Disability
A memo from
Disabled Student Programs and Services
Quad 2 on the Main Campus
December 2002
Number 2
Informing Students About Academic Accommodations and Alternate
Media for Print Material
The 1996 Chafee Amendment (PL 104-97) allows “an authorized entity to reproduce or to distribute copies . . . of a previously published, nondramatic literary work . . . in specialized formats exclusively for use by blind or other persons with disabilities.” Butte College is an authorized entity. The Disabled Student Programs and Services office (DSPS) can produce course syllabi, handouts, textbooks, and black-line graphics in alternate media (Braille, e-text, large print, audiotape etc.) for any student with a documented print disability. It is the students responsibility to self-identify and produce documentation of their print disability.
What constitutes a print disability? According to the Chafee Amendment and clarifying trailer legislation, a print disability is any visual impairment, e.g., blindness or low vision, or processing impairment that interferes with an individual’s access to printed material (e.g., learning disability, brain injury).
What instructional materials are covered? Among other items, the list of covered instructional items includes:
· Course syllabus
· All course handouts
· Required AND recommended texts
· Current novels
· Reference materials
What is the process for a student to request instructional materials in an alternate format? The process involves four steps:
1. Faculty is responsible for submitting textbook requests for the next semester on time.
2. Using the course syllabus, an instructor notifies the class that accommodations and alternate media are available for qualifying students with a disability.
3. The student contacts the DSPS office and provides documentation of a disability.
4. If determined eligible for accommodations, the DSPS office will scan and format the instructional materials for the student.
Do you have a sample statement for the course syllabus? Yes. The following statements are
recommended for all inclusion in syllabi:
Academic
Accommodations Statement:
·
Students have the right
to request reasonable modifications to college requirements, services, facilities
or programs if their documented disability imposes an educational limitation or
impedes access to such requirements, services, facilities or programs. A student with a disability who will be
requesting a modification, accommodation, or access to an auxiliary aid is
required and responsible for identifying himself/herself to the instructor and,
if desired, to the Disabled Student Programs and Services (DSPS) office. Students who consult or request assistance
from DSPS regarding specific modifications, accommodations or use of auxiliary
aids will be required to meet timelines and procedural requirements established
by the DSPS office.
·
If a student believes
that he or she may need an accommodation for a disability, please make an
appointment to see me during my office hours or initiate contact with the
Office of Disabled Student Programs and Services.
Alternate Media
Statement:
·
Students with a print
disability-- a visual limitation or reading difficulty that limits access to
traditional print materials-- may request printed materials in alternate
media. Examples of alternate media
formats include electronic format (e.g., text on CD), Braille, tactile
graphics, audiotape, and large print. Students can make alternate media
requests through the Office of Disabled Student Programs and Services.
ž
How does a student request disability-parking permit?
Butte College has reserved parking
for individuals with disabilities in each parking lot on campus. A detailed map showing the locations of
these parking spaces is available, upon request, from Facilities Management and
Planning (530) 895-2381 or DSPS (530) 895-2455.
The college does not issue
parking permits for individuals with disabilities. All requests for parking permits are initiated by the student
who then works with their private physician. Ultimately, the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
issues the special parking permit. The DSPS office has copies of the DMV application.
ž
If a student registers with the DSPS office will it
show up on a transcript or diploma?
No. The fact that a student is registered with Disabled Student Programs and Services or receives accommodations or adjustments is NOT annotated on the student’s transcript.
Questions? Call the
DSPS Office at 895.2455
Monday Friday,
7:00 AM to 5:00
PM