Orthopedically impaired and oHI consortium

1. Orthopedically impaired and oHI consortium Transition to College What you need to know Jennifer Arrocena Director of Disability Services Georgia Gwinnett College

2. 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

3. 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)

4. 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)

5. Comparison of K – 12 and Postsecondary K - 12 Department of Justice IDEA & 504 & ADA Department of Education • Identification • Evaluation • Individualized Education Plan (IEP) • Ensure Success: FAP(M)E • Parent Involvement Postsecondary Department 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

6. 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…

7. 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.

8. 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

9. Examples of Accommodations Accommodation 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

10. Accommodation Letters GEORGIA GWINNETT COLLEGE Disability Services Faculty Accommodation NotificationDate: 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: • 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. • Tape recording of classes • 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 Student Director of Disability Services 678-407-5883 jarrocen@ggc.usg.edu

11. Personal services Accommodations 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

12. Other accommodations • Absences • Seizure disclosure • Presentation modifications • Class participation exceptions • Extensions on classroom assignments

13. College Students Rights 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

14. College Rights Responsibilities • Set and maintain standards • To request documentation that supports the need for academic adjustments • To select among equally effective adjustments • Information is available in accessible format • To evaluate based on qualifications • Make reasonable modifications for student’s access • Inform students about the procedure for receiving services

15. Video: DO It Overview: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZHP2TPkZEk