|
-
Disability Services -Accommodations and Services
Student Success Program
| NSAC is offering a Student Success Program (sessions to insure optimal success as a University student). Dates to be announced monthly on this page. |
| 1.) |
| 2.) |
| 3.) |
Accommodation and Services
Types of Accommodations
Examples
Please find below a chart to list SOME of the possible accommodations that are common with each disability. This list may not cover all accommodations as it can often depend on the type of accommodations that a student received from their last place of study.
Disability |
Possible Accommodations |
Learning Disability -Dyslexia
|
-Oral tests
-Extra time for tests
-Allowing the use of a computer in class to write tests, etc.
-Recording lectures, labs, etc
-Use different colored chalk/markers when writing on the board to help the student distinguish important information
-Reading written instructions out loud
-Having at least one space between each of the questions on a test
-Someone to take notes for them in class
-A tutor to help them determine what is important information and what is not
-A private less stressful environment to write the tests
-Kurzweill Assistive Technology Software
-Dragon Assistive Technology Software |
Central Auditory Processing Disability
|
-Extra time for tests
-When talking to a student talk at a slower pace
-Provide instructions (whenever possible) orally one at a time
-Provide the instructions in written format
-Allow a note taker
-Eliminate as much background noise as possible
-Encourage the student to sit up front in the class during lectures and close to the television for any presentations of that format
-Use different colored chalk/markers when writing on the board to help the student distinguish important information
-Use images, charts, graphs, etc. to reinforce material
-A private less stressful environment to write the tests
-Kurzweill Assistive Technology Software |
Acquired Brain Injury |
-Recording of lecture and labs and/or someone taking notes
-Extra time for tests
-A private room for tests to reduce distractions
-Allow the student small breaks during long classes and/or labs to relax their brain
-A tutor to review the material constantly with the student |
ADD/ADHD |
-Extra time to write tests
-Someone to take notes in class
-A private, quiet area to write tests
-Allow someone to take notes in class for the student
-Encourage the student to sit up front to reduce distractions
-Vary the tasks during each class
-Develop a secret signal between you and the student to allow you to let them know that they are off task
-Inspiration Assistive Technology software for visual organization of thoughts |
Sensory –Visual Loss and/or Visual Impairment
|
-Someone to take notes
-Scanned textbooks
-Enlarged print for test, handouts, and assignments. OR provide the above listed in a digital format and allow the student to bring a lap top to class.
-Oral tests
-Extra time for tests
-Allow appropriate seating
-Ensure that all activities have been adapted in the appropriate manner
-JAWS Assistive Technology software |
Accommodations vs. Modifications
What are accommodations?
Accommodations are alterations in the way tasks are presented that allow students with a disability to complete the same assignments as other students. The objectives of the course remain the same. For example, a quiet space being provided for testing. It is still the same test, but the environment has changed to accommodate their disability.
What are modifications?
Modifications are alterations to the course outcomes and assessments. The objectives of the course are altered. For example, if the student had to complete a research paper worth 30% of their grade, a student on a modified plan may complete a short writing assignment worth 30% of their grade. The final evaluation is worth the same, but the assessment rubric will have been altered.
Nova Scotia Agricultural College does not modify their courses/program or ways of assessment via Academic Accommodation Plans.
What is the difference between the two?
Accommodating is changing the classroom or teaching methods so that students can learn.
Modifying means changing the curriculum and materials so the student learns the basics.
At Nova Scotia Agricultural College, the Special Cohort Coordinator assists students with making their Academic Accommodations Plan.
Accommodations: Supports and Services
 Who can get services?
All NSAC Students who have documentation stating that they have a PERMANENT disability. This disability may be a learning disability, mental health issue, sensory disability and/or mobility issue. Without the documentation, services are limited.
Tutoring
Free tutoring at NSAC. Some students regardless if they have a disability or not, can receive free tutoring. Some students with disabilities may need assistance with course materials, content, retaining information, study skills and time management.
Note Taking
With certain disabilities, some students may require the services of a note taker. Students who are unable to take a complete set of notes for themselves in class settings can have someone take notes for them. The student is encouraged to continue to take their own notes and use the note takers as a supplement.
Interpreter Services
Some students with hearing disabilities may need the services of an American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter.
Testing Accommodations
Some students with disabilities may require testing accommodations. This will be proctored and the accommodations include: extra time (time and a half) to complete tests, quiet space, scribing, read aloud and/or using assistive technology to complete tests. Policy will be brought forward on this in the upcoming year.
Assistive Technology
Any device or computer software program that is used to increase, maintain or improve functional capability.
Alternate Text
This is the reformatting of your textbooks, converting traditional print into a format of your choice. Usually PDF into Kurzweill document to use reading aloud software.
Attendant Care
Some students with disabilities may need assistance with personal care and mobility.
Library Services and Assistive Technology
If you are a student with a disability, you can access the Disability Services laptop from the main desk at the library. This laptop is meant to be for students who will benefit from assistive technology software like Inspiration, Kurzweill, Word Q and Speak Q. Please speak to the Special Cohort Coordinator on how to sign this computer out.
Students from other provinces or countries
It is a bit more complicated to provide these students with services and/or goods that have a fee attached. (Note taking, software, etc). To be eligible for any assistance, like all other students, the student must be able to provide documentation concerning their disability. Students should consult with the Special Cohort Coordinator regarding their needs.
How to get the services
 Set up a meeting with the Special Cohort Coordinator and you must provide either a psychological educational assessment or medical documentation. All students with a permanent disability are strongly encouraged to apply for a student loan through the Nova Scotia Government student loan program. They must be accepted, at least medically, for services from Post Secondary Disability Services through various grants. They do not need to be eligible for funds, just eligible medically. This must be completed and approval given before services and/or goods that have a fee attached can be provided.
Academic Accommodation Plan -Form
Please see PDF to view Academic Accommodation Plan: Academic Accommodations Plan
|
| 
|
