Provides accessible course materials such as:
E-Text - Word DOCs, PDFs, and Kurzweil formats of course materials.
Enlarged Print - Course materials printed on ledger sized paper.
Braille and Tactile Graphs - Course material printed in the tactile medium.
Modified testing services and environment.
Proctor Outside of Classroom - The student may take exams and quizzes at the DSP&S testing center.
Reduced Distraction Environment - The student should be provided a room with reduced distraction to take exams and quizzes. This should be a place with limited noise and visual distraction.
4-Function Calculator for Exams, Tests and Quizzes - Use of a basic 4-function calculator on exams and quizzes containing calculations.
Computer for Tests Containing Short Answer / Essay Questions - Use of a computer on tests containing short answer / essay questions.
Extra Time 1.50x - 50% extra time on all timed exams and quizzes.
Extra Time 2.00x - 100% extra time on all timed exams and quizzes.
Extra Time 2.00x (Tests with Calculations) - 100% extra time on all exams and quizzes that contain calculations.
Interpreting - ASL for tests with audio - The student may need an interpreter to ask questions during an exam.
Large Print Exams - The student requires large print exams; this can be accomplished by providing an electronic document or enlarging it. The student will be able to explain their exact need.
Magnifying Program for Tests & Quizzes - Use of a computer with Magnifying software on exams and quizzes (e.g. ZoomText).
Memory Aid for Tests - Use of a memory aid, such as notes, formulas or a vocabulary list intended to assist with memory recall and not intended to directly answer exam and quiz questions. The list may be developed by the student or instructor and be approved by the instructor in advance of the exam.
Memory Aid for Tests with Calculations - Use of a memory aid, such as notes, formulas or a vocabulary list intended to assist with memory recall and not intended to directly answer exam and quiz questions with calculation. The list may be developed by the student or instructor and be approved by the instructor in advance of the exam.
Scan and Read - Use of a computer with text-to-speech software for exams and quizzes such as Kurzweil.
Scantron Assistance or Permission to Mark Directly on Exam - The student has permission to mark directly on the exam. If you require a Scantron form, assistance will be needed in transferring the answers onto the Scantron form.
Scribe / Writer on Tests - The student requires the use of a scribe / writer on tests.
Speech-to-Text Program for Tests - Use of a computer with Speech-to-Text software for exams and quizzes.
Spell Check for Tests - The student is permitted to use an electronic spell-checking device on exams and quizzes containing short answer and essay questions. Adaptive Computer Equipment: checking out loaned adaptive computer devices for disability purposes.
Adaptable devices to assist students.
4-Function Calculator for In-Class Assignments - Basic 4-function calculator during in-class assignments requiring calculation.
Adaptive Computer Device - Device(s) used to increase or maintain the student’s functional limitations.
Adaptive Software - Software(s) used to increase or maintain the student’s functional limitations such as Text-to-Speech, Speech-to-Text, magnification, etc.
Assistive Listening Device (ALD) – Devices such as hearing aids, FM -System, etc. to access classroom communication. The student will bring ALD to class lectures and class related activities. The instructor may be required to wear a lapel microphone to ensure communication access.
Audio Recorder - Record audio during lectures
Notetaking Technology - Student is permitted to use notetaking technology such as Notetaking applications, or a Smartpen.
Spell Checker - The student is permitted use of an electronic spell-checking device for in class work.
Video Magnifier - Use of a Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) Magnifier to enlarge course materials.
Access to communication in the classroom.
Accessible Audio/Video Materials – Time-based media such as Audio and Video materials provided in class must be accessible by using closed-captioned or subtitles. Adequate transcriptions have to be provided for all audible material.
Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) - All captioning services for course(s), course-related activities, and meetings are coordinated by DSP&S at the request of the student which will be either an in-person or remote captionist.
Sign Language Interpreting (SLI) - All interpreting services for course(s), course-related activities, and meetings are coordinated by DSP&S at the request of the student which will be either an in-person or Video Remote Interpreting (VRI).
Checklist for receiving services as a DHH student
- Apply for the DSP&S program.
- Meet with a DSP&S counselor to select classes.
- When you make an appointment, tell them you need an interpreter or CART services
- Students are encouraged to take advantage of the Priority Registration period. This early registration allows students to select classes in a timely manner to allow for services to be arranged.
- Meet with a DSP&S counselor to get approved for accommodations.
- Bring any documents needed for verification. This can be your 504 or IEP from high school or an audiogram.
- If you are taking classes at multiple campuses, you are recommended to meet with a counselor from each campus.
- Using the AIM Student portal, request accommodations for your classes.
- If you need help, contact your DSP&S counselor.
- If using CART or ASL Interpreters, meet with Alternative Media Specialist Robert Salinas to check out an iPad in case of remote services.
- If you use ASL Interpreters, you are encouraged to meet with Interpreter Coordinator, Tabitha Dubois, before classes start. Please email tabitha.dubios@fresnocitycollege.edu to arrange an appointment.
- Check your email account before classes start for the link(s) to access remote services, as assigned.
Roles and Responsibilities
Students:
- Self-identify and request accommodations.
- Notify DSPS when you will be absent from classes where you are receiving CART services. Notify Interpreter Coordinator Tabitha Dubois if you are going to be absent from a class where interpreters are assigned.
- Three consecutive absences without notice will result in services being suspended and captioners/ interpreters being assigned to different courses.
- If you drop a class where you have interpreters or CART services, you must inform DSP&S in a timely manner.
- Communicate with campus faculty and DSPS staff about issues that impact your access to the classroom and material.
- If you have an issue with or concern about the interpreter(s), please contact the Interpreter Coordinator Tabitha Dubois.
- If you have concerns about the quality of CART services, please contact Clovis DSP&S’s Alternative Media Specialist, Robert Salinas, email at robert.salinas@cloviscollege.edu.
- Check your student e-mail account regularly for information about classes, programs, and services
- Bring fully charged DSP&S loaned iPad and Bluetooth devices to classes where remote services have been scheduled.
- If you have one in-person and one remote interpreter scheduled for a course, it is your responsibility to connect to the meeting with the remote interpreter. Failure to do so will result in the in-person interpreter being removed from the course.
- If you would rather use a personal device to connect to remote services, DSP&S is not responsible for damage or theft of personal devices. If personal devices do not meet minimum operating standards, a DSP&S device can be checked out from Clovis DSP&S’s Alternative Media Specialist, Robert Salinas, email at robert.salinas@cloviscollege.edu.
- As needed, request interpreters or CART captioning services for non-classroom needs using the appropriate methods. This includes:
- Waitlisted classes you are planning to attend
- Meetings with professors or counselors
- Tutoring
- Campus events
Service Provider:
- Caption or interpret everything spoken, and everything signed, if a student uses ASL.
- Keep all information related to assignments confidential, apart from the information covered by the Consent for Release of Information form on file with DSP&S.
- For questions about what information can be shared by service providers or DSP&S staff, see your DSP&S counselor.
- When applicable, work in collaboration with others to provide support and monitor for accuracy.
- This could be a second captioner, interpreter, or intern.
Faculty:
- Ensure media used in the course are accessible. Contact Robert Salinas [linked to email?) to determine accessibility.
- Utilize the assistive technology provided by DSP&S to ensure communication access for the student(s).
- Follow the academic accommodations approved by the DSP&S office
- Deaf and Hard of Hearing students often utilize a peer notetaker. Due to the nature of the disability, it is difficult for students to receive the information visually (either through CART Captioning or American Sign Language) and simultaneously take notes. If requested, please assist the student in recruiting a peer notetaker for the course.
- Preferential seating is another common accommodation requested. Each classroom may have unique challenges and logistics. Preferential seating allows the student to choose the seat that best allows them to access their accommodations and the course materials.
Working with Sign Language Interpreters in the Classroom
A guide for faculty:
- Speak directly to and look at the Deaf or hard-of-hearing person. Avoid saying “Tell them...”. The interpreter is there to provide interpretation for all parties, but they are not an active participant.
- The interpreter will speak in first person when interpreting from American Sign Language to English. Unless otherwise stated, you should assume “I” statements are the Deaf or hard-of-hearing student’s comments. Please note, that the voice you are hearing may or may not match the gender identity of the Deaf or hard-of-hearing person you are communicating with.
- When in person, the interpreter is likely to stand near you, so that the Deaf person can see you both simultaneously. You should continue to look at the Deaf person. If you need to move, do so. The interpreter will move with you and do their best to not be in your way.
- There are times when the layout of the classroom can be a barrier to communication. For many Deaf and Hard of Hearing students, group work is best conducted when the students can all face each other and the interpreter can navigate behind the students. We appreciate your flexibility as we all work together to determine the best approach for each student and classroom.
- Speak naturally, both in pace and volume. The interpreter will seek clarification if needed.
- Two interpreters will be assigned for any request over one hour. This could be two in-person interpreters, two Video Remote Interpreters (VRI), or a mixture of both.
- When showing videos in the classroom, please enable the captions. If you forget, the Deaf or hard-of-hearing student will likely remind you. If you need assistance with making your classroom content accessible, please contact the DSP&S office.
- The interpreting process takes time. There may be a moment or two of silence while the message is being conveyed. Your patience is appreciated. If there is a time limit for a verbal assignment, such as a presentation, please allow a minute or two of grace for the interpretation process.
- There are instances where the interpreter may use a word or term that is not the preferred vocabulary term for the course. This is not always a reflection of the student, but rather of the interpretation process. If you have concerns, these can be discussed with the student, interpreter, and/or DSP&S outside of the class session.
Resources
Other general academic accommodations:
Access to Food or Drink - Student may have access to discrete snacks & drinks.
Computer for In-Class Notetaking - The student should be permitted to use a laptop / tablet for notetaking in class.
Concussion: Temporary Accommodation - Student is experiencing symptoms secondary to concussion which requires flexible deadlines for a temporary period of time. These symptoms may fluctuate.
Course Policy Accommodation Agreement (CPAA) - Provides a plan if on rare occasions a disability has a flare-up that impacts attendance or a due date. Approved course by course, semester by semester and requires a conversation between the DSP&S Counselor and the instructor.
Preferential Seating - Due to the impact of a disability, the student has specific seating needs.
Priority Registration - Priority registration gives eligible students access to register for courses on the earliest possible date.
Self-Directed Breaks - This student may need to leave class briefly or stand during lectures to take short breaks for management of disability.
Table / Chair - The student requires the use of an accessible table / chair.
Mobility Services – Transportation on campus
- Tram Service – A DSP&S staff member that is certified in cart safety will pick-up and drop-off the student at designated locations on campus.
- Notetaking Services – A copy of a peer’s notes
- A peer volunteer notetaker will be assigned to your course where they upload a copy of their notes to the DSP&S AIM Portal for the requesting student to access.
Please note: DSP&S counselors may approve additional accommodation not listed above. Additional accommodations must align with disability verification.
