Student Services
Disability Services is introducing Accommodate – an accessibility management system that will streamline student interaction with our office. Students will use Accommodate to register with our office, request, and view accommodations each semester, and upload documentation! Students will also use this platform to make alternative testing requests!
Accessing the Accommodate System
If you are connecting with us for the first time, .
Disability Services Accommodations
Disability Services works with students on an individual basis to determine what accommodations would be most effective to help them achieve academic success. Some, but not all, of our accommodations are described below.
Priority Registration
Priority or pre-registration allows students with documented disabilities who register with disability services to register for classes each semester at the earliest scheduled registration date.
Note Takers
Note takers are identified from the student’s classroom. Students may be willing to find a classmate to provide them with copies of their notes.
However, if the student has difficulty finding a note taker, the instructor can assist in identifying potential note takers. Our office also has other note taking options, please contact us to find out more information.
Accessible Technology
Disability Services is equipped with adaptive and accessible computer equipment and software.
Alternative Textbook/Handout Format
Alternative formats for textbooks or handouts can be made available from disability services to students who submit appropriate supporting documentation.
Interpreters
Disability services will coordinate services through freelance interpreters, CART reporters and the Massachusetts Commission for Deaf and Hard of Hearing (MCDHH), to ensure quality services, depending on your specific interpreting or CART needs.
FM Systems
FM Systems are available through Disability Services for use by students. Contact Disability Services for more information.
Scheduling Computers Aided Real Time (CART) Services
Computer aided real time (CART) services are the near verbatim transformation of the spoken word into a visual text display on a computer screen.
Documentation
In order to receive accommodations, a student must first submit documentation that establishes the presence of a disability. Types of documentation we accept include, but are not limited to:
- Letter from an appropriate medical or mental health provider that is signed and on official letterhead
- IEP/504 Plan
- Diagnostic Evaluations
For disability services to determine accommodation needs, the student must meet with a disability services counselor and request specific services and accommodations. During this meeting documentation, academic accommodations, and student responsibilities will be discussed. Final decisions regarding academic accommodations will be made with you and your disability services counselor.
Intake Meeting
During your intake meeting, your documentation and requested accommodations will be reviewed. You are responsible for connecting with our office each semester to request accommodations.
Faculty Notification
Through the interactive process, disability services will determine what types of services or reasonable accommodations are appropriate. Accommodations are determined on an individual basis. Confidential Accommodation Letters will be sent to each faculty member for courses that accommodations have been approved for.
It is your responsibility as the student to share these letters with your professors, which verify that you have registered, and have appropriate documentation on file with disability services.
Student Academic Meetings (SAM)
SAM, or student academic meetings, is a service offered at no cost to students who are registered with disability services. SAM is an individualized consultation and skill-building program where the disability services’ academic counselor meets individually with a student, focusing on developing compensatory strategies and skills related to global learning concerns.
Confidentiality and Release of Information
Disability Services is committed to ensuring that all information you provide is maintained as confidential. Any information collected is used for your benefit.