Alternative Formatted Text
Students with visual disabilities are encouraged to apply with Recordings for the Blind. The Recordings for the Blind phone number is (305) 666-0552. Thousands of textbooks are already recorded and available for student use. Recordings for the Blind needs advanced notice of text that need to be recorded, so you must do so in a timely manner. Not all text will be available. In these instances, the ADS office may be able to assist with identifying resources available for recording or getting the text in electronic or Braille format.
Recording of text is not available on campus. It is up to you, as a student, to keep our office informed of your needs, in a timely matter, to allow us time to assist with these issues. Some books, such as for literature or English courses, may be available through the Talking Book Library. Their phone number is (305) 751-8687.
Tutoring and Notetaking Services
Tutoring services are made available on a first come first served basis for most core classes. Tutoring is limited to no more than four hours per week, unless special arrangements have been made with an ADS advisor. It is your responsibility to keep track of the number of hours you use for tutoring. If you use hours beyond those approved by an advisor, your tutor may not get paid for those hours. Also, be sure that you sign for each tutoring session received. It is important for to contact your tutor at least 12 hours in advance of a cancellation.
If you do not notify your tutor in advance of a missed session, it will be marked as a "no-show." After two no-shows, your tutoring services will be suspended and you will need to meet with an ADS advisor to determine whether services will be reinstated. Note taking services are available through the ACCESS office. Students will be granted notetakers, as standard practice, for all math courses and CGS1060. There may be instances where note taking may be used in other courses. This will be decided on an individual basis. You should see your ACCESS advisor to discuss this matter in detail. Be sure that you sign for each class that you use a notetaker. It is important for you to also be sure to contact your notetaker at least 12 hours in advance of an absence. If you do not notify your notetaker in advance of a missed class, it will be marked as a "no-show."
If you have two no-shows, your note taking services will be suspended and you will need to meet with an ADS advisor to determine whether services will be reinstated. Please note: your notetaker will not take notes on days you are absent. You will need to see your professor or a student in class for any missed work. Carbonless paper is available for your use if your notetaker is absent. Please ask a student in your class to share their notes.
Braille Transcription / Electronic Formatted Text
Braille transcription or electronically formatted text may be made available for class materials. It is necessary to allow time for these materials to be completed. As a rule, you should allow up to a week for materials to be transcribed. This service is very time consuming and good judgment should be used to determine whether materials are appropriate to be transcribed. You may also print out materials from notetaking devices using one of the embossers available through the ADS office.
Testing Services
The testing center is available to students who require extra time or special accommodations for tests. You must register with the testing center at the beginning of each semester. Referral forms are available from an ADS advisor. It is your responsibility to inform your instructor of your need to use the testing center. You must also make your own arrangements for a reader/assistant for testing use. Please see approved testing assistant list for contact information. It is not approved to use tutors/notetakers in the testing department. To make an appointment with the testing center, either go by the office or call at (305) 237-0832.
Some teachers may allow use of a notetaker for a quiz or test in class. This is left to the discretion of each instructor and is not a supported policy of the ADS office. Students wishing to have a test transcribed into Braille must make this request to their instructor. Each instructor has the right to approve or decline this request, at their discretion, since readers can be provided. If a teacher approves the transcription of their test, it will be necessary for them to deliver a copy of the test to the ACCESS office at least a week before the scheduled date. Again, this is an option that an instructor may allow and is not an obligation.
Equipment and Software
The campus has specific equipment and software available for use in our Audio Visual Center and other areas on campus. Some items may also be available for loan. Please contact your ADS advisor to complete an Equipment Request Form to check out equipment. Equipment/service items include, but are not limited to: tape recorders, CCTV, desk top computers, Braille embossers, Open Book reading software, JAWS voice synthesis software, MAGIc screen enlargement software, ZOOMTEXT screen enlargement software, Type-n-Speak, Braille-n-Speak, Braille-lite, portable disk drives, tutorial software and talking calculators.
If there are other items that you may need or require for your studies, please contact your ADS advisor to discuss these specific items. Any item that is in need of repair must be returned to the ADS office so that it may be dealt with in a timely manner. In some cases, you may be able to get a replacement for the equipment while a repair is being completed. It will be necessary for you to complete a new Equipment Request Form for the replacement item.
Web Browsing
The internet is quickly becoming an important resource for students. JAWS, a text reading application, is used to assist students who have visual impairments. Students who have need of this will be instructed in its use and will be given access to this program as well.
Miscellaneous Items / Services
The Division of Blind Services (DBS) provides various services to assist students with visual disabilities. This may include adaptive technology, funding, services and training. Contact your DBS counselor as soon as possible for authorization of services and or equipment that you may require. The phone number for DBS is (305) 377-5339.