Learning | Speech | Hearing | Vision | Mobility | Psychological

You may need to provide your syllabus to the DSPS office early so that alternative material is in place when the class begins.

Instructor: "They want the syllabus two weeks before the semester begins?..”

DSPS Counselor: "The DSPS office needs your syllabus two weeks before your class begins in order to get the books on tape for this student. Thank you for your cooperation."

If you are testing for knowledge and not computation, allow students with a registered disability to use calculators.

Student: "I am registered with DSPS and would like to use a basic calculator during this test."

DSPS Counselor: “The learning disability that Jane has makes it very difficult for her to process calculations quickly. Since you are really testing for knowledge of algebra and not computation, the calculator will not give this student an advantage over the others.”

If you are testing for vocabulary, allow students with a registered disability to use vocabulary lists and spelling dictionaries.

Student: "I have extreme problems with my spelling due to my learning disability. Can I use a spelling dictionary during the test?"

Instructor: "You may not use a dictionary with definitions but you may use this spelling dictionary. Next time we have a test I will allow you to bring a list of vocabulary words if you wish."

Be proactive: If a student seems to be falling behind with note taking, refer them to the DSPS office for evaluation and assistance.

Student: "This instructor is going too fast for me."

Instructor: "I've noticed that you are getting frustrated taking notes. I checked with some other students to make sure that I'm not going too fast. You might want to consider going to the DSPS office and taking an evaluation for learning disability. They can offer note-taking assistance if you qualify."

You may need to be flexible and have alternative assignments for students with a registered disability. It is always best to refer the student to the DSP&S office to find out what options are available.

Student: "My learning disability makes it difficult for me to organize large chunks of information. Is there anything else I can do to get the credit?"

DSPS Counselor: “Is it possible for Jake to turn in three smaller papers instead of one large one?"

If a student with a speech disability wishes to give an oral presentation, a facilitator may be used. It is always best to refer the student to the DSP&S office to find out what options are available.

Instructor: "I always require an oral presentation but this semester I have a student with a speech disability. What is the appropriate way to handle this situation?”

DSPS Counselor: " Instructors can provide an alternate assignment in this situation. If the student insists upon giving the oral presentation, a facilitator may be used. It is always best to refer the student to the DSP&S office to find out what options are available."

The DSPS office has several options to assist students with speech difficulties, such as a synthesized speech module, laptop or a facilitator.

Student: "We like everyone in the group you assigned us to, but a few of us are having a difficult time understanding Jerry. Is there anything we can do to help him communicate better with the rest of the group?"

Instructor: "Jerry, a few of the students in the group are having trouble understanding you. The DSPS office has several options that you might consider like: a synthesized speech module, laptop or a facilitator. Would you be willing to contact the DSPS office and learn more about these options?”

Contact the DSPS office to learn more about strategies and options for alternative assignments to assist students with disabilities.

Student: "It's difficult for me to speak in class. How can I make up the 10% of the grade that you require for class participation?"

Instructor: "I can give you an alternate assignment. You can bring in an informative article and I'll read it to the class."

Disabled students may need an alternate location and more time to take a test. The DSPS office can assist students with their needs.

Student: "I need more time. I'm not able to take the test with the rest of the class. I am a DSPS student and here is their form. Could you please fill it out?”

Instructor: "I know that hearing impaired students may need an alternate testing location. Students moving about in class can be distracting for you and you need more time because you have difficulty processing written information. I will fill out this form and ensure that DSPS office assists you with your needs."

In addition to sign language, the student may need to be able to read your lips, requiring the sign language interpreter to be close to you.

Interpreter: "Excuse me - It's best for Shiela
if I'm near you so she can read your lips as a supplement to my signing."

Instructor: “I usually like my space, but I'll allow you to sit next to me for the sake of the student. I know how important it is for her to read my lips to understand what I am saying.”

Please remember to speak directly to the student, and not to his sign language interpreter/assistant.

Instructor: "How is John doing in my class? Is he keeping up with his work? "

Interpreter: "I'm sorry, I'm not John's in-class aide. I'm only here as an interpreter. If you have questions for John, you can ask him directly and I will interpret."

The DSPS office can convert text material to Braille, and images to hot maps, but this requires that you send the material to DSPS ahead of time.

Student: "Hello, professor Garcia, can you please send me your syllabus a few weeks before class starts? I have a registered disability, visually impaired, and it would really help me out.”

Instructor: "Sure, I will send you the material in a few days so that you have enough time to work with the DSPS office to convert the textbooks to Braille and images to hot maps. This way, you will be prepared for class by the time we begin."

The DSPS office can get raised maps, and other educational material for students with disabilities.

Student: "I know this class will be a challenge for me, but I really would like to take it."

Instructor: "It's obvious that you love astronomy. I can arrange with the DSPS office for you to get raised maps of the solar system."

The DSPS office can assign writers to fill-in a scantron forms for students, and other assistance for students with disabilities.

Student: "I can't see this form well enough to mark the little circles, can I have a larger version of the test?"

Instructor: "I don't have a larger version of this form, but the DSPS office can help. I will contact them and tell them that you need a writer to fill in your scantron form and a version of the test that you can actually read."

The DSPS office can get TV screens and other tools for visually impaired students.

Student: " I have to strain to use the microscope. What can I do?"

Instructor: "I will contact the DSPS office. They can give us a TV screen that we can hook up to the microscope. This way, it will be much easier for you to see."

The DSPS office can arrange alternate testing locations and communication tools, such as voice recognition assistance technology and scribes.

Student: "I can't take a test in here because it is difficult for me to use a standard keyboard.”

Instructor: "You can take the test at a location more suitable to your needs. Let's get in touch with the DSPS office; they have voice recognition assistance technology and scribes available. You may also need extra time."

Contact DSPS about any building access issues your students may have.

Student: "This is the second time this month that I won't be able to get to class."

Instructor: “I have a student who has missed class twice this semester due to a broken elevator. I would like to exchange my classroom for one on the first floor if possible.”

Be open to alternative assignments to field trips. Contact DSPS about if you need suggestions for alternative assignments for students.

Student: "I can't participate in this field trip; I don't think I can handle the rocky environment and the bus ride. What can I do?"

Instructor: "I can give you an alternate assignment. You can write a report instead."

Allow students with registered disabilities who are taking medication to leave for water.

Student: "Can I have a water bottle in the lab? The medications I take make my mouth dry."

Instructor: "I'm sorry food and drinks are not allowed in the computer lab because it is not safe for the equipment. However, I will allow you to leave any time to get a drink."

Allow students with registered disabilities to leave the classroom when needed.

Student: "I have a registered disability and sometimes I have to step outside. The DSPS office will confirm my disability."

Instructor: "No problem, you can step outside as much as you need, though, please sit next to the door. This way it will not distract the class."