Accommodation Descriptions

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Accommodations are modifications to conditions that would otherwise cause a student, because of a disability, to be at a disadvantage relative to non-disabled students in their access to the College's programs for students. Reasonable accommodations provide equitable access to programs or facilities and do not fundamentally alter the essential nature of a course or academic program. This page contains an alphabetized list of many of the accommodations that NC provides, along with brief descriptions. This is not an exhaustive list; accommodations are determined based on the barriers encountered by each student, and NC provides other individualized accomodations that do not appear on thist list.

 

Audible Reading Software

The read-aloud accommodation (RA) is frequently provided to students with high-incidence disabilities to facilitate their access to learning opportunities during instruction and to allow them to demonstrate knowledge and skills during testing.

ACCOMMODATION: For testing purposes only and upon request - Reading of test questions and answer choices with use of Windows narrator, (unless other arrangements have been made), and must not interfere with the objective being tested. Instructor must have at least one week notice.

 

 

Books in Alternative Format

Students may require course materials in alternate formats.  Common alternate formats include enlarged texts, recorded texts, electronic texts or brailed course materials.  Office of Accessibility & Accommodations works with students and professors to provide an appropriate format for the student.  Because alternative text production is sometimes a time-consuming process, a staff member may ask an instructor for information about course materials several weeks (or months) in advance.

ACCOMMODATION: Please allow the use of audio textbooks or e-text. Refer student to Learning Ally (learningally.org) - Instructors please let the Office of Accessibility & Accommodations know if alternate formats are unavailable for course requirements. Please work with the student and the Office of Accessibility & Accommodations to ensure all in-class handouts, class materials, assignments, and exams/quizzes are in Braille.

 

 

Calculator Use

This accommodation allows students to use a calculator if the calculator is unable to perform the functions that are being tested. This accommodation typically allows for the use of four-function calculator so that students who understand the concepts will not be penalized for errors in basic calculations.  Instructors will approve the calculator to be used by the student.

ACCOMMODATION: For testing purposes only - Instructor approved, must not interfere with the objective being tested.

 

 

Captioning Services

Students who do not use sign language and cannot access information presented orally may need CART services.  This involves a court reporter transcribing a lecture into written language that is then displayed on a laptop computer screen for the student.  The court reporter may be in the classroom or at a remote location.

ACCOMMODATION: Communication Access Real-time Translation (CART) is a service in which a certified CART provider listens to speech and instantaneously translates all the speech to text.

 

 

Cell Phone or Glucose Monitoring Device

Permission to test blood sugar permits access to most diabetes testing supplies (i.e., blood glucose meters, insulin-delivery devices, test strips, lancets, lancet devices, glucose control solutions, blood glucose monitors, and continuous blood glucose monitors).  Use of a cellphone is not permitted without the expressed approval of the Office of Accessibility and Accommodations.

ACCOMMODATION: Allow cell phone or glucose monitoring device be readily available. Only to be used for MEDICAL PURPOSES.

 

 

Colored Overlays

Colored overlays, one type of tinted filter, are plastic reading sheets tinted with color and placed over text to eliminate or alleviate a wide range of reading difficulties such as low reading rate, accuracy, and comprehension.

ACCOMMODATION: Please allow the use of colored overlays or guide rulers.

 

 

Distraction Reduced Examinations

A distraction-reduced testing environment is a setting outside the usual classroom, whether it be in a testing center or otherwise, that limits auditory and visual interruptions. It allows for increased control of lighting, noise, or other environmental distractions that may impact student performance in a testing situation. This accommodation can be provided by an instructor, the testing center, or by the Office of Accessibility and Accommodations if the student is provided an environment that is quiet with limited interruptions.

ACCOMMODATION: Please work with the student to ensure testing in a less distracted environment.

 

 

Extra Time

Extra time accommodation is for exams, quizzes, in-class writing assignments, and computer-based tests. Extra time is calculated as 1.5 times the amount as classmates. This is not an extension of the due date; meaning if an assignment is given on Tuesday for a Thursday due date, all students’ work is due Thursday. This accommodation does not apply to lab practicals or clinical skill-checkoffs.

ACCOMMODATION:Extra time for exams, quizzes, in-class writing assignments, and computer-based tests. Extra time is calculated as 1.5 times the amount of testing time as classmates. This is not an extension of the due date. This accommodation does not apply to lab practicals or clinical skill-checkoffs.

 

 

Formula Card

This accommodation supports students with math learning disabilities, or with disabilities that impact memory. Students entitled to this accommodation must discuss it with their instructors. A formula sheet is a testing accommodation for math and sciences classes. A student may be approved to use a formula sheet in any class in which the essential function of the course includes mathematical formulas. This includes developmental and college level courses, as well as non-mathematics classes such as chemistry or physics. Using a formula sheet is not the same as using notes on exams. Use of a formula sheet should not compromise any essential course objectives. If an instructor has concerns about the appropriateness of a formula sheet, the Office of Accessibility & Accommodations staff can address those concerns as needed.

ACCOMMODATION: For testing purposes only - Instructor approved, must not interfere with the objective being tested.

 

 

Frequent Breaks

For some students with disabilities, sitting for long periods of time and/or remaining in the same position for the duration of a class period can exacerbate symptoms of the disability.  Similarly, some students may need to leave class for brief periods to attend to medications or other medical needs. Students should discuss seating arrangements and the timing of breaks with their instructors.

ACCOMMODATION: Please work with the student to provide the opportunity for frequent class breaks.

 

 

Housing: Emotional Support Animals

An emotional support animal, comfort animal, and/or therapy dog is not a service animal under Title II and Title III of the ADA. Emotional support animals are not allowed in classroom or public areas. Emotional support animals may be allowed in the Housing Department when an individual has a qualified disability and a recommendation from a licensed professional. An Access and Accommodation Services Application must be submitted with appropriate documentation or letter from a mental health therapist, licensed professional counselor or physician with whom the student has been in an on-going therapeutic relationship. The letter must identify the specific disability and clarify the need for the emotional support animal.  After the Office of Accessibility & Accommodations has reviewed the health care provider’s recommendations and approved the accommodation of a service dog and emotional support animal, the student is then responsible for completing and submitting the Housing Service Animal application process prior to bringing the animal into her/his dorm room. All approved service dogs or emotional support animals must comply with applicable laws regarding animals and his/her treatment and care. The animal should be vaccinated in accordance with state and local laws. Navarro College will only approve one animal per resident, unless otherwise directed by the Office of Accessibility & Accommodations, and all animals must also meet standards set by the Navarro College Housing Department.

ACCOMMODATION: Please allow the qualified Service Animal or Emotional Support Animal (ESA) in residential housing.

 

 

Housing: Reduced Courseload

A course load reduction (CLR) is generally defined as being registered for fewer than twelve (12) hours for undergraduate students, and fewer than nine (9) for graduate students in a given semester.  However, individual colleges and/or programs may maintain different standards.  Students approved for CLR will not be penalized by part-time status in policy and program areas under University control; however, auxiliary services (such as federal financial aid, personal insurance, non-University sponsored scholarships, etc.) may be affected. CLRs are approved on a semester-by-semester basis, and students are encouraged to arrange this accommodation early in the registration process.

ACCOMMODATION: Please allow the student to live in residential housing taking only 9-12 credit hours. (Using this accommodation could have an effect on your scholarships and/or financial aid.  It is your responsibility as the student to check with the Financial Aid Department to see how the Pell Grant or other Scholarships/Financial Aid may be impacted. The Office of Accessibility & Accommodations is not able to give Financial Aid advice. 

 

 

Listening Device

Students with disabilities may use personal technology (phone, laptop, etc.) to record or take notes during class lectures and discussions.  This accommodation overrides any ban on technology use in class. Students must discuss this accommodation with instructors and may discuss with the instructor the best placement of the recording device. The Office of Accessibility & Accommodation Services can serve as a resource for questions regarding the recording accommodation.

ACCOMMODATION: Please work with the student and the Office of Accessibility & Accommodations to ensure proper access and/or use of any assistive listening devices (ex. FM System)

 

 

Medical Absences

Students with disabilities may be more prone to missing class due to medication concerns, chronic illness, mobility difficulties, medical appointments, or other disability related circumstances. It is important to note that flexibility does not mean that attendance policies do not apply. 

ACCOMMODATION: This accommodation requires a consultation with Accessibility & Accommodation Services if more than two consecutive absences in a class occur. Navarro College requires a certain amount of classroom attendance days/hours.  If breached, accountability up to being dropped from class, can occur without prior authorization from Accessibility & Accommodation Services or your instructor.

 

 

No Scantron/Computer Use

For this accommodation, allowing the student to write directly on the exam, and/or allow the use of a computer for written assignments and tests instead of using a scantron.

ACCOMMODATION: Please allow the student to write directly on the exam, and/or allow the use of a computer for written assignments / tests. 

 

 

Note Taking

A note-taking accommodation is intended to provide information that the student would have gotten on his own if it were not for their disability. Common ways to provide note-taking accommodations include lecture outline, copy of PowerPoint slides, recording device, use of laptop, and/or peer note sharing.

ACCOMMODATION: Lecture outline, copy of PowerPoint slides, use of recording device, use of laptop, and/or peer note sharing.

 

 

Preferential Seating

Placing a student's seat in a location most beneficial for their learning in the classroom. The ideal seating location will vary depending on the unique needs of the student and the specific qualities of the classroom.

ACCOMMODATION:  Allow for a seat at the front/back of class, or near the door.

 

 

Scribe

Scribe is a qualified person who writes down what a student dictates by speech, assistive communication device, pointing, or an interpreter/translator. A student may also use Speech-to-Text/Voice-Recognition software.

ACCOMMODATION: For testing purposes only and upon request.

 

 

Service Animal

A service animal is defined as a dog who is trained to preform specific tasks for a person with a disability. Service animals are allowed by state and federal law to be on any public property except where prohibited by health and safety standards. Service animals and service animals in training do not need to register with the Office of Accessibility & Accommodations to be on campus. Students are not required to show proof of certification for their service animal. Professors may ask students two questions to determine if a dog is a service animal:

• Is this dog required because of a disability?

• What type of work is this dog trained to do?

Handlers are responsible for cleaning up after and maintaining control of their service animal at all times. If professors have questions or problems with a service animal in their classes, they may contact the Office of Accessibility & Accommodations for assistance.

ACCOMMODATION: Please allow the qualified Service Animal in your classroom, and work to allow space for the animal. Emotional Support Animals are NOT allowed in classrooms.

 

 

Sign Language Interpreter

The Office of Accessibility & Accommodations has capability of contracting with local providers. Please provide our office with your schedule to ensure availability each semester. Texas Workforce Commission application strongly encouraged for this service. 

ACCOMMODATION: Approval and notice must be given to the Office of Accessibility & Accommodations and instructors.

 

 

Space for a Wheelchair/Adaptive Furniture

Occasionally students will need adjustable height tables (for wheelchairs) or other special furniture to meet their physicals needs.

ACCOMMODATION: Please work with the student and the Office of Accessibility & Accommodations to ensure appropriate space and furniture are available for the student.

 

 

Speller/Spell Check

Students with a specific learning disability which impacts spelling, may be eligible to receive a reasonable accommodation for in-class assignments and in-class exams. Typical accommodations have included spell-check devices, access to spell check in "Word", or not penalizing a student for spelling errors. This accommodation allows students to use a dictionary or spell check device during exams so they will not be penalized for basic spelling and grammar errors when they are otherwise able to provide accurate responses to the questions being asked.

ACCOMMODATION: Please allow the use of a spell check device, or do not penalize the student for spelling errors - must not interfere with the objective being tested.

 

 

Tardiness Leniency/Mobility Assistance

This accommodation requires a consult with the Office of Accessibility & Accomodations to review specific medical documentation affording the reason for tardiness. 

ACCOMMODATION: Please work with the student regarding tardiness or mobility issues.

 

 

Title IX

Students must be allowed to take time off school for pregnancy, childbirth, miscarriage, abortion and/or recovery for as long as their doctor says is medically necessary. That could mean a few absences for necessary medical appointments, or a longer leave of absence for a high-risk pregnancy or childbirth. This rule applies even if taking medically necessary leave requiring an absence for longer than the school’s leave policy ordinarily allows.  Students cannot be penalized for taking leave, and must be able to return to school in the same status they held before taking leave.  

 

 

Other Accommodation(s)

Accommodations not listed that are afforded to the student for their individualized disability.