Disability Resources

Basics of Disability Access 3

Crucial Changes Beginning Fall 09

THE OFFICE OF DISABILITY RESOURCES (DR)...
as many UMD departments, is strategizing about doing more with less. To continue providing high quality disability accommodations we must collaborate with our campus partners.

ADD A LEARNING OUTCOME…
DR has identified SELF-DETERMINATION, defined as the ability to conceive and shape one’s future, the ability to manage one’s life by making thoughtful choices, and the ability to advocate for oneself, as a primary student outcome. With your help, students will learn and practice self-determination skills while getting the accommodations they need.

OUR NEW VISION...
We envision faculty and students working together to ensure that students with disabilities get the academic accommodations they need for access to university courses and programs. To this end, we need your help arranging note taking assistance and accommodated testing for qualified students. DON’T PANIC! We will provide the tools you need.

THE BIG CHANGE...
Will be the Letter of Accommodation (LOA). LOAs are used by many colleges and universities to help faculty understand how to best ensure access to their courses. The LOA will verify that the student has a documented disability, qualifies for the listed accommodations, and why. It will help you make good decisions for each student. The DR specialist’s contact information will be there for questions and/or concerns. If a student asks for accommodations, but has no LOA, please refer him/her to DR.

THE STUDENT’S ROLE...
Students who need accommodations must meet with a DR specialist who reviews the student’s documentation, determines what is reasonable and appropriate and writes the Letter of Accommodation (LOA). The student will bring you a copy of the LOA with any needed request forms. Students are instructed to go to office hours or to make an appointment for this discussion.

AS REQUIRED BY LAW, ALL INFORMATION IN THE LOA IS CONFIDENTIAL. PLEASE MAINTAIN THAT CONFIDENTIALITY WHEN MEETING WITH THE STUDENT.

STUDENTS NEEDING TEST ACCOMMODATIONS...
Whenever possible, we encourage students and instructors to arrange accommodated testing in the department, to allow students access to the instructor during the test. For students who take exams in the DR Test Center:

• Students will bring new test accommodation request forms with their LOA. The top portion of the form should be completed.
• Please fill in the dates, allotted exam time, and ALL materials allowed.
• Indicate test delivery/pick-up methods.
• Sign and date the accommodation form. Please do not sign incomplete forms. Keep the back page for your records.

Students are responsible for getting the forms back to DR at least three business days before the first exam. Please contact DR and the student ASAP if there are changes or issues with the exam.

STUDENTS NEEDING NOTE TAKING ASSISTANCE...
will bring a note taker announcement with the LOA. Please read or e-mail the announcement to your class and identify a reliable note taker. Send the volunteer note taker to DR (258 KSC). Please keep the requesting student’s name confidential.

• DR Test Center hours:
  Monday-Thursday 7:45-5:00
  Friday 7:45-4:30
  Finals week: 7:30-7:00