University of Colorado Denver Disability Resources and Services Staff: –Lisa McGill, Director Contact Information: –Phone: –Fax: –TTY: –

Key Concepts Access vs. Success: the role of accommodations is to guarantee equal access not success Personal Services vs. Accommodations: personal services (tutoring, advising, counseling) must be sought by student; accommodations will be provided to student

Determining Eligibility What is the diagnosed disability? What are the functional limitations? What is the impact of these functional limitations in an academic environment?

Typical Accommodations Alternative Testing: extra time, reader, scribe, computer Alternative Formats (text and exams): Braille, enlarged, scanned Notetakers Interpreters, Real- Time Captioning, Assistive Listening Devices Special Furniture

Postsecondary Responsibilities Protect student’s right to privacy and confidentiality Provide access to programs and services Review & evaluate verifying documentation Determine whether students are otherwise qualified

Postsecondary Responsibilities Inform students of their rights and responsibilities Provide reasonable accommodations for eligible students Mediate between faculty and student for disagreement of reasonable accommodations

Student Responsibilities Self identify to the designated office for disability services Provide current documentation to disability services Discuss accommodation needs with faculty Arrange for personal attendants, tutoring, advising

Common Mistakes of Students Expect the curriculum to be modified Expect courses to be waived Don’t know assistive technology Don’t know how to state disability and it’s impact Don’t self identify until in academic trouble Use block scheduling Think on-line courses are easier Don’t plan finances for 5- 6 years Don’t plan enough time for studies

Strategies for Success Learn and practice self-advocacy skills Be able to state your disability and how it impacts you in an educational environment Visit colleges and universities including the disability office Successful students are the ones who use the resources

Collaborative Relationships Junior High and High School Special Education Teachers Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic Colorado Talking Book Library Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services Disability Services Office at colleges and/or universities