College

Background

Henry is a sophomore with a disability that affects his health and mobility. He is taking evening classes at a community college.

Access Issue

Without a ride between buildings, Henry cannot arrive on time to classes and without pain, because of his health and mobility status. Without transportation, Henry cannot access classes that are not offered during daytime hours. The campus typically provides transportation only during office hours of disabled student services.

Although each situation is different and the student is the best source of information regarding useful accommodations, the following accommodations are typical for a student with a mobility impairment:

Entry Point! is an internship program for college students with disabilities majoring in computer science, engineering, mathematics, or physical science. Entry Point! is sponsored by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). To inquire about becoming a part of this program, contact Entry Point! at 202-326-6649 (voice/TTY), 202-371-9849 (fax) or email addressed to LSummers@aaas.org.

Be sure that the library's web pages and other electronic and information resources are designed to be accessible to people with disabilities. Consider these items in ensuring accessible information technology.

Although each situation is different and the student is the best source of information regarding useful accommodations, the following accommodations are typical for a student with a health impairment:

Background

John has a severe learning disability that affects his ability to read. He uses a text-to-speech system to read computer screen text to him. He is attending his first semester at a small, private college. Each student at the school is given an email account for academic use. The directions for establishing and using the email account are available in printed format and on the computing services website.

Access Issue

John was having difficulty accessing the electronic information at the computing services website with his screen reading software.

Background

My name is Erica. I am a college sophomore with low vision taking a multimedia and design course. I use screen magnification software to access electronic information on the computer.

Background

Dan is a sophomore living on the fourth floor of Johnson Hall. He has paraplegia and uses a wheelchair.

Access Issue

Dan had a concern about a recent fire drill that occurred in his residence hall. On the night of the drill, he was not notified. He saw the flashing signs and heard the alarm and assumed it was an actual fire. He was distressed because during the entire drill, no one came to assist him. When he reported his concerns to dorm staff, they showed little interest.

All national testing services are required by law to provide reasonable accommodations to test takers with disabilities, and most have detailed information on their websites about how to document a disability and request accommodations. However, students must be self-advocates and get all documentation prepared well in advance. For most tests, the testing services request that all documentation be mailed at least six weeks prior to the registration deadline to be reviewed for approval of accommodations.

Background

My name is Amy. I have a speech impairment, although my speech is clear enough to be understood by most people. I am a high school senior, and I plan to attend a local community college after I graduate.

Access Issue

I went to the community college admissions office to get some help with my application. I was immediately referred to the college's disabled student services office.