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165 Murphy
Library • 608-785-6900 •
ability@uwlax.edu |
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FAQ's |
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Division of Vocational Rehabilitation |
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Legal Issues |
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From Faculty |
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From Student |
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Temporary Disabilities |
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Auxiliary Aids/Accommodations |
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Note taking Accommodations |
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Alternative Test Taking |
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Priority-Registration |
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Alternative Text Format |
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Tutoring |
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Career |
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Students who Suspect that They Might Have a Disability |
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Adaptive Technology |
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Division of Vocational Rehabilitation |
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Q. What is the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)? |
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A.
DVR is a federal/state program working in partnership with people
with disabilities to individually pursue, obtain and maintain
employment suited to a persons abilities and interests leading to
independence, increased self-sufficiency and full inclusion in
society. DVR is Wisconsin's primary provider of employment services
to people with disabilities.
DVR's Mission:
To obtain, maintain and improve employment for people with
disabilities by working with DVR consumers, employers and other
partners.
DVR also
provides vocational services tailored to the individual needs of
employers ready to hire qualified individuals. (source: DVR
brochure and web page)
For more
information go to the DVR home page at:
http://www.dwd.state.wi.us/dvr
or call the Central Office in Madison at 1 (800) 442-3477.
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Q. Who can receive DVR services? |
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A.
You may be able to receive vocational rehabilitation services from
DVR if you have a physical or mental impairment that makes it
difficult for you to get or keep a job. DVR is for people with
disabilities who need services to prepare for work, or find and keep
a job. |
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Back
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Back to DVR question list |
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Q.
How do I know if I'm eligible for DVR services? |
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A.
You will have to
meet with a DVR Counselor to discuss your individual case. The DVR
Counselor will determine if you are eligible or not. There is a
worksheet on DVR's web page to help you determine if you may be
eligible or not. Go to:
http://www.dwd.state.wi.us/dvr/scripts/PotentialEligibility_I.asp |
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Q. Why would I want to apply for DVR services? What can DVR do for me? |
A. If you are
determined eligible for DVR services you will develop an employment
goal and identify the steps to take to reach that goal with your DVR
Counselor. Every situation is different so the needs of each
individual is looked at on a case by case basis. The DVR Counselor
will look at how your disability affects the following areas and
your ability to work:
- Mobility -
Getting from one place to another.
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Communication - Talking and listening to others, reading and/or
understanding printed materials.
- Self Care
-Taking care of yourself.
- Self
Direction - Making plans or carrying out your plans.
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Interpersonal Skills - Getting along with other people.
- Work
History or Work Skills - Having the skills to work.
- Work
Tolerance - Needing changes at work to do a job
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The services
provided will depend on how your disability affects these areas and
your ability to work. For more information about services go to:
http://www.dwd.state.wi.us/dvr/jobseek.htm |
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Back to the top of page Back to DVR question list |
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Q.
Where is DVR located? |
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A.
The Wisconsin DVR
Central Office is located in Madison but there are offices located
all over Wisconsin. You can call the Central Office at 1 (800)
442-3477. |
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Q.
How do I apply for DVR services? |
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A. An application is
available on the DVR web site or you can contact the DVR office
nearest you. The web site has information on where each office is
located (see website address in previous answer.) The DVR
application is located at:
http://www.dwd.state.wi.us/dvr/scripts/Application_I.asp |
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Q. What if I have concerns or questions about DVR services? |
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A.
There may be
times when you do not understand or agree with DVR's decisions. At
times like these, the best thing to do is talk with your DVR
Counselor about your concerns. You may also request an informal
review with your DVR Counselor's supervisor, or you may request a
formal hearing. Your DVR Counselor will give you information on
filing an appeal. You can also contact the Client Assistance Program
(CAP). CAP is not part of DVR and can answer concerns you may have
about DVR policies and procedures and your rights and
responsibilities as a consumer. CAP can also help you prepare and
present an appeal request. For more information go to:
http://www.dwd.state.wi.us/dvr/cap.htm |
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Or you can
contact CAP at:
Client Assistance Program (CAP)
2811 Agriculture Drive
P.O. Box 8911
Madison, WI 53708-8911
1 (800) 362-1290
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Back to the top of page Back to DVR question list |
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Legal Issues |
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Q.
What legislation covers higher education? |
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A.
The
Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA) of 1990 both cover colleges and universities. |
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Q.
What is the Rehabilitation Act? |
A.
Title V of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is generally regarded as the first civil
rights legislation for people with disabilities on the national
level.
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act is a program access statute.
It prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in any
program or activity offered by an entity or institution receiving
federal financial aid.
Section 504 states (as amended): "No otherwise qualified person
with a disability in the United States shall solely on the basis of
disability, be denied access to, or the benefits of, or be subjected
to discrimination under any program or activity provided by any
institution receiving federal financial assistance." |
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Q.
Who
qualifies as a person with a disability? |
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A.
A person is
considered to be a person with a disability if he/she has the
disability, has a record of the disability, or is regarded as having
the disability. |
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Q.
What is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)? |
A.
The ADA is a
federal civil rights statute designed to remove barriers, which
prevent qualified individuals with disabilities from enjoying the
same opportunities that are available to persons without
disabilities.
Universities are covered in many ways under the ADA. Employment is
addressed by Title I, accessibility provided by public and private
entities by Titles II and III, and miscellaneous items by
Title V. |
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Back to the top of page Back to Legal Issues question list |
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Q.
What
are the implications for higher education institutions? |
A.
1.) Students with
disabilities must be afforded an equal opportunity to participate in
and benefit from all postsecondary education programs and
activities. That includes any course, course of study, or activity
offered.
2.) Rules which would limit the student with disabilities from fully
participating in a program or activity may not be imposed.
3.) Academic requirements must be modified, on a case-by-case basis,
to afford qualified students with disabilities an equal educational
opportunity. |
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Q.
What
are my rights as a student with a disability? |
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A.
Your rights as a
student with a disability are: |
- To not be
denied access due to a disability.
- To receive
reasonable accommodations that provide equal opportunity.
- To have
access to auxiliary aids/assistive technology.
- To not be
counseled toward "more restrictive career objectives."
- To receive
assistance from the disability service office in removing any
physical, academic and attitudinal barriers.
- To not be
discriminated against due to a disability or receive any
retaliatory discrimination
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Q.
What are my responsibilities as a college student with a disability? |
A.
My
responsibilities as a college student with a disability are:
- To
identify to the Disability Services Office.
- To provide
documentation of disability.
- To initiate
requests for accommodations by providing a certification of
disability letter to faculty within the first two weeks of the
semester.
- To provide
a minimum of a two-week notice for all major accommodation
requests (special accommodations of equipment may need more
time).
- To provide
one-week notice to the instructor and Disability Services Office
when you will testing in the DRS office.
- To assure
responsibility for testing procedures and notifying faculty and
disability services accordingly.
- To provide
for personal independent living needs or other
disability-related needs.
- To assume
personal responsibility for meeting with faculty, requesting
assistance, and meeting university standards.
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Back to the top of page Back to Legal Issues question list |
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From Faculty |
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Q.
Do I have a right to know what type of disability a student has when
they ask for an accommodation? |
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A.
A student does
not have to inform the faculty member about their disability, but
only the needed accommodations. If you have any questions regarding
the need for the accommodation, then you may contact the Disability
Resource Services Office and request to speak to the student's
advisor. They cannot give details about the disability, unless they
have permission from the student. The student may disclose a
disability to you. You are then obliged to maintain confidentiality
regarding the student's disability. |
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Q.
What can I do if I disagree with the academic adjustment requested? |
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A.
If you disagree
with the academic adjustment requested, you should discuss the
disagreement with the Disability Resource Services provider. The
student should continue to receive the academic adjustment. An
instructor may not forbid a student's use of an aid if that
prohibition limits the student's participation in the school
program, e.g. use of tape recorders in classrooms or dog guides in
campus buildings. |
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Q.
Does the student receive "special privileges" under this legislation? |
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A.
No. Providing
accommodations should not be regarded as giving students "special
privileges", but rather as minimizing the impact of the student's
disability to the greatest extent possible. |
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Q.
What about substitutions and waivers of classes and requirements of
specific programs? |
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A.
Institutions are
not required to make changes that require a major or substantial
modification. The institution has the right to set academic
standards, but the institution must prove that a requested change
would create a substantial modification. The burden of proof lies
with the institution. |
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Q.
Does the student with a disability need to ask for academic
adjustments in a certain time frame prior to classes? |
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A.
Yes. Most
institutions require the student indicates the need for an
accommodation within a reasonable timeframe. This is not always
possible but it is important to provide academic adjustments as soon
as possible. |
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Q.
What can I do to make the classroom environment open to students with
disabilities? |
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A.
There are many of
us that have had little or no contact with people with disabilities.
It is important to remember that people with disabilities are just
that, people first. |
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Back to the top of page Back Faculty question list |
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Q.
What if I am unsure on how to handle a situation with a student with a
disability? |
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A.
First ask the
student. He/she is the best source of information about their
disability. Second, contact the DRS office (608) 785-6900. |
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Q.
What are my responsibilities concerning field trips and outside
programs? |
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A.
The legislation
is very explicit about this. Persons with disabilities are entitled
to participate in the most integrated setting possible. If an
institution offers transportation to students going on a field trip,
it must offer accessible transportation for students with
disabilities. Please be aware that the motor pool does have an
accessible van available. Make sure that you call early enough to
reserve it. |
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Q.
How can I help the student feel more comfortable with identifying
their needs and requesting accommodations? |
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A.
A good policy for
the instructor is to announce at the first meeting of class or write
in the syllabus: "Any student with a documented disability (e.g., a
physical, learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc.) who needs to
arrange reasonable accommodations must contact the instructor and
the Disability Resource Services Office (165 Murphy) at the
beginning of the semester." |
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Q.
How will I know that the student has seen the Disability Resource
Services office before requesting accommodations? |
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A.
Each student
should present an Accommodations Request Form to the instructor. The
student and their DRS advisor will sign this form; it will indicate
what accommodations are appropriate for this particular student.
There will be a place for your signature. When all three signatures
are completed, the student will bring it back to us, we will then
forward you a copy. |
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Q.
Is information pertaining to working with students with disabilities
available for faculty? |
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A.
There is a
faculty manual available for all faculty members. It contains
comprehensive information about how to work with students with
disabilities in order to provide equal access to your course. A
faculty manual will be provided to you at the Orientation in the
fall. If you have not received one, please contact our office
(5-6900) or e-mail us at
ability@uwlax.edu. |
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Back to the top of page Back Faculty question list |
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From Student |
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Q.
Should I let the college I am going to attend know about my
disability? |
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A.
It is to the student's advantage to let a college know about your
disability. This information should be shared with the Disability
Service Office on campus. You should let them know immediately after
your acceptance to the college. |
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Q.What kind of documentation is necessary? |
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A.
Some school systems destroy testing records upon a student's
graduation. Colleges, as well as vocational rehabilitation offices,
request these records to assist in providing special services to
students. Students who were not in classes in the public school may
be eligible for support services in college, but documentation of
the disability must be provided. |
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Q.
How old can documentation be? |
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A.
For a person with
a learning or psychological disability or attention-deficit
disorder, most universities require documentation no older than
three years when the student applies to the university. Students
with mobility or sensory impairments may be older in most cases. The
documentation must be able to validate accommodations that are
requested. |
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Q.
Is
diagnostic testing provided at UW-La Crosse? |
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A.
No, students who
need testing are referred to off-campus facilities. |
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Back to the top of page Back
to Student question list |
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Q. Are there any scholarships for students with disabilities that
are available? |
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A.
Please refer to our section under scholarships on the web page.
There are three current scholarships for students with disabilities
after their freshman year. There are ones for students with
epilepsy, students that have a visual impairment, as well as a
scholarship for students with a physical disability. |
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You may also
contact HEATH for additional scholarship information.
HEATH Resource Center
American Council on Education
One Dupont Circle NW,
Washington DC 20036
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Q. Are there any state agencies that assist persons with
disabilities? |
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A.
In Wisconsin, the
Division of Vocational Rehabilitation assists Wisconsin residents
with disabilities who attend colleges and universities. Students
with disabilities applying to universities are encouraged to contact
their local offices to see if they qualify for services. Please
refer to the section of FAQ's regarding DVR on our Web Site. |
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Back to the top of page Back
to Student question list |
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Q. Are college students with disabilities provided with personal
care service? |
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A.
No, students with
disabilities are required to provide for personal services. |
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Q. What about ACT/SAT scores? |
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A.
If you qualify
for special exam arrangements, i.e. un-timed test, readers, or a
private testing room, be sure that you use this accommodation. The
school cannot use the specialized testing against you when you apply
to the university. |
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Q.
Should I visit the college before I decide on which school to choose
and when? |
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A.
It is a good idea
to visit the college to see if the school and community are a good
fit for you. It is very important that you visit the Disability
Resource Services Office before you make a final choice. You should
visit by at least your junior year in high school. |
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Q. What about confidentiality? Will anything be on my record? |
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A.
The handling of
information regarding someone's disability and their status as a
person with a disability is considered highly confidential and is
maintained in a separate, secure file with limited access. Any
confidential documentation should be forwarded to the Disability
Resource Services Office. You must sign a release form to have any
of your disability status shared outside of the Disability Services
Office. |
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Q. Will I be asked on the admissions form if I have a disability? |
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A.
Colleges are
specifically prohibited from making pre-admissions inquiry regarding
someone's status as a person with a disability. |
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Q. What are my responsibilities to identify my disability? |
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A.
You must
self-identify or disclose your disability to the designated office
for disability services. This office is designated to evaluate
disability documentation and determine accommodation needs. |
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Back to the top of page Back to Student question list |
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Temporary Disabilities |
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Q.
If I
break my leg and need a temporary handicapped sticker, what do I do? |
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A.
You can go to the
Protective Services Office and request a handicapped sticker; you
will need to bring a note from your doctor indicating the length of
time that you will be immobile. |
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Q. If you need to be missing classes who do you contact? |
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A.
You should contact the Office of Student Life (149 Main Hall) if you
will be absent more than one week and they will inform your
instructors. It is also a good idea for you to individually contact
your professors and arrange course assignments |
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Q.
What if I need back notes, assistance with tests, etc.? |
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A.
You should contact
your professor and see if he/she can assist you with notes and test
accommodations. |
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Q.
What if I have a temporary disability and have difficulty getting
around the Residence Halls? |
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A.
Contact your hall
director. |
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Back to the top of page Back to Temporary Disabilities
question list |
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Auxiliary Aids/Accommodations |
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Q.
How do I know if I am eligible to receive academic adjustments? |
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A.
A
person is eligible for services if they are considered a person with
a disability, have identified themselves to the institution, have
presented documentation regarding the disability to the institution,
and need academic adjustments. |
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Q.
What must I do to receive academic adjustments? |
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A.
Colleges differ
from high schools regarding the first step of providing academic
adjustments. The legislation states that to receive services from
the university, a person with a disability must first disclose their
disability to the institution. The DRS Director will ask you to
bring in documentation regarding your disability, and then will
assist you in receiving the needed services. |
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Q.
What happens if I disagree with the Academic Adjustments presented to
me? |
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A.
If you disagree
with the academic adjustments being presented to you by the
Disability Resource Services Office, express your concerns and be
prepared to offer alternative solutions. If that does not alleviate
the situation, find out what your university policy is regarding
grievance procedures. |
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Q.
What if the university provides an accommodation that is not the one I
specified exactly? |
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A.
The university has
to provide "appropriate academic adjustments", but if the
institution can provide you with an auxiliary aid that is equally as
effective as the one being requested and less expensive, the
university is not required to buy the more expensive one. e.g. The
institution does not have to buy the biggest and best computer if a
system is already available which would be just as effective. |
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Back to the top of page Back
to Auxiliary Aids/Accommodations question list |
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Q.
How do I know what type of academic adjustment a student needs? |
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A.
It is up to the
student and the DRS office to determine what type of accommodation
is needed. There is not one type of accommodation for all students
with disabilities. Each accommodation must be decided on an
individual basis. Some common type of accommodations are: |
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Taped texts
note takers Readers
extended test taking time
Oral tests
Interpreters
large print material
assistance with registration |
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Q.
How does a university determine eligibility for accommodations? |
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A.
Eligibility for
reasonable accommodations in post-secondary institutions is driven
by the severity of impact on a major life activity. |
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In
reviewing accommodation requests, the following analysis will be
used. (Mc Burney Center, UW-Madison) |
1. Does the student
have a disability?
2. Is the student otherwise qualified?
3. Did the student request an accommodation?
4. Was the request submitted in a manner consistent with established
university policy and procedures?
5. Is the request reasonable and/or readily achievable?
6. Is the nature of the program or activity fundamentally altered by
the provision of the accommodation?
7. Does the provision of the accommodation present an undue
financial or administrative burden on the university? |
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Q.
Does the institution have to provide auxiliary aids or services to
international students? |
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A.
Yes, international
students are entitled to the same protection from nondiscrimination
on the basis of disability as are U.S. citizens. |
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Q.
Am I still eligible for academic adjustments if I am taking the class
for an audit? |
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A.
Yes. |
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Back to the top of page Back to Auxiliary
Aids/Accommodations question list |
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Note taking Accommodation |
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Q.
Who can use note taking services? |
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A.
If you are a
registered UW-L student and have identified with the Disability
Resource Services Office and your documentation supports the need
for note taking you will be given this accommodation. |
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Q.
Are note taker students in my class? |
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A.
Yes, note takers
are students in your class who have a G.P.A. of 2.5 or higher. |
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Q.
Do I pay the note taker myself? |
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A.
No. It is the
university's responsibility to provide note takers in the classroom.
Note takers have the option of being paid or volunteering. |
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Q.
How do a get a note taker? |
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A.
During your first
meeting when you are introducing yourself, you will set up the
meeting place to exchange notes. Most students get the notes in the
classroom after the class is over. If you do need to meet the note
taker, we ask that this exchange take place in a public place. Do
not go to their apartment or home. |
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Back to the top of page Back
to Note taking Accommodations question list |
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Q.
Do I need to find my own note taker? |
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A.
No, you do not
need to find your own note taker. It is highly recommended, though,
that you search for the best person you see taking notes in your
classroom and ask this person to come to the DRS office and sign up
to be your note taker. |
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Q.
What is my responsibility for using DRS note taking services? |
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A.
When hired, note
takers are given your name and phone number and asked to contact
you. It is recommended that you meet your note taker so you know who
to go to if you have questions about your notes. You will also need
to sign the note takers timesheet at the end of each month,
indicating that you received your notes for that month and are
satisfied with the note taking service. |
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Q.
What if I don't like my note taker, or can't read their notes? |
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A.
We ask that YOU
talk to your note taker to see if you can rectify the problem. Most
of the time, talking to the note taker will be enough to clear any
problems you might be experiencing. If you have talked to the note
taker and a problem still exists, then come to the DRS office and
talk to your advisor. |
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Q.
How do I get my notes from my note taker? |
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A.
During your first
meeting when you are introducing yourself, you will set up the
meeting place to exchange notes. Most students get the notes in the
classroom after the class is over. If you do need to meet the note
taker, we ask that this exchange take place in a public place. Do
not go to their apartment or home. |
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Back to the top of page Back
to Note taking Accommodations question list |
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Q.
What do the note takers use when taking notes? |
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A.
Note takers are
given a note taker book with a special carbonless paper. The note
taker will tear off the top copy and give it to you, and they keep
the bottom copy. If more than one student is receiving notes for
this class, you will be asked to come to the DRS office and pick up
your notes in your student file. |
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Q.
If I am picking up my notes in the DRS office, what are my
responsibilities? |
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A.
You must pick up
the notes in a timely fashion. Any notes left in a students file
more than 10 school days will get a discontinue notice in their
folder and they will be asked to report to their advisor in order
for the notes to be reactivated. It will be at the discretion of the
advisor whether your notes will be re-activated. |
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Q.
What if my note taker is late in giving me my notes and I have a test
the next day and need my notes? |
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A.
Contact the DRS
accommodations manager immediately and the office will help you in
getting your notes. |
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Back to the top of page Back
to Note taking Accommodations question list |
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Alternative Test Taking |
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Q.
How do I obtain permission to use testing accommodations? |
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A.
See your DRS
advisor. |
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Q.
How
do I schedule an exam with the DRS office? |
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A.
You may schedule
an exam with the Testing Coordinator in 165 Murphy Library, or call
785-6900. |
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Q.
How far in advance do I need to schedule my exam? |
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A.
You are required
to schedule an exam one week in advance of a testing date. Finals
must be scheduled two weeks in advance of the testing date. Exams
may be scheduled from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm, Monday through Friday.
Please note that the office closes at 4:30 pm. |
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Q.
Can I take my exam anytime I want to? |
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A.
We ask that
students schedule exams for the same time the test is being given in
the classroom, unless special arrangements are made with the
instructor. |
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Q.
How do my tests get delivered to the DRS office? |
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A.
The student takes
an exam checklist to the instructor a couple of days prior to the
exam. The instructor completes the checklist and hand delivers the
exam to the DRS office in a sealed envelope. Upon exam completion,
the Testing Coordinator will hand deliver your exam back to the
instructor in a sealed envelope. |
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Q.
What if I need to have my exam taped, or enlarged, or put on the
computer? |
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A.
We require that
the instructor deliver the exam to the DRS office 24 hours in
advance so that it may be prepared for you. |
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Back to the top of page Back
to Alternative Test Taking question list |
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Priority-Registration |
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Q.
What is the purpose of priority registration? |
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A.
Some students
with disabilities are granted the opportunity for priority
registration in order to provide equal access to the classroom. |
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Q.
Who is eligible for priority registration? |
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A.
Eligibility is
based on appropriate documentation of a disability and is determined
on a case-by-case basis. Students may discuss their eligibility with
their Disability Advisor. Usually a student who requires an
accommodation that takes time to establish would be eligible, as
well as a student who needs time to get from class to class. |
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Q.
Could I lose Priority Registration Service? |
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A.
Yes. Students who do not submit timely requests for tape-recorded or
brailed books, real time captioning or interpreters may lose the
priority registration service. Priority registration is authorized
for students who use these services because advance preparation is
required to provide these services. Most students over 45 credits
will not be using priority registration. |
|
Q.
Should I still come in for class selection advice, even though I might
not qualify for priority registration? |
|
A.
Yes, you should
come in to see your disability advisor to discuss classes, even
though you no longer use priority registration. |
|
Q.
Will priority registration exempt me from other registration
requirements? |
|
A.
No. Priority
registration does not exempt students from meeting general
registration for their school or college (e.g., prerequisites,
academic and financial holds) |
|
Back to the top of page Back
to Priority-Registration question list |
|
Alternative Text Format |
|
Q.
Can I get all of my textbooks on tape? |
|
A.
If you are a
registered UW-L student and have current documentation in the DRS
office which supports your need for this service then your textbooks
will be taped or scanned for your use. |
|
Q. I am not sure if taped textbooks will help me, but what do I
need to do to try them out? |
|
A.
When you meet
with your DRS advisor, discuss your needs for taping. Your advisor
will have your documentation and be able to advise you as to your
possible need for taping. |
|
Q.
How long in advance do I have to decide what I want taped? |
|
A.
It is important
that you let the DRS office as soon as possible what you will need
on tape because it takes lead-time. |
|
Q.
Does it matter when I sign up for classes as to whether I need taped
texts? |
|
A.
You will be
eligible for priority registration if you are a tape user until you
have accumulated 45 credits. If you switch classes later, you need
to be aware that there might be a delay in obtaining tapes. |
|
Q.
How do I go about getting taped texts? |
|
A.
Follow the
procedure in the Student Manual. |
|
Q.
Is there any adaptive equipment that I can use to assist me? |
|
A.
Yes, there a
number of read scan machines on campus. Please refer to the
questions on adaptive equipment. |
|
Back to the top of page Back
to Alternative Text Format question list |
|
Tutoring |
|
Q.
Does the DRS offer individual tutoring? |
|
A.
No, individual
tutoring is not required by federal mandates. |
|
Q.
Can students who are Wisconsin Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
clients receive individual tutoring? |
|
A.
Yes, if their DVR
counselor approves tutoring, the DRS office will assist DVR clients
in setting up individual tutoring. |
|
Q.
Does the university offer tutoring? |
|
A.
Yes, certain
departments offer peer-tutoring sessions. The information should be
on your syllabus for the class or you might inquire at the
individual departmental offices. |
|
Q.
Is there any other tutoring available? |
|
A.
There is a Student Support Services office on campus that provides
math and language arts tutoring. Some students with disabilities
will also qualify for this program. Please discuss this with your
disability advisor. |
|
Back to the top of page Back
to Tutoring question list |
|
Career |
|
Q.
What other on-campus, employment services are available for me? |
|
A.
Career Services offers a multitude of employment services. Many of
you, especially those with majors in the Business School or Allied
Health will need to complete an internship with Career Services
prior to graduation. They also provide assistance with resume
preparation, interviewing skills, and other job-hunting skills. They
offer a post-graduation placement service for the small fee of $20. |
|
Q. What is the Americans with Disabilities Act? |
A.
This is a civil
rights act which is intended to eliminate discrimination against
people with disabilities in the work place. It attempts to eliminate
environmental barriers and unfair hiring practices. See Legal
section. |
|
Q.
Why do I need to learn about the American with Disabilities Act? |
|
A.
Even if you do not require many accommodations for your disability,
you may one day be in the position to hire someone who does. The
world is changing and more and more people with severe physical
disabilities are being hired into the workplace. Currently, the
percentage of people with disabilities who are gainfully employed
remains under 50%. The ADA intends to change that. You need to know
both for yourself and any employees that may be working with you.
The vocational classes also cover issues such as self-advocacy and
accommodating your disability on the job site. |
|
Back to the top of page Back
to Career question list |
|
Students who Suspect that They Might Have a Disability |
|
Q.
Where do I go if I think I might have a disability? |
|
A.
If you, a friend,
family member or instructor think that you might have a possible
disability that is not diagnosed, you can make an appointment to
talk with a disability specialist at the Disability Resource
Services Office, 165 Murphy, (608) 785-6900. |
|
Q.
What
signs should I look for if I think I might have a disability? |
|
A.
Some signs of a
Learning Disability are persistent difficulties in one or more of
the following areas: reading, writing, arithmetic, spelling, putting
your thoughts down on paper, remembering what you see or hear,
coordination, paying attention, organization, and/or sitting still.
Some symptoms
of ADHD are: difficulty following through on instructions, keeping
attention on tasks, loses things necessary for tasks at home or
school, doesn't listen, seems disorganized, forgetful, easily
distracted, trouble with tasks requiring long-term mental effort,
fidgety, talks excessively, blurts out answers, trouble waiting
their turn and/or interrupts.
|
|
Q.
What kind of testing do I have to have to diagnose a disability? |
|
A.
If you think you
might have a learning disability or attention deficit disorder and
the disability specialist refers you for diagnostic testing,
possible tests would be: Woodcock Johnson-R, Weschler Adult
Intelligence Scale, Wide Range Achievement Test to name a few.
(Other diagnostic tests may be used dependent upon where you have
the testing done.) |
|
Q.
Can I get the testing done on campus? |
|
A.
No, the
specialists usually refer you to off campus facilities, depending
upon your insurance. |
|
Q.
Who pays for the diagnostic testing? |
|
A.
Family insurance
is the first place to check. If diagnostic testing is not covered
under your insurance or you do not have insurance, the disability
specialist can refer you to some private vendors (out of pocket) or
the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. |
|
Q.
What kind of support will I get if I am diagnosed with a disability
and are there any accommodations I can utilize while the testing is
being completed? |
|
A.
By law, a person is not legally entitled to accommodations until the
diagnostic testing is complete and a disability is diagnosed. The
Disability Resource Services will work with the student while they
are seeking the diagnostic testing with support from their advisors
on strategies and skills that may be beneficial. If a student with a
disability is in their classes (and is receiving notes), they may be
able to get a copy of the notes.
After a
student is diagnosed with a disability, they then qualify for
accommodations under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
See the page on accommodations for an idea of the what may be
available.
|
|
Back to the top of page Back
to Students Who Suspect that They Might Have a Disability question
list |
|
Adaptive
Technology |
|
Q.
What adaptive technology is available on the campus? Where? |
|
A.
Currently the
computer General Access Labs (GCA) have an adaptive technology
station that consists of: computer, monitor, scanner, printing
capabilities, speakers and software programs. The software programs
are: Kurzweil 3000 for students with learning disabilities, Kurzweil
1000 for students with visual impairments, and JAWS for Windows for
all students with print disabilities. The Kurzweil programs are a
scan/read program that will scan typed material and read it to the
student. JAWS is a screen reading program only. The JAWS and
Kurzweil 3000 program can also access and read the Web. There
are also stations in the Murphy Library Adaptive Technology room and
Cartwright Computing Lab. |
