Classroom
The Disability Services Office coordinates classroom accommodations. This includes laboratory assistants, specialized equipment, interpreters, and note takers for students who require visual, auditory or manual aids in the classroom. Communication between the student, faculty, and the Disability Services Office is essential. Instructors and students are encouraged to contact the Disability Services Office as they recognize a need.
Notetakers
It is the responsibility of the student and the professor to find a notetaker for each class. All notetakers are volunteers. Notetaking is an excellent experience and resume builder for volunteers.
Students who have been recommended to receive notetaking as an accommodation and would like to utilize this service should inform the Office of Disability Services at the beginning of each semester. The student will be required to give his or her professors a letter that details their need for notetaking accommodations. The professor will make an announcement about the volunteer opportunity or choose a volunteer at his or her discretion. In upper level courses, or smaller classes, students may prefer to approach a fellow student to request notetaking assistance, rather than ask the professor.
Notetakers can use the copy machines available in the Office of Disability Services to copy notes, use the NCR notetaker paper available in the office, or provide notes electronically if using a laptop computer. If desired, students can request that a mailbox be available for notes to be dropped off by their notetaker.
Laboratory/Classroom Assistants
Lab assistants can be provided through the Disability Services Office. Lab assistants provide hands on assistance such as lifting objects or describing visual materials. They are not enrolled in the course, nor are they responsible for course work. Students are expected to make the initial contact with their instructors to discuss their abilities and the type of classroom adaptations that are necessary. It is also the student's responsibility to notify the office at least one week in advance regarding a need for lab arrangements.
