provided by the instructor) An alternate testing environment is defined as a quiet room with as little auditory and visual distraction as possible. The University of Mississippi does not have a centralized testing site for students who require an alternate environment for test taking. Faculty and instructors are responsible for providing an alternate testing environment to verified students. You must work closely with your instructors to arrange your accommodation. As with all accommodations, you should give your instructors timely notice of your need for an alternate testing environment. Do not wait until the day of an exam to notify your instructor of your need for this accommodation. Without enough notice, we cannot guarantee that your instructors will have the time to locate and/or arrange an appropriate alternate testing site. As stated, it is important for you to discuss this aspect of your accommodations with your instructors well in advance of test time. Helpful Hint: It may be a good idea for you to remind your instructors a few days before each exam that you will need an alternate testing environment. This will give your instructors time to make arrangements. (top) Alternate Testing Environment (within the SDS Office) SDS will provide a limited
testing site ONLY for those students approved for
the following testing accommodations: scribe, reader, assistive/adaptive
technologies. If you are approved for one of these accommodations
it will be necessary for you to work closely with your instructors
and with this office to make testing arrangements. You will be required
to contact this office in advance of any and all test dates in order
to reserve a room and request a service provider. Please be aware
that we have limited space and limited service providers. Because
of this, it is important for you to make arrangements as early as
possible. Contact the Director of Student Disability Services at
915-7128 for additional information. Assistive Computer Technology The Student Disability Services computer lab is outfitted with several adaptive technologies and software to assist our students in the completion of their academic tasks. Only those students registered with SDS may use the technology resources in the SDS computer lab. In addition to the standard word processing and internet capabilities found in most computer labs on campus, we also offer the following: Kurzweil 1000 - This program allows the student to scan reading material into the computer and have the computer "read" the material aloud. In addition, texts can be taped so that the student can take the text(s) with him/her to review outside the lab. Dragon Naturally Speaking - This voice-recognition software allows those who cannot write to verbally take exams and/or write papers. The computer recognizes the student's voice and writes down what the student says. JAWS - JAWS is a screen reader which will read aloud what is on the computer screen and will allow those with low vision to access the internet, email and other computer programs. ZoomText - This program allows the user to enlarge selected text and graphics on the computer screen. In addition to the assistive computer technology available at SDS, there are also Kurzweils located in the Gaultney Center (formerly Weir Hall) and in the main University library. Helpful Hint: Make an appointment to meet with our computer lab technician for training on the various types of assistive technology available. Call us at 915-7128 for an appointment. (top) Extended/Relaxed Time on Exams The University of Mississippi does not provide "unlimited" time on exams as an accommodation. Time-and-a-half is the standard amount of time allowed on exams for students who are verified for this accommodation. For example, if a class is allowed an hour to take an exam, the student verified for extended time will be allowed an hour and a half. If you are verified for this accommodation and you believe that additional time, in excess of the time-and-a-half may be beneficial, you should discuss this with your instructor. Instructors cannot give you less than time-and-a-half but they can give you more time if they choose. Discuss your needs with your instructors. Let the SDS office know if you have a need for more than time and a half. If extended time on an exam will cause a time conflict with another class, it is your responsibility to speak with both instructors in an attempt to resolve the conflict. Instructors are not required to change the date and time of an exam. Helpful hint: If you use priority registration each semester, you can schedule your classes in such a way that the above-mentioned conflicts may be avoided. (top) Equipment SDS can loan students certain kinds of equipment, such as tape recorders and 4-track tape/CD players. Equipment is loaned based on need, assigned accommodations, and availability. You must come by the office and complete a loan form before any equipment will be loaned. All equipment much be returned to SDS by the date specified on the loan form. If equipment is not returned, is damaged, or is lost, the cost of the equipment will be charged to your bursar's account. Helpful Hint: Many students find it more convenient to purchase their own equipment. This prevents the student from borrowing each semester and allows the student to have the equipment after leaving the University. If you need information on how to purchase specialized equipment to read alternate format reading materials, please do not hesitate to contact us. (top) Notetaking If you receive notetaking as an accommodation, it is necessary for you to be aware of the policies and procedures for accessing this accommodation. Students receiving this accommodation will be required to sign a form each semester which states that they understand the policies and procedures as listed below. Failure to follow the policies and procedures listed below may result in the discontinuation of this accommodation. 1. It is the student's responsibility to request accommodations in a timely manner. It may take SDS several weeks to recruit notetakers. To help assure a notetaker, students should request this accommodation as early in the semester as possible. 2. Students are encouraged to assist in the recruitment process by referring possible notetakers to this office. If a student knows someone in class who may be a good notetaker, the student is encouraged to send that person to the SDS office so we can interview him/her for the notetaking position. This may prevent a delay which might occur while SDS attempts to recruit notetakers. 3. It is the student's responsibility to deliver the notetaker request letter to each instructor. Students will be given a letter attached to the Instructor Notification of Classroom Accommodations form. This letter will request that the instructor make an announcement in class regarding the need for a notetaker. Students are responsible for delivering this letter to instructors. Please note that this process is confidential. Instructors will not mention you by name when they make the announcement regarding the need for a notetaker. 4. It is the student's responsibility to frequently check with SDS to see if we have found a notetaker and/or if notes are being delivered. SDS cannot contact students when we locate and hire notetakers. Students should call or come by the office frequently to check for notes. The telephone number for the notetaking office is 915-7225. 5. It is the student's responsibility to be aware that accommodations are not provided retroactively. Notetaking will begin when we are able to recruit a notetaker. This means that notes from prior classes cannot be provided.
7. It is the student's
responsibility to be aware that there may be times when the University
is unable to recruit a notetaker or the assigned notetaker is unable
to attend class. Because of this, we encourage all students
receiving this accommodation to take a tape recorder to every class
to serve as a back-up. 9. It is the student's responsibility to contact SDS in writing with any additions to or deletions from the class schedule submitted to us. Students who fail to notify SDS of a change in schedule may have their need for this accommodation reviewed and possibly discontinued. 10. It is the student's responsibility to contact SDS promptly if notes are not being delivered or if the quality of the notes is not adequate. We cannot assist with a problem if we are unaware of a problem. 11. It is the student's responsibility to retrieve all notes in a timely manner. We ask that students come to the office and check the notetaking files at least once a week. Without written permission from the student we cannot give notes to any person other than the student for whom they are approved. In addition, please be aware of the following:
Helpful Hint: You may want to attend classes for a few days before requesting notetaking so you know the classes in which you will need this service. (top) Students who are verified with this office as eligible to receive accommodations are given the opportunity to register for classes during the first few days of priority registration each semester. This benefit becomes effective during your second semester as a student at the University. We strongly encourage you to take advantage of priority registration each semester. We cannot assign accommodations until you have registered for classes. To make certain that accommodations are put into place as early as possible, it is advisable to register for classes early. It is your responsibility to request all accommodations in a timely manner. Depending on the availability of service providers, it may take several weeks to implement certain accommodations. It is in your best interest to register early. Dates for priority registration are available from the Registrar's Office. It will be necessary for you to meet with your academic advisor and have your advising hold lifted before registering. As previously mentioned, SDS does not provide academic advising or lift registration holds from accounts. . Helpful Hint: When preparing for priority registration, remember that students with disabilities are subject to the same process for scheduling advisor appointments as are all other students. If you wait too long to make your appointments, your advisor may not be able to see you until after priority registration begins. It is your responsibility to make your advisor appointments early enough that you may benefit from priority registration. (top) STUDENT SELF-RESPONSIBILITY Good self-responsibility skills are important to help you make the transition to post-secondary education and to have a successful college experience. The University of Mississippi will make a good-faith effort to provide reasonable accommodations which may be necessary for you to have equal access to educational opportunities. It is your responsibility to use your approved accommodations, access other types of University assistance if needed, and work towards academic success. Some examples of self-responsibility include:
APPEAL PROCESS It is important that
you be aware of your right to appeal academic and/or accommodation-related
decisions that you believe may have been made in error. The University of Mississippi has procedures in place both for the appeal of academic decisions and for the appeal of a decision regarding accommodation for students with disabilities. To appeal an academic decision (such as a grade), contact the Registrar's Office at 915-7792 for information. In addition, the academic appeal process is outlined step by step in the M-Book. To appeal a decision regarding accommodations for students with disabilities, contact Wilma Webber-Colbert, the ADA Coordinator, at 915-7735.(top) OTHER CAMPUS RESOURCES We encourage students to use all available campus resources in an attempt to gain the most from their experience at The University of Mississippi. Those resources include, but are not limited to:
It is our commitment to assist students in becoming independent. Students who use all available resources and support services increase their potential for academic success. (top) |
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