ORTHOPEDICALLY IMPAIRED AND OHI CONSORTIUM

Transition to CollegeWhat you need to know

Jennifer ArrocenaDirector of Disability Services

Georgia Gwinnett College

What is Disability Services in a college setting?

Disability Services is a way of ensuring that students with disabilities are not being

discriminated against based on their disability by providing reasonable accommodations to

students with documented disabilities while at college.

ADVOCATE EDUCATE

CONSULT EVALUATE

What is a Disability?

A disability is an impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities

Reasonable accommodations are those things that level the playing field for a student so they can have the same academic opportunities as those without disabilities.

"Accommodations don't make things easier, just possible; in the same way eyeglasses do not improve the strength of the eyes, they just make it possible for the individual to see better. Accommodations are interventions that allow the learner to indicate what they know. Without the accommodations, the learner may not be able to overcome certain barriers" (Samuels, M. 1992 - Asking the Right Questions. The Learning Centre. Calgary)

Accommodations do not give students special privileges but levels the playing field.

Accommodations don't make things easier, just possible; in the same way eyeglasses do not improve the strength of the eyes, they just make it possible for the individual to see better. Accommodations are interventions that allow the learner to indicate what they know. Without the accommodations, the learner may not be able to overcome certain barriers" (Samuels, M. 1992 - Asking the Right Questions. The Learning Centre. Calgary)

Comparison of K – 12 and Postsecondary

K - 12Department of Justice

IDEA & 504 & ADADepartment of

Education

Identification Evaluation Individualized

Education Plan (IEP) Ensure Success:

FAP(M)E Parent Involvement

PostsecondaryDepartment of Justice

504 & ADA/ Department of Education

Office of Civil Rights

Self Disclosure Documentation Accommodation Letters Ensure Access:

Adjustments to ensure non-discrimination.

FERPA / HIPAA

Transition Recommendations

Visit the college’s website for information Come up with a list of questions Be prepared to answer questions about yourself Visit the campus ahead of time

Disability Services Campus tour Classrooms Individual visit Open house/orientation

Register with Vocational rehabilitation Utilize Disability Services as a resource. Find out about other services available to you at the college

and how that service can assist you in succeeding~ Tutoring center, career services, counseling center etc…

Documentation requirements Each school may have slightly different

standards~ most will require current limitations and how academics are affected by your disability.

Current documentation (usually in the last 3 years and/or after the age of 18)

You only need to provide documentation if you are requesting accommodations or services through the school.

BOR Criteria: http://www.usg.edu/academic_affairs_handbook/section3/handbook/appendicesDH/

For medical conditions, most colleges will have a form for the appropriate professional to fill out.

Accommodations Accommodations should be individualized based on

the disability, how it affects the student and the academic environment

Documentation must warrant the accommodation Accommodations should be a collaborative process The accommodation may not be the student’s

preferred accommodation but it must provide equal access

Accommodations may very depending on the course There are no fees for accommodations

Examples of AccommodationsAccommodation letters: Extended time on

exams Quiet room for exams Tape recorder Note taker Readers for exams Scribes for exams Use of a computer Assistive technology

CCTV, Screen readers, voice to text, zoomtext

Other accommodations E text Adjustable desk Priority registration Reduced course load Disclosure letters Mini coaching /weekly or

biweekly meetings Classroom moves Sign language

interpreters/ C print Lab assistants

Accommodation LettersGEORGIA GWINNETT COLLEGEDisability ServicesFaculty Accommodation Notification Date: 01/17/2012 Faculty: Dr. Bea Havior Course: Psyc. 0000-00  Student: Ken Behelped ID#: 9000-00-0000 This student has documentation of a disability. The following accommodations are approved:

1. Extended time to take tests and exams (from time and a half to double time). Providing a separate, distraction free environment for testing may be needed. Specific arrangements for testing accommodations are to be made between faculty and the student. Reasonable notice to faculty by receipt of this letter (at least a week prior to test) is required. Although it is preferable for students to take their tests with access to faculty, DS can proctor tests and exams as needed with at least three days notice.

2. Tape recording of classes3. Notetaking services. The student may attempt to obtain notes from other students independently; however, assistance in locating a

notetaker may be needed. (Please see attached letter) NCR notetaking paper is available. The student has the option not to be identified as the student needing the notetaker.

 Accommodations are required under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. The purpose is to

provide the student with an environment to obtain information and demonstrate mastery of information being tested by minimizing or eliminating the impact of the disability. If any of the above academic adjustments results in a fundamental alteration of this course, please contact Disability Services.

 All information regarding a disability is confidential. Each student is encouraged to explain why an accommodation is needed; however, the

student has the option not to disclose the specific disability. __________________________ ______________________________Jennifer Arrocena StudentDirector of Disability Services678-407-5883jarrocen@ggc.usg.edu

Personal servicesAccommodations are required to be provided by the college. Personal services are not.Examples of personal services are as follows: Personal care attendants (bathroom needs) Tutors Mobility assistance Transportation Individually prescribed devises Readers and scribes for homework assignments

Other accommodations Absences Seizure disclosure Presentation modifications Class participation

exceptions Extensions on classroom

assignments

College StudentsRIGHTS RESPONSIBILITIES

Confidentiality To information about

services/ accommodations/ procedures

To information about the appeal process

Utilize the same services as other students on campus

To use or not to use your accommodations

To self identify if you want services

Follow proper procedures

Provide documentation

To meet and maintain the college’s standards academically and behaviorally

CollegeRIGHTS RESPONSIBILITIESo Set and maintain

standards o To request

documentation that supports the need for academic adjustments

o To select among equally effective adjustments

o Information is available in accessible format

o To evaluate based on qualifications

o Make reasonable modifications for student’s access

o Inform students about the procedure for receiving services

Video: DO ItOverview:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZHP2TPkZEk