SSD Services and Policies

Adaptive Computer Assistance

In order to obtain adaptive computer assistance, you must:

1. Make an appointment with the Director, LD Specialist or Assistant Director to determine the software appropriate for your needs.
2. Speak with an Assistive Technology Center Student Assistant to set up time to learn how to use the adaptive software.
3. Schedule appropriate number of training sessions to ensure full understanding and use of the assistive technology.
4. Utilize assistive / adaptive technology available in campus labs once program / technology has been mastered.

Accessible Media

• Alternate format materials for all university publications are available upon request.
• Requests for academic materials should be made at the beginning of each semester or as soon as student is aware of the need.
• Accessible media includes, but is not limited to, enlarged print, brailled materials, audio, digital, and electronic text (e-text). The availability, procurement, and production of accessible media may come from a variety of sources and may be governed by federal and state copyright laws.

Assembly Bill 422 (AB 422) provides that publishers are required to provide electronic versions of instructional materials in response to a written request that is signed by the Director/Coordinator of Services for Students with Disabilities or the college official responsible for monitoring compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C 12101 et seq.) at the California State University campus certifying that certain conditions have been satisfied. Those conditions include:

1. E-text is needed to provide instructional materials in an alternate media for a student with a verified disability that prevents him or her from using standard instructional materials.
2. The student is attending or is registered to attend a campus of the California State University.
3. The instructional material is required or essential to the student's success in the course; and
4. The standard instructional material has been purchased by the student or on behalf of the student by the campus that the student is attending.

Students who are eligible for alternate media as an accommodation will follow this process:

1. Students sign a Student Certification Form and submit an Accessible Media Request form with all required information and proof of purchase to Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD).
2. SSD will prepare, submit, and follow-up with publisher requests for e-texts and check with outside sources such as the AIMHub.
3. If an outside alternative source is not found or if the publisher has not responded in a timely manner, it may be necessary to produce e-text deemed essential or required to the course of study. The course syllabus will be required. There may be limitations and priorities associated with the alternate media type and format produced.
4. 4) SSD may need to borrow the student's textbook, cut the binding, and scan the material for e-text production. The student's book will be returned bound or taped, prepared from a campus department or off-campus source.
5. 5) The produced e-text will be available for student pick-up at the SSD office or by other mutual agreement.

Equipment Check-Out

If you are in need of equipment (i.e. tape/digital recorder, Phonic Ear, etc.), you must:

1. Fill out an 'Equipment Check-Out Request Form' available from SSD office.
2. Supply your own batteries and/or tapes for equipment that requires them.
3. Return the equipment by the date noted on the check-out form (usually the last day of the semester.
4. Holds will be placed on student's records, transcripts, financial aid, etc. if equipment is not returned by due date. No substitutes or replacements will be accepted.

Interpreters

For students who require interpreters:

1. Meet with the Assistant Director to determine interpreter needs for classes.
2. Provide course schedule for each semester during pre-registration, if possible, and a confirmed class schedule as soon as possible.
3. It is up to the student to contact SSD regarding add/drops and other schedule changes as soon as possible to avoid delays obtaining interpreters.
4. SSD will contact interpreters and match both student and interpreter schedules to arrange assignments.
5. Students, interpreters, and SSD staff should meet prior to the beginning of each semester to discuss any necessary adjustments.
6. Students and interpreters should notify SSD as required in case of missed classes or absences.

Refer to Interpreter Services section for a detailed description of policies, procedures and code of ethics.

National/Standardized Test Accommodation

1. Fill out SSD's "National Test Accommodation Letter" for request of accommodations on each exam (i.e. EPT/ELM, GRE, CBEST, PRAXIS, etc.)
2. Turn in any form from the registration booklet that needs to be completed by SSD professional staff.
3. Return 3 days from time of submission of forms to pick-up letter(s) that students will then submit with registration materials.

*Each test may have specific eligibility requirements and different lengths of time for keeping documentation on file. Please check your test bulletin for current requirements.

For example, you may request the same accommodations for retaking a test with CSET for one year, and with ETS for two years, once documentation has been submitted and approved.

Note Taker

In order to obtain a note taker for a class, you must:

1. Obtain a letter from the SSD office stating that a note taker is an approved accommodation.
2. Obtain NCR paper from the SSD office.
3. Students should meet professor during office hours in order to explain need for note taker and to provide him/her with an accommodation letter.
4. Give the volunteer note taker the two-part NCR paper.

   Note: If you are not comfortable approaching a professor with this, please contact the SSD office for assistance.

Out of Class Testing Procedure ('Blue Card')

In order to have a test administered by the SSD office, all students must:

1. Obtain 'Blue Cards' and an Accommodation letter from SSD. Complete a separate 'Blue Card' for each exam.
2. Turn 'Blue Cards' for all exams into the SSD office at least five days in advance of exam. There is a designated Blue Card deadline for all final exams each semester.
3. Meet with professors during their office hours to discuss accommodations. Plan to do this as early in the semester as possible. Provide professors with the letter describing your approved accommodations. Explain the effects of your disability on your academic performance and how the accommodations for which you are approved help to equalize your access to a university education. Ask your professors for suggestions on how to be successful in their class.
4. Obtain from your professors all examination dates for the semester. Often these are listed on the course syllabus. If professors are unable to identify the examination schedule, explain to them that SSD requires five days advance notice before taking an exam.
5. Determine the date and the beginning and ending time of your accommodated exam. Students are expected to adhere to their scheduled accommodated exam beginning and ending time, as these times are set.
6. Clarify special exam conditions with your instructor, such as whether or not the exam will be open notes, calculator allowed, etc. If the condition is not marked on your Blue Card, you will not be able to use that condition or item during the test.
7. Clarify exam pickup and delivery instructions. Be sure that the room location is specified. If this information is not provided, you will be asked to obtain it before your card is processed.
8. Do not leave the 'Blue Card' form with the professor. Any 'Blue Card' submitted by a professor will be returned to the professor. It is your responsibility to turn in the 'Blue Card' to SSD immediately upon completion in order for staff to verify information.
9. Return the form directly to an SSD staff member for processing. Do not slide the 'Blue Card' under the door.
10. Contact the professor and the SSD office to reschedule an exam if an emergency warrants the postponement of an exam. The professor must approve all changes.