STUDENT HANDBOOK
What is Disability Services?
Disability Services provides students with assistance and information in meeting the requirements of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1972 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. The Disability Services staff works with faculty, administrators, and students toward the goal of complying with state and federal regulations and integrating the student with a disability into the college community.
The major goal of Disability Services is to assist all students with disabilities in the pursuit of their educational objectives. Efforts are made to coordinate the students' needs with services and resources available within the institution.
Disability Services strives to coordinate services that will enable students with disabilities to act as independently as possible in a supportive atmosphere that promotes self-reliance. Students may choose whether to use the available services.
Disability Services is the administrative unit for assisting students with disabilities so that they may have access to Old Dominion University. This handbook provides information to students that will explain procedures for efficiently using accommodations and other types of valuable support.
Disability Services is located at 1525 Webb Center. Information regarding services can be obtained in the following ways:
Staff
What documentation do I need?
Documentation provides verification of an individual's disability and must be submitted prior to obtaining accommodations.
Documentation must meet Disability Services guidelines and provide sufficient information to assist the institution in determining what difficulties the student would encounter in an academic setting. Although formats will vary, the following critical data should be included in any documentation in support of a request for accommodations:
- The student's name, the dates of the examination or testing, the examiner's name and credentials.
- Identification of the problems or reasons for referral.
- In cases of learning disability, a list of tests administered, including the names of the tests, and the version used.
- An analysis or interpretation of the test results.
- Diagnostic summary with a brief composite of the entire assessment process. The summary should address the concerns raised in the section of "reasons for referral."
- Recommendations of strategies to assist the student in becoming an efficient learner.
What are accommodations?
Accommodations are interventions that students may utilize to support their academic performance. Interventions may include reasonable modifications, accommodations, or auxiliary aids. Accommodations are identified for each student on an individual basis.
Students are responsible for using accommodations appropriately in all circumstances. Responsible use of accommodations includes but is not limited to the following:
- Using tape recordings of class sessions for personal review only.
- Refraining from flaunting the accommodations received because of the disability.
- Providing advance information to the instructors to receive accommodations.
What are classroom accommodations?
Examples of classroom accommodations include allowing extended time for testing, permitting priority seating, allowing unanticipated class absences, (students should meet the technical standards of the class with or without accommodations), permitting attendance at duplicate lecture sections, permitting tape recording of classes, or disregarding spelling errors for in-class work.
What are testing accommodations?
Extended time for testing generally means a maximum of double time. The test may vary according to the discussion that the student has with the instructor.
- The instructor may want to provide the setting.\
- The instructor may arrange for the test to be taken at 101 Gornto Building.
- The instructor and student may elect to have the test proctored by Disability Services.
Distraction-reduced setting for testing is provided for some students. The place in which the student may test may vary according to the discussion that the student has with the instructor.
- The instructor may want to provide the setting.
- The instructor and student may elect to have the test proctored by Disability Services.
Word processing is available to students who qualify. Access to a word processor is available for essay tests. The student must be competent on Microsoft Word to use this accommodation.
Taped tests are available for students needing oral testing. With 48 hours advanced notice, Disability Services will record the test materials.
A scribe is provided for students who qualify for writing assistance during testing.
Dictated tests are possible when appropriate.
How do I obtain accommodations?
Students wishing to use services and accommodations must follow the established process. Services will commence when the student has completed the prescribed steps and indicated that s/he understands and agrees with the professional evaluator's recommendations and the student's responsibility in the delivery of services.
- Students must notify the Disability Services office each semester as to how many letters are needed.
- Students will need to deliver the letters to their instructors in order to initiate any accommodations.
- Both students and faculty are requested to sign the Accommodation Agreement form. The Accommodation Agreement should be returned to Disability Services and will be placed in the student's file.
What if I need transportation?
Students with permanent or temporary disabilities who need assistance with mobility while on campus may ask Disability Services for assistance. Rides are provided in an accessible golf cart. Requests must be made 24 hours prior to the needed assistance. Service is available only on campus between 8:30am and 5:00pm. Old Dominion University assists those students who are mobility impaired by providing access to classes from on-campus sites.
What other support does Disability Services provide?
- Placement Testing
Accommodations will be provided for the Writing Sample Placement Test (WSPT) for freshmen and transfer students who have completed registration with Disability Services. Testing arrangements should be made with Disability Services in advance.
- Exit Exam of Writing Proficiency
Disability Services provides accommodations for the University Exit Exam. The procedure to access accommodations for the Exit Exam is as follows:
- Students need to register for the exam during scheduled and published times held for all students.
- On the Exit Exam registration form, students should indicate registration with Disability Services.
- Disability Services will verify the information to the Exit Exam Coordinator and contact the student about special testing accommodations.
- Students who require accommodations usually take the exam on the Friday before the scheduled Saturday date. Disability Services will contact registered students who have completed Exit Exam applications regarding special testing accommodations.
- Students need to contact Disability Services if they require accommodations on the Saturday date.
Spanish with Accommodations
Spanish 101 and 102 for students with disabilities is taught in sequence each fall and spring semester. Special permission, which can be obtained from Disability Services, is required.
Voter Registration
Disability Services provides applications for voter registration and assistance with completion and mailing.
Standardized Test Registration
Disability Services assists students in the process of requesting accommodations for standardized tests such as the GRE or PRAXIS.
Campus Housing
Disability Services works with the campus housing office to assist students in acquiring physically accessible housing or quiet study floors to meet the student's needs. Single room status may be requested if warranted by documentation. An additional fee may be required.
What if I need tutoring and note-taking?
Student Support Services (SSS) works with undergraduate students with disabilities to facilitate course tutoring and note-taking. SSS is an office distinct from Disability Services. Registration with SSS is necessary in order to receive services. SSS can be contacted at 683-3582.
Sign Language Interpreters
Disability Services requires a minimum if forty-five days notice to obtain the services of an interpreter for classes. The student must provide a copy of the course schedule for which interpreters are needed. Requests for interpreters for out-of-class course assignments or other university-required work will be provided with reasonable notice. Once assigned, interpreters may be changed if an appropriate substitution is available.
How do I arrange for test accommodations?
We ask that test requests be made at least three business days in advance to give both us and the professor time to get the exam. Test requests are available in the office and online. If your test must be recorded or scribed or if you need a computer, please let us know at the time of your request. Tests are scheduled beginning at 8:30am Monday-Friday. Tests must be completed by 5:00pm. Students who do not follow the test request procedure will be expected to make their own arrangements with professors. Disability Services will return tests to professors unless other arrangements are made. Tests should be scheduled at the same time the class is taking the test. Special permission must be obtained from the professor in order to schedule a different time. Remember that no test accommodations can be provided until adequate documentation has been provided and an intake has been completed with Disability Services. Thus, any grades earned prior to presentation of documentation will stand. It can be helpful to remind professors of accommodation needs for testing prior to a test.
How do I approach faculty members?
The best way is by making an appointment during their listed office hours. These hours are usually provided in the syllabus.
- Ask the instructor when would be the best time to talk to him/her. Many instructors are preoccupied with other concerns immediately prior or after class and will be less available to you.
- Be on time for the appointment.
- Introduce yourself and tell the instructor which class you are in.
- A good approach is to say, "I have a form from Disability Services which verifies that I have a disability. I would appreciate discussing this with you."
- If you are unclear about anything that is said during your discussion, ask for clarification.
- Take notes at the instructor's suggestions.
- At the end of your meeting, summarize what you have written to double-check your understanding of the procedures upon which you have agreed.
- Leave the Faculty Accommodation Letter with the instructor.
- Ask the professor to sign the Accommodation Agreement form.
- Return the signed accommodation form to Disability Services promptly.
- If the instructor has questions that you cannot answer, please refer him/her to Disability Services at 1525 Webb Center or 683-4655.
What are my responsibilities regarding accommodations?
- Submit current documentation of the disability that meets Disability Services guidelines.
- Meet with the Learning Coordinator to complete the intake procedure.
- Meet with your academic advisor to select classes and plan your academic program.
- Register for classes.
- Complete a Request for Faculty Accommodation Letters form and submit to Disability Services prior to the start of classes each semester.
- Pick up Faculty Accommodation Letters from Disability Services, distribute to instructors, and return the signed Accommodation Agreement form to Disability Services.
- Behave in accordance to the Code of Student Conduct throughout campus interactions. The Code of Student Conduct may be found in the University Student Handbook.
Students must inform instructors about needed accommodations within the classroom. These accommodations will be identified in the letters obtained from Disability Services. Professors are expected to limit accommodations to those specified in the letters.
Priority Registration
A few students may need early registration because of disability-specific concerns. These requests are considered on an individual basis by Disability Services. Requests for this accommodation must be supported with specific reasons for the request.
Study Strategy Assistance
Students who need assistance with study strategies or time management techniques may request help from Disability Services. The Learning Coordinator works on an appointment basis.
Note-Sharing
Disability Services coordinates a voluntary note-sharing program for those students who may have additional needs.
Counseling
Disability related counseling is provided to students through the Disability Services office. Personal counseling issues are referred to the campus Counseling Center.
Taped Textbooks
Students who have difficulty with standard print textbooks are encouraged to register with Recordings for the Blind and Dyslexic. The first step in the registration process is to call (800) 221-4792 to request an application. Disability Services can assist you with the completion of the application. RFB&D tape recorders can be purchased from the organization. Disability Services will help obtain audio output of printed materials. Scanner/readers are available in the Disability Services office and the Library.
Is my information confidential?
All student records in Disability Services are maintained in a confidential file. Records are retained throughout the student's tenure with the University, and for three years following graduation or exit from the University.
Students must sign a release of information form in order for confidential information to be shared with other offices or people within the University or community. Transcripts do not contain information regarding students' interactions with Disability Services.
ELS 101
This special section freshman orientation one-credit class is available during the fall semester for students registered with Disability Services. Information on the section can be obtained in Disability Services.
Parking
Students who need to park in accessible spaces on campus must display a current campus pass and a temporary or permanent indicator of disability, which may be obtained from the Department of Motor Vehicles. All accessible spaces, including those in faculty and staff lots, are available to be used with these two indicators. Do not park in reserved spaces.
Course Adjustments
Infrequently, a disability may interfere with a particular course content area. These cases are handled on an individual basis. Disability Services supplies appropriate recommendations and verification of disability.
- If the course is a General Education requirement, the request for adjustment is made to the individual department that teaches the course.
- If the course is part of the student's major, the major department will determine appropriate adjustments in consultation with Disability Services.
- Decisions can be appealed to the Dean of the college of the given department or to the Affirmative Action Office.
What can Disability Services do for you?
We can:
- offer pre-admission information concerning services and accommodations which are available to enrolled students.
- facilitate program accommodations in accordance with recent documentation results
offer a Peer Mentoring Program where students with disabilities may consult with their peers to address issues of concern, develop self-advocacy skills, and share their skills with others.
- refer students to appropriate services such as Student Support Services for tutors and/or note-takers.
- coordinate a note-sharing program.
- offer opportunities for faculty/staff awareness.
- act as a liaison between faculty and students.
- proctor exams.
We cannot:
- provide formal diagnostic evaluations, although we do provide a comprehensive list of qualified diagnosticians in the area.
- offer self-contained classes for students with disabilities.
- ask faculty to compromise the quality of instruction or evaluation in any class, but rather to provide the accommodations necessary for a student to meet the standards of the class.
Appeals
Disability Services implements provisions of Section 504 on behalf of students. However, students may appeal decision about accommodations to the Chair of Academic Skills Development. In addition, the Affirmative Action Office will work with any student to eliminate discrimination and establish equal opportunity. The Section 504 Director of Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action and Diversity is ReNee' Dunman, located in Room 121-A Spong Hall.
Directory of Selected Campus Offices
| Academic Advising 683-3699 |
Campus Police/Public Safety 683-4000 |
| Career Management Center 683-4388 |
Counseling Center 683-4401 |
| Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action 683-3141 |
Exit Exam Coordinator 683-4113 |
| Disability Services 683-4655 |
Financial Aid Offices 683-3683 |
| Student Housing 683-4290 |
Perry Library 683-4141 |
| Parking 683-4004 |
Registrar 683-4425 |
| Student Activities 683-3446 |
Student Employment 683-4388 |
| Student Health Center 683-3132 |
Student Services, Vice President 683-3442 |
| Student Support Services 683-3582 |
Writing Center 683-4112 |
