Under Section 504 and the ADA, the terms Aauxiliary aids and services@ include: qualified interpreters, note takers, transcription services, written materials, telephone handset amplifiers, qualified readers, taped text, Braille materials, acquisition or modification of equipment or devices, or other similar services and actions.

In postsecondary education, classroom accommodations are referred to as Aacademic accommodations.

The accommodations/services available to students are based on the individual student's disability-based needs. Accommodations/services include, but are not limited to, the following:

Priority Registration - Students with disabilities, registered with CADS, may request early registration each academic semester. The purpose of this accommodation is to allow students to select their classes with consideration for medication schedules or other health concerns.

Extended Time - Time and a half, on all in and out of class assignments and exams, is a basic accommodation for many disabilities. The CADS office will not grant a request for untimed exams and assignments. Students are expected to have open communication with their professors regarding when assignments will be complete. Students are required to complete all assignments by the end of the semester. Students are required to work out extended time for test arrangements with their instructors. In situations where the instructor is not able to administer the test with extended time, the student can take their test in CADS. In order to do so, a Testing Accommodation Form must be completed and returned to CADS at least 3 days prior to the test date.

Consideration for Absences - Consideration for absences can be given to students who have physical and psychological disabilities that prevent them from attending class on a regular basis. This is only applicable when missing due to disability. Students must request this accommodation each semester. It is still the student=s responsibility to fulfill all requirements of the course. It is also the student=s responsibility to contact the professor to make arrangements for missed class periods. It is not necessary to have a doctor=s note for absences when they are due to disability. Class attendance is extremely important and while a student may have consideration for absences there is a point at which there are too many missed classes to make up the work. It is important that students keep in constant contact with the professor when classes have been missed.

Consideration for Spelling - Students with Dyslexia and other visual processing disabilities may request consideration for spelling. If you have a hand held spell checker you may chose to use it in place of Aconsideration for spelling@. You may not receive both accommodations.

Alternative Test Format - Learning disabled students may request an alternative test format if their documentation specifically makes reference to alternative test formats. For example, the student may request a short answer test to replace an essay test or a multiple choice test and vice versa.

Tape-recorded textbooks and other alternative formats - CADS can assist students who have vision, learning, and physical disabilities when ordering taped textbooks. This is usually done through Recordings for the Blind and Dyslexia (RFB). Students should make this request known as far in advance as possible as it often takes several weeks or months to get textbooks from

RFB. If textbooks are not available from RFB, then CADS will arrange to have your textbooks recorded onto cassette tapes. In addition, the CADS office can offer assistance in obtaining materials in Braille, cassette tape, large print and raised line drawings.

Readers - Readers are available to assist with tests for students with visual impairments or severe reading disorders. Typically this accommodation is given to students who receive textbooks on tape. Students using readers will take their tests in CADS. In order to do so, a Testing Accommodation Form must be completed at least 3 days prior to the test date.

Scribes - Scribes are available to assist with tests for students who do not have use of their dominant hand or for students with visual impairments. Students using scribes will take their tests in the CADS office. In order to do so, a Testing Accommodation Form must be completed at least 3 days prior to the test date.

No Scantrons - Some students with visual disabilities, severe learning disabilities or severe ADD/ADHD have difficulty keeping their place on scantron forms, if this applies to you, first discuss this with your advisor and then indicate this accommodation request on your accommodation request form. Students to whom this applies may then write their answers directly on the exam.

Noise Reduced Room for Testing - This accommodation is used by students with anxiety disorders, severe ADD/ADHD and those students who need test assistants (i.e. readers).

Seizure Letters - For students with a seizure disorder it may be in their best interest to inform the professor of the specifics of their disability. The Counseling, Advising, & Disability Services will provide, upon the request of the student, a Seizure Guidelines letter. This letter gives the professor directions on what to do if the student has a seizure in class.

Note taker - CADS utilizes a volunteer note taker system. Students are responsible for finding their own note takers. Upon request, CADS will provide students with NCR note taker paper. Any difficulties finding a note taker should be discussed with the CADS. Some students, those who are physically unable to take their own notes, i.e. students who are deaf or students who do not have use of their dominant hand, may be eligible to receive a paid note taker. The student is still responsible for recruiting his/her own note taker. Once the note taker is selected, the student should direct them to CADS to set up payment arrangements.

If upon the basis of your disability documentation you are entitled to receive note taker services, this accommodation does not, and should not replace or substitute for class attendance. Note takers will not be responsible for providing notes for you for missed class periods, unless your accommodation is consideration for absences that should be discussed with the note taker at the beginning of the semester.

Communication Facilitators (CF) - All captionists, interpreters and transliterators that provide services at BRCC are referred to as communication facilitators.

1. 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., teacher meetings, study sessions, tutoring sessions, etc.) other than the regular class schedule, contact the Counseling, Advising, & Disability Services and submit an Interpreter Request Form at least 24 hours in advance.
2. Captionists - Captionists are trained court reporters who type all verbal information from classes into a steno machine that is connected to a laptop computer that sits on the student=s desk. All verbal communication between the professor and the student, including class discussions are captioned and will appear on the laptop computer screen. The format is similar to a transcript of a play. Students who use captioning services may have a copy of the class transcript saved on their computer disk. Students desiring to obtain a copy of the class transcripts on disk are required to bring their own disk to class. It is recommended that students keep more than one disk with them at all times in case a disk becomes damaged. These transcripts cannot be sold, lent or given to any other student. Any violation of the above is grounds for termination of services.

Changing Accommodations - Students may request the use of either a captionist or sign language interpreter, if either choice is an appropriate accommodation. If a student feels another accommodation would be more appropriate a student may request a change of accommodation. However, the accommodation must be changed no later than the fourth class period. Students who do not request a change of accommodation by the fourth class meeting will only be able to change accommodations if the structure of the class changes, for example from a lecture to discussion format. Students cannot change accommodations for testing purposes. Tests are a part of every class and must be considered as such when choosing an accommodation. If captioning is chosen as the accommodation for the class, only captioning can be used for the test.

Appropriate Uses of CFs

1. Students should recognize that CFs are professionals and are there to facilitate communication. Students should not expect or request any other function from a CF.
2. Students should make their requests for additional CF services (i.e., teacher meetings, study sessions, tutoring, etc..) at least 24 hours in advance to the CADS office on the appropriate form. Students should be aware that CFs cannot directly accommodate requests.
3. Students should notify the CADS whenever scheduled CF services are not needed (i.e., teacher canceled class, you will not be attending class, etc..). Failure to do so will result in a no-show. (See the No-Show Policy.)
4. Students should notify CADS immediately if there are any problems with the services being provided.
5. Students are responsible for all course content, tests and other course requirements. CFs are not responsible for the grades the student receives.
6. Students are allowed a 10-minute grace period in showing up for class. The CF's are instructed to leave class after 10 minutes if the student does not arrive and a ANo-Show@ will be documented. (See No-Show Policy.)

Assistive Listening Devices -BRCC has Assistive Listening Devices (ALD) which can be loaned to students. An ALD is a system by which the student wears a head piece, similar to radio headphones, and the professor wears a small microphone. The professor's voice is then amplified for the student through the headphones. In order to receive an ALD, students should make this request known to an advisor in CADS.