DSS Policies

1. Tape Recording
2. Excused Absences
3. Interpreter Policy
4. Priority Registration
5. Note taker
6. Reader Services
7. Exam Proctoring
8. Animals on campus
9. Records Review
10. Release of Information

The following policies apply to DSS operations.  Registered students should be familiar with those policies that apply to their particular requests.  DSS may periodically change, alter, or modify policy. 

Audiotape Recording Policy

Students that are eligible to audiotape class lectures must agree to the following terms in order for DSS to request this accommodation.

Students agree to abide by the policy of audiotape recording lectures as established by DSS.  Students will not copy or share audiotape recordings from any of my classes with other students.  Students will not copy or share audiotapes with non-students.  Students will not divulge the contents of audiotape recordings from any of my classes with agencies, representatives of organizations, the media or any entity other than me. 

Failure to abide by the audiotape recording of lectures policy may result in a charge of academic misconduct.

Following the term students will erase audiotape recordings from all my classes or donate tape recordings to the DSS audiotape recording library.

Excused Absence Policy

Students that are eligible for excused absences should keep in mind that disability related absences only apply when reasonable.  Students that are absent frequently or for long periods may not be eligible to receive excused absences, but may be able to take an incomplete in the course.

Any student who is eligible for the academic accommodation of excused absences is responsible for the following in the event such student is absent from class because of disability related issues:

1. At your earliest convenience, inform your instructor that you are absent due to disability related symptoms.  DSS recommends you e-mail your professor and save the message you sent for records.  If you do not have access to e-mail, you should call your professor via telephone.  It is imperative that your professor is aware of your absence as soon as possible.
2. If you visit a physician or other type of care-giver, please obtain a signed excuse from that person to give to your professor.
3. You are responsible for any work or exams you miss due to an absence.  Make arrangements to complete missed assignments and/or exams with your professor in a timely manner.
4. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact DSS at 334-983-3521, ext. 2296.

Sign Language Interpreter Policy

The goal of Disability Support Services (DSS) in the area of interpreting services is to facilitate the process of providing high quality interpreting services to Deaf, hard-of-hearing and hearing clients.  DSS will serve in a mediator capacity to ensure appropriate accommodations are provided to Deaf and hard-of-hearing (D/HH) students as mandated by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA).

An interpreter is a professional communication facilitator between D/HH individuals and hearing individuals.  The purpose of an interpreter is to provide a meaningful communication exchange equal to that of a hearing individual.  The interpreter uses a specific sign language to communicate the spoken word to D/HH clients.  Interpreters will use their voice to communicate sign language to hearing clients.  Some D/HH individuals however, prefer to voice for themselves.  The interpreter is ultimately responsible for ensuring that the environment is appropriate and conducive for interpreting.

The interpreter is not a tutor, instructor, note-taker or counselor and should not engage in these roles. 

Requesting an Interpreter

It is critical that D/HH students notify DSS of their communication needs and preferences as early as possible to ensure appropriate accommodations.  Requests for interpreter services must be submitted 6 weeks prior to the beginning of the term.  DSS will require a copy of the student’s schedule and a completed Interpreter Request Form.  Forms are available at DSS or via email. 

Students should inform DSS when any changes are made in the class schedule (Adding or dropping a class, room change, day/time change). This will allow DSS to coordinate interpreters appropriately.

Students that experience problems with interpreting services should attempt to address their concerns with the Interpreter and/or professor.  If no resolution can be reached, the student should contact the DSS office as soon as possible.

Priority Registration Policy

Priority registration is available to all students who have registered and remain on active status with Disability Support Services.  Priority registration dates are published each term in the class schedule.  DSS cannot approve priority registration outside of the assigned priority registration period.

Steps:

1. Consult with your academic advisor for course scheduling.
2. Bring your registration form to DSS to receive priority registration approval.
3. Take your completed schedule to the data entry point at the approved location.

Note taker Announcement

Note takers are provided to students that have a visible need for notetaker services or have documentation that substantiates a need for notetaker services.  Course instructors will identify note takers for eligible students.

Instructors will announce the need for a note taker and try to identify someone that is suitable.  The instructor will introduce the note taker and student after the class is over in his/her office.  The disabled student should not be identified in the class as confidentiality is essential.  The eligible student is responsible for obtaining NCR notebooks from DSS and providing them to the note taker.

Reader Services Policy

Readers are offered to students that are eligible for reader services.  Four weeks prior notice is required for reader services.  Typically readers are secured for texts that are unavailable through RFB&D or too difficult to scan.  Reader services for exams are seldom because students are able to access exam materials via assistive technology.

Eligible students should notify DSS at least four weeks in advance if reader services are needed.  Students should not acquire reader services on their own without prior approval from DSS.  DSS is not responsible for compensating unapproved readers.

Role of a Reader: The purpose of a reader is to provide access to print materials.  Readers are not available to offer interpretations or explanations for documents read.  Students should consult their professor for clarifications.

Exam Proctoring Policy

Role of Exam Proctoring at DSS

• DSS is NOT a testing center.  The purpose of DSS is to ensure reasonable academic accommodations as requested for registered students with disabilities.
• DSS proctors exams for students that need to use assistive technology to access and respond to test content.  DSS will proctor exams for professors that do not have the time or resources to conduct proctoring. 
• Students that do not need assistive technology are required to attempt working out exam accommodation requests with their professor.  If an agreement is not achieved, DSS will then proctor the exam.

Rules of Exam Proctoring for Students

• Students that take examinations at DSS are required to submit a Test Proctoring Form before exams will be proctored.  It is imperative the Test Proctoring Form is complete. 
• DSS is NOT responsible for ensuring student exams are delivered to the office.  It is the student’s responsibility to ensure delivery of exams to DSS.
• DSS cannot grant extensions for exam completion beyond requested accommodations.  Students should consult with their professor regarding extensions.
• Professors have a right to establish exam parameters such as the day and time students are to take exams.  DSS will only ask for adjustments when a scheduled exam interferes with DSS operations.
• Students will not be allowed to leave the testing area for any reason once an exam has begun unless such student is eligible for an accommodation that allows for movement or restroom breaks.
• Students are not allowed to take books, book bags, notes, or any class related material into a testing area unless the student has expressed written permission from the instructor as indicated on the Test Proctoring Form.
• Students are not allowed to consult with tutors or office personnel about exam questions.  To do so constitutes academic misconduct unless a student has expressed written permission from the instructor as indicated on the Test Proctoring Form.
• Students will be served on a first-come-first serve basis unless prior scheduling has been arranged. 
• Students that are eligible for reduced distraction test environment will be given an opportunity to test by themselves if space is available.  In some situations more than one student will be taking exams during test time.  Please remember that reduced distraction test environment is not defined as “private test room.”  Reduced distraction means fewer disruptions.  No environment is 100% free of distractions.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, (ADA), service animals are permitted on the college campus and in its facilities. A service animal means any guide dog, signal dog or other animal individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including but not limited to guiding individuals with impaired vision, alerting individuals with impaired hearing, providing minimal rescue or protection work, pulling a wheelchair or fetching dropped items. Therapy or companion animals are not service animals and are not covered under the ADA. To be permitted on campus, a guide dog must be specifically trained to perform a service function. Furthermore, the animal should wear a harness, cape, identification tag or other gear that readily identifies its working status. Guide dogs whose behavior poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others may be excluded regardless of training or certification.

Policy for Review of Personal Records by Students

1. According to federal law as outlined by the Family Education and Privacy Act (FERPA), students have a right to review academic records.
2. Students that wish to see their file should make a request to DSS.
3. A request to review a file will be honored within 45 days, the period specified by FERPA.  Typically, DSS Staff will be able to schedule a review session within 10 days.
4. An appropriate DSS Staff member will be present when a student reviews his/her file.  Any questions regarding disability documentation will be answered to the best of the staff member’s ability.  Students are encouraged to contact the author of their disability documentation to discuss questions, comments, or concerns.
5. Students are not allowed to photo-copy the contents of their file, however, students are allowed to make notations.

Release of Information

DSS will release no written or verbal information about a registered student without expressed written consent of a student.  Students are not required to sign a release of information to access reasonable accommodation requests.