Possible Academic Accommodation
Accommodations are made on an individual basis dependent on the need for services, the documentation of disability, and the impact of the disability in the academic setting. The following list includes many of the accommodations that are available to students, and is organized by the following categories: Academic Accommodations, Assistive Technology Accommodations, and Non-Academic Accommodations.
Attendance Modification
Students with disabilities are expected to attend classes in accordance with the professor's attendance requirements as stated in the course syllabi and with the attendance requirements established by the Registrar's Office. Exceptions to the attendance requirements can be requested as an accommodation. Approval of this accommodation will be made on a case by case basis and will involve the cooperation of the student, the professor, the academic department, the Registrar's Office, and Disability Services.
Advanced Pre-Registration / Web-Registration Phase 1
This accommodation grants the student priority status when scheduling classes for the upcoming term. Students receiving this accommodation have greater choice in course selection. This accommodation assists those who need specific classes, need breaks between classes, and those who need classes at certain times of the day.
Delayed Exams
This accommodation allows the student to take an exam at a date later than the original administration and is usually implemented after an acute "flair up" of clinical symptoms. The modified administration date is established with the cooperation of the student, professor, and Disability Services. This accommodation is not intended to be ongoing.
Electronic Books
This accommodation allows students to receive books in electronic version. Most electronic books are provided directly from book publishers to Disability Services. Publishers provide electronic versions of books on a voluntarily basis. Students receiving electronic books must provide proof of purchase and may not copy or distribute these books.
Enlargement of Course Materials
University and course materials can be enlarged for students with visual impairments. The enlargement is facilitated by Disability Services and is provided free of charge. Enlargement of materials for personal use can be provided at cost.
Interpreters for Hearing Impaired
Interpreters can be made available for students needing sign language for academic and co-curricular activities. All interpreters are contracted by the university. The university does not have interpreters as regular employees at this time.
Note-Taking Assistance
Students whose disabilities impair their ability to effectively take class notes may receive note-taking assistance. Generally notes are obtained from another student in the class. The person taking the notes may use carbonless copy paper. Arrangements can be made for the photocopying of notes at no-cost to the students. In certain cases, Disability Services may hire a student note-taker.
P.E. Modification / Substitution
Students with disabilities who cannot meet the needed physical exertion requirements of P.E. classes may request either a modification or substitution of the P.E. class. Modifications will be coordinated in the cooperation with the instructor and substitutions must be approved the Registrar's Office.
Reader Services
Students with primarily visual impairments may request a reader. Readers will generally be used if the student's books and/or class materials cannot be obtained in alternate media and/or if the student's need cannot be met by using assistive technology. Readers used during examinations shall not be relatives or close friends of the student.
Recorded Textbooks
Many textbooks used in Biola classes are available on audiotape. Most of the tapes are obtained from the Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic organization. Students are encouraged to request books on tape as soon as possible as it may take a few weeks for the tapes to arrive. Tapes will not be ordered within one month of the end of classes.
Recording Lectures
In some cases, students with disabilities may audiotape their lectures. When audio taping is used, the student is responsible for the set up of the equipment and for the recording of the lecture. Once recorded, the tapes may not be shared with other students. The professor and/or Disability Services may stipulate conditions for recording. All tapes are to be erased or destroyed at the end of the semester.
Reduced Distraction Testing Environment
This accommodation is available for students who become distracted when taking exams in the regular classroom. Tests may be administered in a private room by the professor, or may be proctored by Disability Services in a private testing location.
Scribe
This accommodation is available for students who are unable to perform regular writing tasks. The scribe may function on a volunteer or a paid basis. Scribes used for examinations shall not be relatives or close friends of the student.
Time Extensions - Assignments
Students with disabilities can receive extra time to complete class assignments and projects. This accommodation is generally implemented after an acute "flair up" of clinical symptoms and only applies to specific assignments. This accommodation is not intended to be ongoing.
Time Extensions - Exams
Students with disabilities can receive time extensions to complete examinations. The student must be approved for time extensions for each class in which the accommodation is desired. Students may not qualify for this accommodation in every class.
Possible Assistive Technology Accommodations
CCTV
A CCTV machine is located in the Biola Library. This machine will magnify written materials onto a TV screen.
Four Track Audiotape Players
A limited supply of four track audiotape players are available for student check out. Many taped textbooks are recorded in a format that requires the use of a four-track audiotape player. General use four-track audiotape players are located in the library. Disability Services may ask students to provide a deposit when borrowing equipment.
Laptop Computer
Disability Services possesses an I-book Macintosh laptop that may be checked out by students with disabilities. This laptop can be used in a classroom and/or for proctored examinations. Students using the laptop must sign a usage agreement.
Optical Character Reader - Computer Scanner
A computer and scanner are located in the library for use by students with disabilities. Pages from books, articles, etc. are scanned into the computer by the student and are then read back to the student by the computer. The scanner can also be used to enlarge written material onto the computer screen.
Text-Help
A computer in the Biola Library is equipped with Text-Help software. This software will assist students in their written work and includes spell checking, grammar checking, and some advanced features.
Voice Recognition Computer Technology
A computer with voice recognition capabilities is located in the library. The speech to text capability of this equipment is especially useful for persons with reduced hand abilities.
Word Processing - Enlargement
Many software programs in common use (including MS Office) have features that allow for the enlargement of written work. A staff member from Disability Services and/or from the Computer Lab can instruct students on how to set up the program for this feature.
Possible Non-Academic Accommodations
Alternate Computer Lab Entrance
Students with mobility impairments may access the Computer Lab in Lower Metzger through the main entrance on the middle level of Metzger Hall to avoid the hill outside of the Computer Lab. If access is desired after 5pm, the student must dial "0" from the phone outside the Metzger middle level entrance and inform the switchboard operator that s/he would like to use the Computer Lab. Entrance to the building will be granted by the switchboard operator.
Dietary Needs
Students needing individualized diets are to contact the staff of the cafeteria. Disability Services may be contacted if the cafeteria is unable to meet the student's need and/or if problems arise.
Housing Placement Considerations
Some students with disabilities may receive special consideration regarding their housing placements. Such considerations may include placement in specific dormitories or rooms, air conditioned rooms, and private rooms. In most cases, a recommendation from Disability Services is required for students to receive these considerations on the basis of disability.
Library Assistance
The Library staff provides various kinds of assistance to students with disabilities. Available services include removing books from shelves, electronic database and microfiche assistance, and assistive technology consultation.
Off Campus Transportation
Students who use wheelchairs may require accessible transportation for off-campus university sponsored events, such as fieldtrips. Students are to contact Disability Services at least 3 days, preferably at least 5 days, before the event so that an accessible vehicle can be rented. Faculty and staff are not to drive students who use wheelchairs in personal vehicles.
Reserved Registration Time
On the first morning of university registration each semester, a block of time is reserved for the registration of students with disabilities who require additional assistance. Any student registered with Disability Services is eligible to register during this reserved block of time.
Structural Modifications
Students with structural access needs may meet with a staff member from Facility Services and with a staff member from the Disability Services to discuss structural changes needed in dorm rooms, classrooms, etc. Students also encouraged to participate in annual meetings to discuss the prioritization of renovation projects as part of the University's ADA Compliance Plan.