EAS facilitates a number of accommodations for students with documented disabilities. Explore the table below to learn more about these accommodations.
Testing accommodations are provided to students who need more time on exams, assistance in reading or writing, a reduced-distraction environment, or adaptive software and/or hardware. Tests are usually administered in the EAS office, or accommodations may be provided by faculty. Contact the EAS Coordinator to set up testing accommodations.
Exams during the semester should be scheduled five days in advance. Complete an exam request form, have your instructor sign it, and return to H100 five days in advance. Final exams should be scheduled at least 10 days before finals week using a final exam request form and returned to H100.
Some students with disabilities find it difficult to take notes in class. EAS uses a peer note taking system. Students who are allowed this accommodation may use a tablet of duplicate (no carbon required, or NCR) paper from EAS. The student may ask another student in class to share their notes using the NCR paper. If the student does not know whom to ask, he or she may ask the professor to assist in locating a volunteer notetaker.
If the student cannot find a volunteer notetaker in class, a paid student assistant will be sent into the classroom to take notes for the student.
Students using this accommodation are usually allowed to use a recorder to record lectures and discussions. Additionally, many faculty post PowerPoint presentations and other materials on line which are helpful for the student in taking their own notes.
EAS provides textbooks in alternate formats to students who have documented disabilities affecting their ability to read print or physically handle textbooks. Students must purchase print copies of textbooks before receiving alternate formats. EAS can provide textbooks in electronic formats for most books. The student will need to use text-to-speech, screen-magnification, or screenreading software to read the electronic texts.
Students should request texts in alternate formats at least eight weeks before the start of the semester to ensure obtaining texts in time. Later requests may not be ready at the beginning of the semester.
Braille books may be provided for math, foreign languages, and other technical areas for which audio formats are not appropriate or adequate. Braille texts must be requested six months in advance of the semester for which they are needed. Contact the Coordinator to discuss.
As soon as you have registered, check your assigned classrooms to determine if the room and furniture will accommodate your disability. For instance, if you use a wheelchair, check the height of the tables or desks. You are encouraged to use priority registration through EAS to ensure access to your classroom.
If a desk or chair needs to be added to the classroom, contact the EAS Assistant Coordinator or Coordinator. Your furniture request will be forwarded to Facility Services to provide appropriate accommodations.
EAS staff are available by appointment to assist with learning to use assistive technology. Call the Assistant Coordinator at 970.248.1801 to schedule an appointment.
Premiere Assistive Software Suite is a set of tools for reading text aloud for people with print disabilities. Research has shown that text-to-speech software is also helpful for students with ADD/HD or who are audio learners. Most students comprehend better when hearing and seeing text. The Premier software is installed on the network. Look for the Premier Toolbar on the NAL. EAS has paid a license fee to enable any Mesa State College student to download and install these programs on their own computer at no cost. Contact the EAS Coordinator or Assistant Coordinator for more information.
Additional adaptive equipment available to students with disabilities includes Dragon Naturally Speaking software, CCTVs, assistive listening devices, JAWS screen reading sofware, ZoomText screen magnification software, TypeWell classroom transcription, and a Kurzweil 1000/3000 station at the library.
Some technology is available at the library. Adaptive equipment and software can be installed across campus as needed.
Assistants are assigned to students with disabilities that prevent them from accomplishing some tasks in the classroom, library, or lab classes. Examples are a scribe to write in-class assignments dictated by the student; a library assistant to assist a student who is blind in locating and copying research materials; and an assistant to handle materials in a lab. The assistant completes tasks only at the student's direction.
Sign language interpreters are available for students who are deaf.
Two weeks may be required to locate an assistant. Students are encouraged to contact the EAS Coordinator as soon as possible for an assistant, preferably as soon as registering for a class.
Online students with documented disabilities may be eligible for extra time on tests, books in alternate formats, and other accommodations. If you are taking an online class and you may need accommodations, contact the Coordinator to discuss. Documentation requirements are the same as for other students.
