WOU: Disability Fac/Staff Accommodations

When you receive a notification letter that states a particular student is in a particular class, it will also identify the accommodation(s) that the student has chosen to utilize for the class. This letter is for notification only, no other assistance from you is required at this time.

If you receive an email from ODS that a notetaker is needed in one of your classes, and you have a student(s) in that class that you feel would do a good job, please refer them to ODS. We are located in APSC 405.

If you don't know of a student that takes good notes, please make a general announcement that a notetaker is needed, without identifying who that student is.

Notetakers should be dependable, take good notes, have legible handwriting and a minimum GPA of 2.5.

Only one notetaker is needed per class/section. You may refer more than one student, but only one will be hired, generally it is a first come, first hired basis.

Notetakers are paid $20 per credit hour for the class for the term. For instance, payment for a three credit class would be $60 at the end of the term.

Generally, ODS does not hire notetakers for labs, although there are exceptions.

ODS uses the credits stated in the catalog, not the schedule of classes, for determining payment; i.e., a Biology class is broken down as 3 hours of lecture and 2 hours of lab in the catalog. Generally, we only pay for notes provided for the lecture portion of the class; i.e., $60.

If a student asks you to make an announcement about the need for a notetaker, please do not make an announcement unless you have received a notice from ODS that the student has been approved for ODS notetaking services. Although we do ask students to advocate for themselves, there are times that the student may not be aware that we have already located a notetaker.

If a student has a temporary disability, such as a broken arm, he/she would not be eligible for services from ODS, but with your permission, the student could make an announcement asking someone from the class to share their notes with them until healed. This would be totally separate from our office/services.

There are many variations to Alternative Testing for students registered at ODS and approved for Alternative Testing accommodations. Some students may receive one or more of the following accommodations....

1.5 times the regular amount of time

2.0 times the regular amount of time

Some students have been approved for books in Alternate Format. If you receive a notification letter that a student has requested a textbook in your class in an alternate format, ODS may contact you to see if you have an extra desk copy that ODS can borrow. ODS contacts the publisher of each book to request the text in an electronic format. ODS does this as soon as proof of purchase has been obtained by the student. Publisher responses can be sporadic, with some companies responding as quick as the same day the request was made, to several weeks later. One option for faculty to consider when deciding on purchasing texts is if there is an E-book option available for the student to purchase.

Some students that receive books in alternate format will also receive classroom materials in an alternate format, such as braille or audio. If you are notified of this, please work with the Accommodations Coordinator to ensure all classroom material is accessible, and what those options may look like.

Western Oregon University is known for having a large population of Deaf and Hard of Hearing, D/HH, students on campus. This leads to the noticeable presence of interpreters in classrooms and campus events. below are some tips and general information for working with interpreters and their responsibilities on the job. If ever you have questions regarding interpreters and the accommodation they provide, please call the Office of Disability Services at 838-8250.

Familiarity with subject matter will enhance the quality of the interpreted message. If possible, share class syllabuses, outlines, PowerPoint slides, technical vocabulary, and any other pertinent information. These materials assist the interpreter with class content.

When addressing the D/HH student, look and speak directly to him/her. Avoid saying, "Tell him/her..." or "Ask him/her..."

Allow extra time for the D/HH student to respond. Typically interpreters are a little bit behind when interpreting the content. Providing extra time will allow the D/HH student the ability to see the question and respond.

Keep lines of sight free for Deaf individuals to have visual access to information. In class, the interpreter will position himself or herself in direct line with you, the student, and any visual aids.

There are usually two interpreters in a class. Interpreters usually switch every 20 minutes to maintain the integrity of the content.

Be sensitive to the fact that when the lights are completely off in the classroom, the D/HH student cannot see the interpreter.

Interpreters can only convey one message at a time. Turn-taking during class discussions is crucial. This allows the interpreters to relay information being shared by class participants and the professor clearly and accurately.

Some students request services to access information. Transcription is "real time" access to information via English. Depending on the type of transcription service, the transcript will either be word for word verbatim or concept based. When the class or event has ended a copy of the transcript is emailed or saved to a flash drive for student use. The transcript is not shared among students. Below are some tips and scenarios that may come up in your classroom.

Familiarity with subject matter will enhance the quality of the transcribed message. If possible, share class syllabuses, outlines, PowerPoint slides, technical vocabulary, and any other pertinent information. These materials assist the transcriber with content.

Transcribers capture all comments in class from professor and students. Turn-taking during class discussions is crucial. This allows the the transcribers to relay information being shared by class participants and the professor clearly and accurately.

An extra seat(s) will be needed for the transcriber(s). This is usually provided by ODS, however some classrooms have extra chairs to use.

Equipment - there will be two laptops, one for the transcriber and one for the student, there may be a need for an extension cord and also a steno stand.

Depending on the length of the class, two transcribers may be present.

The transcriber may ask for clarification from the professor if they get behind. Please repeat content if that happens.

Transcribers are non-participants in class.

ODS places furniture throughout campus in classrooms and at different venues to provide an accommodations for students that have provided ODS documentation that the furniture is a disability-related need.

Tables and chairs are placed in classes for student use by ODS. These tables and chairs are different than what is normally found in classrooms. Many times chairs are padded and resemble furniture that would be found in an office rather than a classroom. ODS also provides furniture for transcribers and interpreters if needed.

If you are a faculty or staff member and need ADA furniture for a classroom, please contact Human Resources.

Text Only Future Students Application for Services Deaf/Hard of Hearing Student Questionnaire Frequently Asked Questions WOU Resources Other Resources Eligibility Current Students of ODS Books on CD Priority Registration & Advocacy Field Experience Request ODS Typewell Agreement ODS Forms Add/Alter Approved Accommodations WOU Resources Other Resources Policies & Procedures Disability Accommodation Requirements for Disability Documentation Requirements for Learning Disability Eligibility Provision of Support Services and Accommodations Qualified Interpreter and Interpreter Utilization Policy Service Animals Policies Cancellation Faculty/Staff Interpreter/Internship General info Application Process Video Directions Application Form Electronic Timesheet Electronic Timesheet Tutorial
ODS HOME PAGE ODS STAFF	Accommodations Notetaking Services When you receive a notification letter that states a particular student is in a particular class, it will also identify the accommodation(s) that the student has chosen to utilize for the class. This letter is for notification only, no other assistance from you is required at this time. If you receive an email from ODS that a notetaker is needed in one of your classes, and you have a student(s) in that class that you feel would do a good job, please refer them to ODS. We are located in APSC 405. If you don't know of a student that takes good notes, please make a general announcement that a notetaker is needed, without identifying who that student is. Notetakers should be dependable, take good notes, have legible handwriting and a minimum GPA of 2.5. Only one notetaker is needed per class/section. You may refer more than one student, but only one will be hired, generally it is a first come, first hired basis. Notetakers are paid $20 per credit hour for the class for the term. For instance, payment for a three credit class would be $60 at the end of the term. Generally, ODS does not hire notetakers for labs, although there are exceptions. ODS uses the credits stated in the catalog, not the schedule of classes, for determining payment; i.e., a Biology class is broken down as 3 hours of lecture and 2 hours of lab in the catalog. Generally, we only pay for notes provided for the lecture portion of the class; i.e., $60. If a student asks you to make an announcement about the need for a notetaker, please do not make an announcement unless you have received a notice from ODS that the student has been approved for ODS notetaking services. Although we do ask students to advocate for themselves, there are times that the student may not be aware that we have already located a notetaker. If a student has a temporary disability, such as a broken arm, he/she would not be eligible for services from ODS, but with your permission, the student could make an announcement asking someone from the class to share their notes with them until healed. This would be totally separate from our office/services. Alternative Testing There are many variations to Alternative Testing for students registered at ODS and approved for Alternative Testing accommodations. Some students may receive one or more of the following accommodations.... 1.5 times the regular amount of time 2.0 times the regular amount of time Room Alone Limited Distraction Computer Calculator Reader Scribe Books in Alternate Format Some students have been approved for books in Alternate Format. If you receive a notification letter that a student has requested a textbook in your class in an alternate format, ODS may contact you to see if you have an extra desk copy that ODS can borrow. ODS contacts the publisher of each book to request the text in an electronic format. ODS does this as soon as proof of purchase has been obtained by the student. Publisher responses can be sporadic, with some companies responding as quick as the same day the request was made, to several weeks later. One option for faculty to consider when deciding on purchasing texts is if there is an E-book option available for the student to purchase. Some students that receive books in alternate format will also receive classroom materials in an alternate format, such as braille or audio. If you are notified of this, please work with the Accommodations Coordinator to ensure all classroom material is accessible, and what those options may look like. Working with Interpreters Western Oregon University is known for having a large population of Deaf and Hard of Hearing, D/HH, students on campus. This leads to the noticeable presence of interpreters in classrooms and campus events. below are some tips and general information for working with interpreters and their responsibilities on the job. If ever you have questions regarding interpreters and the accommodation they provide, please call the Office of Disability Services at 838-8250. Familiarity with subject matter will enhance the quality of the interpreted message. If possible, share class syllabuses, outlines, PowerPoint slides, technical vocabulary, and any other pertinent information. These materials assist the interpreter with class content. When addressing the D/HH student, look and speak directly to him/her. Avoid saying, "Tell him/her..." or "Ask him/her..." Allow extra time for the D/HH student to respond. Typically interpreters are a little bit behind when interpreting the content. Providing extra time will allow the D/HH student the ability to see the question and respond. Keep lines of sight free for Deaf individuals to have visual access to information. In class, the interpreter will position himself or herself in direct line with you, the student, and any visual aids. There are usually two interpreters in a class. Interpreters usually switch every 20 minutes to maintain the integrity of the content. Be sensitive to the fact that when the lights are completely off in the classroom, the D/HH student cannot see the interpreter. Interpreters can only convey one message at a time. Turn-taking during class discussions is crucial. This allows the interpreters to relay information being shared by class participants and the professor clearly and accurately. Working with Transcribers Some students request services to access information. Transcription is "real time" access to information via English. Depending on the type of transcription service, the transcript will either be word for word verbatim or concept based. When the class or event has ended a copy of the transcript is emailed or saved to a flash drive for student use. The transcript is not shared among students. Below are some tips and scenarios that may come up in your classroom. Familiarity with subject matter will enhance the quality of the transcribed message. If possible, share class syllabuses, outlines, PowerPoint slides, technical vocabulary, and any other pertinent information. These materials assist the transcriber with content. Transcribers capture all comments in class from professor and students. Turn-taking during class discussions is crucial. This allows the the transcribers to relay information being shared by class participants and the professor clearly and accurately. An extra seat(s) will be needed for the transcriber(s). This is usually provided by ODS, however some classrooms have extra chairs to use. Equipment - there will be two laptops, one for the transcriber and one for the student, there may be a need for an extension cord and also a steno stand. Depending on the length of the class, two transcribers may be present. The transcriber may ask for clarification from the professor if they get behind. Please repeat content if that happens. Transcribers are non-participants in class. ADA Furniture ODS places furniture throughout campus in classrooms and at different venues to provide an accommodations for students that have provided ODS documentation that the furniture is a disability-related need. Tables and chairs are placed in classes for student use by ODS. These tables and chairs are different than what is normally found in classrooms. Many times chairs are padded and resemble furniture that would be found in an office rather than a classroom. ODS also provides furniture for transcribers and interpreters if needed. If you are a faculty or staff member and need ADA furniture for a classroom, please contact Human Resources.
Contact Office of Disability Services (503) 838-8250 VTTY; fax (503) 838-8721 \| or e-mail: ods@wou.edu Location: APSC room 405
MissionWestern Oregon University \| 345 N. Monmouth Ave. \| Monmouth OR 97361 \| 503-838-8000(V/TTY) \| 1-877-877-1593 \| webmaster@wou.edu Text only