Fill - Free fillable SOWELA Faculty Handbook For Disability Services (SOWELA Technical Community College) PDF form

Faculty Handbook: Disability Services

Policy, Procedures & Resources

Disability Services

Computer Technology Building – Student Success Center

Voice: (337) 421-6969

Fax: (337) 491-2054

Email: ods@sowela.edu

Table of Contents

Introduction from the DSS Director......................................................................................................................4

Mission..................................................................................................................................................................5

Mission of Disability Services............................................................................................................................5

Role of Disability Services .................................................................................................................................5

Eligibility for Services ........................................................................................................................................5

Disability Laws in Postsecondary Education .........................................................................................................6

The Rehabilitation Act ......................................................................................................................................6

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) .......................................................................................................6

The ADA in Relation to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act..........................................................................6

Definition of a Disability....................................................................................................................................6

Physical Impairment .........................................................................................................................................6

Mental Impairment...........................................................................................................................................7

Major Life Activity.............................................................................................................................................7

Admittance to SOWELA ........................................................................................................................................7

Confidentiality.......................................................................................................................................................8

Educational Access for Students with Disabilities ................................................................................................9

Faculty Rights and Responsibilities ...................................................................................................................9

Student Rights and Responsibilities................................................................................................................10

Office of Disability Services Rights and Responsibilities.................................................................................10

ACCOMMODATIONS.......................................................................................................................................12

REASONABLE ACADEMIC ACCOMMODATIONS..............................................................................................14

Procedure for Enrolling with Disability Services .................................................................................................15

Documentation:...............................................................................................................................................15

Accommodation Implementation....................................................................................................................15

Procedure Orientation .....................................................................................................................................15

Retention.........................................................................................................................................................15

Testing Procedures..........................................................................................................................................15

Confidentiality ................................................................................................................................................16

Specialized Services .......................................................................................................................................16

Appendix .............................................................................................................................................................17

Faculty Requirements for Submitting and Collecting Tests............................................................................18

Note Taker Form.............................................................................................................................................20

Introduction from the DSS Director

Dear Faculty:

The purpose of this letter is to acquaint you with the Office of Student Support Services (OSSS),

the services we offer, and to give you some helpful guidelines to assist you with working

effectively with students with disabilities.

My office exists not only to provide accommodations and assistance for students with disabilities

but also to support those of you who work with our students.

Please understand that the provision of support is not to give an unfair advantage to students with

disabilities but rather to give them the support they need to be successful. We hold our students

to high attendance, behavior and academic expectations.

Any student who receives an accommodation must first furnish OSSS with documentation of

their disability from a qualified professional/agency. Accommodations are based on specific

disabilities, and must be provided based on the accommodations issued by OSSS. My office will

work closely with instructors to ensure that students with disabilities are supported and academic

integrity protected.

If at any time during the semester you have questions, please feel free to contact my office at

(337) 421-6969.

Sincerely,

Christine M. Collins

Director of Student Support Services

Philosophy and Mission

Mission of Disability Services

In support of the college’s mission to identify and meet the educational needs of its community through

innovative, dynamic programs, Disability Services ensures equal access to all campus programs and

activities. The office promotes full participation in campus life for individuals with disabilities. Services

are provided collaboratively to empower students to advocate for themselves and assume responsibility

for their academic outcomes and personal goals

Role of Disability Services

Disability Services provides intake, assessment of needs on campus, and facilitation of academic and

other accommodations for students with disabilities attending SOWELA Technical Community College

(SOWELA). DS acts as a liaison between students and faculty, as well as with community agencies.

Disability Services also provides training for faculty and staff to increase greater understanding of the

needs and the advantages of a team approach to serving students with disabilities within the SOWELA

Community.

Any student with a learning, physical, psychological, or other disability that significantly impacts his or

her academic pursuits is potentially eligible to receive services from DS. The office interacts with

students with disabilities in the determination and facilitation of auxiliary aids and services on an

individual basis

Eligibility for Services

A student is eligible for accommodations if he/she:

• is qualified for the program(s)

• is a person with a disability

• has identified himself/herself to the institution through DS, and

• has presented appropriate documentation regarding the disability to the institution as required by DS

(see documentation requirements) and requires accommodation(s).

Note: Accommodations are effective after the student submits appropriate and complete documentation in accordance with DS

documentation policies, completes the DS registration, and has presented and discussed the accommodation letter with his/her

instructor (for testing accommodations, the accommodation letter must be presented to the instructor at least three business days

prior to the examination date)

Disability Laws in Postsecondary Education

If you have a disability, you are entitled by law to equal access to college programs. There are two laws that

protect persons with disabilities in postsecondary education: The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the 1990

Americans with Disabilities Act.

The Rehabilitation Act

Title V of The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is generally regarded as the first civil rights legislation for people

with disabilities on the national level. Section 504 of The Rehabilitation Act is a program access statute. It

prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in any program or activity offered by an entity or institution

receiving federal funds.

Section 504 states (as amended):

No otherwise qualified person with a disability in the United States . . . shall, solely on the

basis of disability, be denied access to, or the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination

under any program or activity provided by any institution receiving federal financial

assistance.

Under Section 504, institutions were required to appoint and maintain at least one person to coordinate its

efforts to comply with the requirements of Section 504 (Section 504 Coordinator). This individual or office

has the ongoing responsibility of assuring that the institution/agency/organization practices nondiscrimination

on the basis of disability and should be included in any grievance procedures developed to address possible

instances of discrimination brought against the institution. At SOWELA Technical Community College

(SOWELA), the established office is the Disability Services (DS).

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

The ADA is a federal civil rights statute that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities. There

are four sections in the law: employment, government, public accommodations, and telecommunications. The

ADA adds more protection for disabled persons to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The ADA is designed to

remove barriers that prevent qualified individuals with disabilities from enjoying the same opportunities that

are available to persons without disabilities.

Colleges and Universities are covered in many ways under the ADA. Employment is addressed by Title I,

accessibility provided by public and private entities Title II and III, and miscellaneous items are covered under

Title V.

The ADA in Relation to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act

Institutions that receive federal funds (such as the SOWELA Technical Community College) are covered

under Section 504. The ADA does not supplant Section 504, but in those situations where the ADA provides

greater protection, the ADA standards apply. Therefore, colleges and universities must adhere to both the

Rehabilitation Act and The Americans with Disabilities Act.

Definition of a Disability

Section 504 defines a person with a disability as a person:

• with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities,

• who has a record of the disability, OR

• who is regarded as having the disability.

Physical Impairment

Any physiological disorder or condition, cosmetic disfiguration, or anatomical loss affecting one or more of

the following body systems:

Neurological Musculoskeletal

Special Sense Organs Respiratory (including speech organs)

Cardiovascular Reproductive

Digestive Genitourinary

Hemic and Lymphatic Skin and Endocrine

Mental Impairment

A mental impairment is defined as any psychological disorder such as a neurological psychological disability,

organic brain syndrome, emotional or mental illness and specific learning disabilities.

Major Life Activity

A major life activity is defined as any function such as caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, walking,

seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning and working.

Admittance to SOWELA

Qualified disabled applicants will not be denied admission solely on the basis of disability. It is not necessary,

nor recommended, that students disclose their disability in the application process.

Once admitted to the College, students with disabilities requiring accommodation(s) must contact DS

to request the specific accommodation(s) desired and provide necessary documentation.

SOWELA Technical Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin,

gender, disability, or age in its programs and activities. The following persons have been designated to handle

inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies:

EEO/Title IX Officer: Dr. Fitzpatrick Anyanwu, 3820 Sen, J. Bennett Johnston Ave., Lake Charles, LA

70615, (337) 421-6905 or (800) 256-0483,fitzpatrick.anyanwu@sowela.edu

ADA Officer: Christine Collins, 3850 Sen. J. Bennett Johnston Ave., Lake Charles, LA 70615, (337)

421-6969 or (800) 256-0483,christine.collins@sowela.edu

Confidentiality

Disability-related documentation is defined as any documentation provided to substantiate the student’s

disability status and need for accommodations (e.g., psychological, psychoeducational, neuropsychological, or

medical evaluations; letters; or other information from physicians or medical records.) Disability-related

information is kept confidential, and is not released to anyone outside the accommodations process or the

direct chain of command, with the following exceptions: the student gives DS a signed release to share

disability-related information with the person(s) named on the release; as DS is required and/or permitted by

the law and/or a court order; the student is a direct threat to themselves or others; or a student makes a

disability-related allegation, claim, grievance, appeal or disclosure to College attorneys for legal advice to or

representation of the College.

Note: Students with disabilities have the right to review their files. This can be arranged by scheduling an

appointment with a DS staff member. DS does not provide copies of documentation. Upon receipt of student

documentation, DS will create a student file. Upon registration, students will be encouraged to maintain a copy

of the documentation. Original copies of documentation should be obtained from the originator of the

documentation. DS will retain a copy of all information within a student’s file for five (5) years. Once the

student is considered inactive for five years, the file may be destroyed. When a student with a disability

requests accommodations, he/she should understand that some disability-related information may be provided

on a need-to-know basis to College personnel in order to ensure that the student will receive appropriate

accommodations. In most instances, College personnel need to know only what accommodations the student

must be provided and that the student has been through the disability documentation review process with DS.

Otherwise, College personnel do not have access to information regarding a student’s disability.

Educational Access for Students with Disabilities

Faculty Rights and Responsibilities

Please Note: For those students with documented disabilities, faculty does NOT have the right to ask the

nature of the disability. However, if students choose to disclose their disability, this information should be

treated confidentially.

FACULTY HAS THE RIGHT TO:

Documentation

Request verification of a student’s eligibility for any requested accommodations. Such verification will be in

the form of a letter written by DS and delivered by the student. DS is the only office designated to review

disability documentation and determine eligibility for appropriate accommodations for students with

disabilities. Faculty will not view this documentation.

Accommodations

Expect the student to initiate accommodation requests. If the student is taking their examinations with DS,

expect DS to administer examinations in a secure and monitored environment.

FACULTY HAVE THE REPSONSIBILITY TO:

Accommodations

Identify and establish essential functions, abilities, skills, and knowledge of their courses and evaluate students

on this basis. Students with disabilities should meet the same essential course expectations with appropriate

accommodations as their peers. DS strongly recommends the essential functions and course expectation

information be addressed on the syllabus.

Provide accommodations only to students who are registered with DS. It is NOT your responsibility to provide

accommodations to students who are not registered with DS.

Use a syllabus statement and class announcements to invite students to disclose their needs to Disability

Services.

Act immediately upon getting a student’s request for accommodations by contacting DS (if unsure about a

request) or submitting emails sent for student testing accommodations.

Work to ensure that all audio-visual materials used in class are accessible (e.g., that videos shown are

captioned for students with hearing impairments and that the equipment used has captioning capabilities, that

videos shown will be made with auditory description in some way or that written transcripts will be provided,

etc.)

Consider incorporating principles of Universal Design for Learning in your teaching.

Confidentiality

Treat and protect all disability-related information as confidential medical information. For example, keep

printed items, such as Note Taker Forms, Accommodation Letters from DS or emails regarding student

disability-related information in a protected location.

Communication

Clearly communicate your testing procedures with the student and with DS by submitting the Testing Form

when requested.

Consult with students with disabilities and DS in providing appropriate accommodations.

Student Rights and Responsibilities

STUDENTS HAVE THE RIGHT TO:

Confidentiality

Expect all disability-related information to be treated confidentially.

Accommodations

Receive appropriate accommodations in a timely manner from faculty and DS. Students should have the

opportunity to meet privately with faculty to discuss needed accommodations and any other concerns. Please

keep in mind that DS is the only office designated to review disability-related documentation and

determine eligibility for appropriate accommodations for students with disabilities.

STUDENTS HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY TO:

Documentation

Provide DS with appropriate documentation of the disability.

Confidentiality

Go to the instructor’s office hours or make an appointment with the instructor to facilitate privacy when

requesting accommodations.

Accommodations

Initiate request for specific accommodations in a timely manner, preferably earlier in the semester if possible.

Follow procedures with faculty and DS in order to get the appropriate accommodation. A Testing Form must

be submitted for every examination to be taken with DS.

Notify faculty/DS immediately when an accommodation is not being provided completely or correctly.

Notify faculty/DS immediately when a decision has been made to not use an accommodation or the

accommodation is no longer needed.

Provide for own personal living needs or other personal disability-related needs. For example, coordinating

services of personal care attendants, transportation or requiring homework assistance are a student’s

responsibilities and not the responsibility of DS.

Communication

Act as own advocate.

Work with counselors on developing advocacy skills and communicating their specific needs and

accommodations to faculty.

Office of Disability Services Rights and Responsibilities

DS HAS THE RIGHT TO:

Documentation

Receive the appropriate documentation from the student prior to the accommodations being initiated.

Accommodations

Expect students and faculty to work cooperatively with DS to facilitate academic accommodations.

Deny unreasonable or inappropriate academic accommodations, adjustments, and/or auxiliary services.

Accommodations cannot impose undue hardship to, or fundamentally alter, a program or activity of the

College.

Deny academic accommodations/services if appropriate documentation has not been provided.

DS HAS THE RESPONSIBILITY TO:

Documentation

Collect, evaluate, securely store disability documentation and determine eligibility for services in a timely

manner.

Confidentiality

Treat and protect all disability-related information as confidential medical information.

Meet with the student privately in an accessible location to discuss disability-related needs.

Accommodations

Administer examinations as directed by faculty through the Testing Form in a secure and monitored

environment.

Provide appropriate accommodations in collaboration with faculty and student.

Communication

Communicate procedures clearly to the student and faculty.

Advocacy

Assist student with disabilities in understanding their strengths and functional limitations.

Provide students with self-advocacy training.

Disclaimer: Accommodations are specifically individualized to each qualifying student’s disability as

determined by the Disability Services office. No accommodations can fundamentally alter the essential

requirements of any course.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Accommodations/Auxiliary Aids and Services

The accommodations/services available to students are based on the individual student’s disability-related

needs. Accommodations/services include, but are not limited to, the following:

Alternative Format (AF)

AF changes the format of the material to one that allows the student to have access to the material, such

as enlarged print etc.

Communication Facilitators (CF)

All captionists and interpreters that provide services at SOWELA are referred to as Communication

Facilitators. Communication Facilitators must abide by the appropriate Code of Ethics/Conduct and agree

to abide by the conditions outlined in the SOWELA Communication Facilitator Handbook.

A. Sign Language Interpreters – Students are able to choose one or a combination of the following

modes of communication: ASL, PSE, Signed English, and SEE II. If interpreting services are needed for

any college-related events (i.e., instructor meetings, study sessions, tutoring sessions, etc.) other

than the regular class schedule, contact Disability Services and submit an Interpreter Request Form

at least 24 hours in advance.

B. Captionist – Captionists are trained text-to-speech providers (C-Print Software) who type all verbal

information from classes on a laptop computer. All verbal communication between the instructor

and the student, including lectures and class discussions, are captioned and will appear on the laptop

computer screen. Students who use captioning services may have a copy of the class transcript e-

mailed to them. These transcripts cannot be sold, lent or given to any other student. Any violation of

the above is grounds for termination of services at the discretion of the Director of Disability

Services.

If upon the basis of your disability documentation you are entitled to captioning services, this

accommodation does not, and should not replace or substitute for class attendance. Captionists will not

be responsible for providing transcripts to you for missed class periods, unless your accommodation is

“Consideration for Absences.” This should be discussed with the captionist at the beginning of the

semester and is subject to review for approval by the Director of Disability Services.

Consideration for Absences

This is an accommodation that may be given to students who have a disability that may cause them to

occasionally miss class. All the essential components of the class must be met regardless of the

accommodation. This accommodation is only applicable if class is missed due to a disability-related

problem. If students miss class, they are responsible for contacting their faculty member and Disability

Services office immediately and making up any missed work as soon as possible. Class attendance is

extremely important and while a student may have consideration for absences, too many missed classes

will make it difficult to complete course requirements.

Consideration for Spelling

This is an accommodation that allows students not to be penalized for spelling. All essential components

of the course must be met regardless of the accommodation. A spell checker may be used in the place of

consideration for spelling.

Distraction-reduced Environment

This is an environment in which distractions are minimized while the student is taking his or her

examination (i.e., not with the rest of the class.)

Extended Time

In-class Assignments and Examinations – Extended time on in-class assignments and examinations, in

most cases, will be equal to time-and-a-half of the usual time allotted for the assignment or examination.

Students are required to work out arrangements for extended time on in-class assignments and

examinations with their instructors at least three (3) business days in advance. If the instructor cannot

provide the accommodation, please contact DS.

Out-of-class Assignments – Extended time on out-of assignments will be assessed on a case-by-case

basis and for each particular assignment. Students are required to see a DS staff member when there is a

need for this accommodation for a specific assignment when the assignment is announced. An additional

Semester Accommodation Letter for each specific assignment may be given to the student to give to

his/her instructor.

Individualized Registration Counseling

Students with disabilities, registered with DS, are eligible for Individualized Registration Counseling.

The purpose of this accommodation is to allow students to select their classes with consideration for

medication schedules, other health concerns, or learning styles. It is the student’s responsibility to

utilize this option.

No Scantrons

This accommodation allows the student to write his/her answers directly on the exam.

Note Taker

A note-taker is a person, typically a student in the class, who takes notes and provides them to a student

with a disability.

Private Room

Use of a private room provides a testing environment in which the student is the only person in the room

except for an exam proctor. Documentation needed to determine private room eligibility.

Readers

A reader is a person who is available to read in-class assignments and exams for students.

Scribes

A person who is available to write for students on in-class assignments and exams is a scribe.

Seizure letters

This letter give the faculty member directions on what to do if the student has a seizure in class.

pe-recorded textbooks and other alternative formats

- D

S is not responsible for the acquisition of

taped or electronic textbooks for students who have vision, learning and physical disabilities. However,

DS will assist students with obtaining these materials if verification is required by the publisher.

REASONABLE ACADEMIC ACCOMMODATIONS

CLASSROOM ACCOMMODATIONS

Adaptive Furniture Assistive Listening Devices

Captionist Consideration for Absences

Sign Language Interpreter Use of Computer or Adaptive Technology

Note Taker

TESTING ACCOMMODATIONS

Enlarged Tests Consideration for Spellings Scribe

Distraction-reduced Environment Extended Time No Scantrons

Reader

Procedure for Enrolling with Disability Services

Documentation: After completing the SOWELA enrollment process, bring documentation from

your doctor/therapist to DS. Note: An IEP should include an evaluation (see documentation

guidelines for further details). Students should drop off a copy of their documentation for review in the

DS office. Students will be contacted within 1 to 2 business days to schedule an appointment with a DS

Counselor. At this time students will fill out an application, discuss disability-related needs and complete

a Semester Accommodation Request Form. The Counselor will also review all policies and procedures

for the office.

Students may request academic accommodation(s), but the College is not required to provide the specific

accommodation requested, if another accommodation is reasonable and effective. A student is required to

submit “Documentation of Disability” before the initial application for services. Documentation must

specifically support the need for any accommodations requested. No accommodations will be given

without appropriate documentation. If another evaluation is obtained after the initial intake or the

disability has changed in some way, specifically worsened and limitations have increased, further

documentation must be presented to DS. All accommodations are decided on a case-by-case basis and

are subject to change if disability-based needs change. Disability Services is not responsible for

reevaluation expenses.

Accommodations are NOT retroactive.

Accommodation Implementation: Students are responsible for deciding how they will use

accommodations.

tudents must submit a Semester Accommodation Request Form every semester to receive services

through Disability Services. Students will receive Accommodation Letters based on the agreed upon

accommodation set forth in the intake meeting with a DS Counselor. Students are responsible for

distributing their Accommodation Letters to their instructors. DS will not mail letters to Instructors.

Procedure Orientation: DS personnel provide a demonstration of procedures for accessing

accommodations to ensure student success.

Retention: All students must fill out a Semester Request Form every semester to remain in the DS

program.

or each subsequent semester it is always best to request accommodations at the beginning of the

semester. No Accommodation Letters will be given out the last week of classes or final exam week,

unless it is requested by the Instructor. Special circumstances will be taken into consideration. The

instructor must legally give the student a reasonable accommodation, only if the Instructor receives the

letter in a reasonable amount of time before the test. This is typically three (3) days prior to the exam

date.

Testing Procedures: Students are required to request examinations through DS at least three (3)

business days prior to the examination date through email to ods@sowela.edu. Students are also required

to provide a Testing Form to their instructors for each exam to be taken with DS at least three (3)

business days prior to the examination date. The Testing Form is available on SOWELA/Disability

Services website.

Note: The three (3) day notice is to ensure that all accommodation needs can be met and all exams have

been received.

Confidentiality: Students do not need to disclose the nature of their disability to their Instructor in

order to access accommodations.

Specialized Services: Specialized testing services such as reader, captionist, interpreter etc. should

be indicated on the accommodation request form. Students must request these services three (3) business

days before they are needed.

Appendix

Testing Services for Students with Disabilities

Faculty Requirements for Submitting and Collecting Tests

To ensure that tests are processed accurately, please take note of the requirements:

I. PREPARING TESTS FOR USE

a. Label all tests with the instructor’s name, the course name and section number,

and the test name or number. The Office of Student Support Services will use this

information for filing instructor’s tests.

b. Inform all students they must make an appointment for proctored testing.

II. SUBMITTING TESTS TO THE OFFICE OF STUDENT SUPPORT

SERVICES

a. A completed Proctored Testing Request form must be paper-clipped t o each

individual test.

b. Submit tests at least 72 hours before the starting date of the test if possible. This

allows The Office of Student Support Services time to prepare for issuance to

students and to ensure strict adherence to faculty testing requirements as indicated on

the Proctored testing Request form.

c. Any tests that are not submitted with an official Proctored Testing Request

form will not be accepted.

III. COLLECTING TESTS FROM THE OFFICE OF STUDENT SUPPORT

SERVICES

a. Faculty m embers are notified by the Office of Student Support Services when

tests/quizzes have been completed and ready for pickup.

b. Faculty m ust pick up the completed tests from the Office of Student Support

Services. Faculty ID may be required.

IV. ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

a. The Office of Student Support Services will accept any Proctored Testing

Request forms but will not accept tests/quizzes from a student. We will not give

the student the opportunity to alter the form or test before the proctored exam.

Date Received from Student: __________________

Accommodations Testing Form

This form should be completed and turned in for each test scheduled with the Accommodations Coordinator.

PLEASE PRINT ALL INFORMATION:

THE STUDENT SHOULD COMPLETE THIS SECTION

Student Name: __________________________________________ Student ID #: _____________________________

Course: _____________________________________ Class # ______________ Section: _______________________

Instructor (first initial and last name): ______________________________________________________

I understand that only by submitting this form to the Accommodations Coordinator a minimum of 2 days

before

the test date listed below will I guarantee myself the accommodations specified on the Student Accommodations

Contract signed by me and on file in the Disability Services office. I further understand

my failure to appear for

testing within 15 minutes of the test time listed will result in forfeiture of my scheduled testing time

and the

return of the test to the instructor.

Student’s Signature: _______________________________________________________ Date: ___________________

THE INSTRUCTOR SHOULD COMPLETE THIS SECTION: The Accommodations Coordinator will give the student the test at the

scheduled time when possible. On occasion, the test may have to be given at a time other than the one listed on this sheet.

Date test SHOULD be administered to student: ____________________ Time: ________________

Special instructions (e.g. open book, calculator or notes allowed, etc.): _______________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Instructor’s Signature: ________________________________________________________________________________

If you have any questions, you may contact Christine Collins at 421-6969.

THE ACCOMMODATIONS COORDINATOR SHOULD COMPLETE THIS SECTION:

Test received by Acc. Coordinator: Date: _______________ Time: ___________________ Initials: ____________

Test administered: Date: _______________ Time Started:_____________ Time Ended: _______

Total time spent on test: ___________________ Monitor’s Initials: _________

Test returned to department: Date: ______________ Time: ________________

SOWELA Technical Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin,

gender, disability, or age in its programs and activities. The following persons have been designated to

handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: ADA Officer: Christine Collins, 3850 Sen. J. Bennett

Johnston Ave., Lake Charles, LA 70615, (337) 421-6969 or (800) 256-0483,christine.collins@sowela.edu

Disability Services

Note Taker Form

A guide to an easier semester with our Note Taker Program

Faculty Instructions

If a student registered with Disability Services provides this Note Taker Form, please

read the announcement below to your class. It is important that the student NOT be

identified in front of the class for disability confidentiality reasons.

After reading the announcement, please make sure you give the student who agreed to

take notes this Note Taker Form.

If anyone is interested in providing a copy of their notes from this class to a

student with a disability, please pick up a Note Taker Packet from me at the end

of class for further information. Students who volunteer need to be in good

academic standing and will be eligible to receive one of the following two

incentives as compensation for this service.

1. Priority registration

2. A letter of recommendation from the Disability Services office

Carbonless paper is available at no cost to the note taker in Disability Services.

Note Taker Instructions

Note Takers must:

 Report to the Disability Services office to sign up as a note taker.

Please contact the student via email to make arrangements for the delivery of the class

notes personally with the student, or you may send the class notes to the student via e-

mail.

Carbonless paper is available at no cost to the note taker in Disability Services.

A Note Taker Verification Form must be submitted by the student receiving the notes or

the Note Taker will not receive the type of compensation that was indicated on the Note

Taker Information Form. Disability Services will send a reminder to the students

receiving notes.

Volunteer Note Taker Information Form

PLEASE SUBMIT THIS FORM TO DISABILITY SERVICES AS SOON AS

YOU RECEIVE YOUR NOTE TAKER PACKET (late forms may not be

awarded full incentive).

Name: ___________________________________________________________

Student ID#: ____________________________________

Phone: _________________ STCC E-mail: ____________________________

Address: __________________________________________________________

City: _________________________ State: _________ Zip: ________________

Class you are taking notes for:

Course Name: _________________ Number: _________ Sec.: ________

I would like to choose the following compensation for taking notes:

___ Priority Registration (for Spring) or

___ A letter of recommendation from the Disability Services office

* All note takers must be in good academic standing.

Note: In order to obtain one of the above compensations, a Student

Verification form must be completed by the student prior to the end of the Fall

Semester. A form will be e-mailed to you or you can pick up the form from the

Disability Services office in Administration Building.

SOWELA Technical Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin,

gender, disability, or age in its programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle

inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Compliance Officer, 3820 Sen J Bennett Johnston Ave, Lake

Charles, LA 70615, ph: 337-421-6565 or 800-256-0483, Email complianceofficer@sowela.edu.

NOTE TAKER INFORMATION SHEET

Important timely information:

1. Turn in the Note Taker Information Form as soon as you receive your Note Taker Packet.

2. Be sure to turn in your completed Student Verification Form.

Responsibilities of a class note taker:

1. Note takers need to be dependable and attend classes each day in a timely manner.

2. Note takers should copy all information from the board and overheads in addition to

taking notes from class lectures. Notes should be arranged in an organized manner and

must be written legibly.

3. Note takers should always include class announcements such as test dates, review

sessions, assignments, and due dates in the notes.

4. Note takers should meet with the student to discuss the note taking format that will be

used in the class (see number 3 in next section).

General information about note taking services:

1. Note takers are not required to provide notes to students for days the students are absent

from class.

2. If a note taker must unavoidably miss a class, it is his/her responsibility to obtain the

class notes from someone else for the student.

3. Note takers may either use carbonless paper from Disability Services, photocopy, or type

and e-mail their notes.

4. A mutual agreement can be made between the note taker and the student concerning the

manner in which the notes will be delivered (i.e., same day, next day).

Incentives for volunteer note takers

1. Opportunity for advanced class registration.

2. A letter of recommendation from Disability Services.

SUGGESTIONS FOR THE NOTE TAKER

1. Write the class title, date and page number in the upper right hand corner of each page of

notes to help the student keep the pages in order and know if any pages are missing.

2. If you are not sure of the correct spelling of a word, write “(sp?)” above the word so the

student can check the correct spelling in the textbook.

3. Make key points emphasized by using stars, asterisks, underlining, and large letters.

4. If there are no notes to take (i.e. test, group work, etc.) write the date and the reason there

were no notes for the student.

5. Write notes in an organized manner, (i.e. outlining, indenting, etc.). Try not to crowd words

together.

6. If something is unclear in the notes, ask the instructor after class for clarification.

7. Include all points from the lecture, regardless if the information is common knowledge. The

information may be common knowledge to the note taker, but not to the student.

8. If textbook page numbers are referred to during class, make sure to record the page number

references in conjunction with the lecture topic.

9. Use either blue or black ink when taking notes. Colored ink is distracting. Also, notes will be

easier to read if you only use one side of the paper.

10. Include all meaningful facts and details (i.e. technical facts, names, dates, equations,

diagrams and examples).

11. Reading the text and reviewing your notes before class will improve your understanding of

the lecture.

12. Try and minimize the use of abbreviations. When abbreviations are used, try to make a note

explaining what the abbreviations represent.

13. Try and define difficult vocabulary words when possible.

14. Establish a communication system between you, the student, and the professor/instructor by

exchange of phone numbers and e-mail addresses of all parties involved.

15. Approach the student after class to discuss any concerns regarding note taking or call the

Disability Services at 421-6969.

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SOWELA Faculty Handbook For Disability Services (SOWELA Technical Community College)

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