Academic Accommodations

St. John Fisher College provides academic accommodations as supported by the student's documentation and those required by Section 504 and ADA laws. Typical accommodations may include, but are not limited to, alternate testing arrangements (extended time, alternate location, use of a word processor), or a note taker for class notes. At St. John Fisher College, support services, such as note taking and exam proctoring are provided by students under the supervision of the Coordinator of Disability Services.

*Note: The process for accessing academic accommodations for graduate-level courses may vary.

With the student's written permission, an Academic Accommodation Verification Form will be prepared so the student can notify the faculty of their need for accommodations. It is the student's responsibility to meet with their faculty, within the first 2 weeks of each semester, to discuss the accommodations as they might relate to course format and requirements, to obtain the faculty signatures on the verification form and to return the form as indicated.

Extended Test Time/Alternate Location

At the college level, extended time is generally defined as 1.5x the standard test time. Students whose documentation supports extended time, and who have approval from their faculty, may take their tests/exams under proctor supervision in the library. To be eligible for test accommodations, the student must have their Academic Accommodation Verification Form signed by their faculty and returned to the Office of Academic Affairs (O.A.A.) within the deadline each semester. To utilize the test accommodations, students must complete a Service Request Form in O.A.A. at least 4 business days prior to each scheduled test date.

Readers

Students with supporting documentation may be provided with a person to read tests or exams. The proctor will read the questions aloud and may repeat a question if requested. The reader may not coach the student toward an answer. Students also have the option of using the Kurzweil reading software, which is available on the adaptive computer station in the library.

Note Takers

Unless a student is physically unable to take notes, we recommend using the Livescribe Smart Pen for recording and taking class notes (www.livescribe.com). Students whose disability necessitates note taking service will be provided with notes from a classmate enrolled in the same course(s), who is hired to share their notes via email. Student note takers must meet designated qualifications, including a minimum GPA of 3.0.

Audio/Electronic Textbooks

Students who require audio textbooks should apply to the Learning Ally, www.learningally.org, (formerly Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic) and if applicable, to the New York State Library for the Blind and Visually Handicapped (CBVH). It is the student’s responsibility to request these services as early as possible so texts may be available in time for each semester. If the disability mandates an alternative format textbook, and the book is not available through Learning Ally, the Coordinator will assist in obtaining the required text.

Adaptive Technology Workstations & Software Support

St. John Fisher College has two accessible workstations; in the Library and in the Kearney computer lab. Both stations have scanners and Kurzweil reading software. Additionally, the Library’s accessible station has Dragon Naturally Speaking, voice recognition software and Zoomtext, a screen magnification program designed specifically for individuals with visual impairment. Students with documented disabilities, who wish to use the work stations are required to schedule a training session.

Tutoring Services

Students with disabilities must meet the same competencies in all courses as all other students. Unlike high school, there are no resource rooms or special education classes at the College. Peer tutoring services and assistance through the Writing Center and the Math Center, which are available to all St. John Fisher College students, are intended to augment, not substitute, for independent study and preparation. Note: The need for tutoring is seen as a function of the student's preparation/ability to handle college level work, not as a function of disability. Tutoring is not a required service under Section 504 and the ADA, even if the student with a disability will not survive academically without it. Disability laws focus on equal access, not success.