Services Provided
In compliance with federal and state regulations, and policy and practice of American University, DSS provides academic services tailored to individuals and without charge. These services may include:
- priority registration
- referral to appropriate campus and community agencies whose services can benefit individuals with disabilities
- accommodation letters notifying professors of a student's registration with DSS and the need for accommodations
- physical access to classrooms and events
- materials in alternative format
- note taker and scribe services during class or test-taking situations
- sign language and oral interpreters
- assistive listening devices such as FM or infrared listening systems
- access to adaptive technology and auxiliary aids
- proctor services and testing accommodations
Priority Registration
Priority registration is available for those students whose disability requires advance planning to arrange for accommodations. Eligibility is determined by DSS on a case by case basis, and is coordinated by DSS and the Registrar's office. [back to top]
Accommodation Letters
Each semester DSS will provide accommodation letters to students who have completed the registration process and are determined eligible to receive services. These letters are requested by the student and delivered to the professor as notification of a student's registration with DSS. In addition, explain the accommodations the student is eligible to receive. [back to top]
Alternative Formats
DSS will provide materials in alternative format for required course materials such as textbooks, electronic documents, exams and other print materials. These materials can be converted into large print, Braille, and various electronic formats. Students who wish to obtain materials in accessible formats should make requests as early as possible in order to receive them in a timely manner. [back to top]
Note Takers
DSS will provide eligible students with a classroom note taker. All requests for note takers should be made to DSS at the beginning of the semester. DSS enlists the involvement of the professor in making an announcement for a note taker. Students are responsible for informing the DSS office regarding the status of announcement response. [back to top]
Scribes
DSS will provide a scribe for students needing assistance in writing for course examinations. These arrangements are coordinated in conjunction with testing accommodation requests. Students requesting this service must complete a "Request for Testing Accommodations" form with the professor and submit it to DSS at least 2 weeks prior to an exam. [back to top]
Interpreters
Interpreters are assigned to classes on the basis of area of expertise, experience, method of communication requested by student and student preference. In order to provide appropriate and professional interpreting services, the following guidelines have been established:
- For semester assignments: Students should request interpreters 6 weeks in advance of semester.
- For one time events: Students should request interpreters 3 weeks in advance of event.
- Every effort will be made to fill late requests.
Although students may discuss needs for interpreting with interpreters, all requests for interpreters must be made to and assigned by the DSS office. [back to top]
Auxiliary Aids
Students who require the use of auxiliary aids will be permitted to use such aids, including but not limited to, tape recorders, Braille or recorded texts, oral or manual interpreters, note takers, other assistive or adaptive equipment, or assistants. In many cases, the University's role will be to inform students of programs or organizations which assist with auxiliary aids. University responsibility for provision of auxiliary aids will be determined on a case-by-case basis. The University does not provide wheelchairs, hearing aids, personal attendants or other kinds of "personal devices." [back to top]
Testing Accommodations
Whenever possible, testing accommodations such as extended time or the use of a computer can be arranged between the student and professor based on the information provided in the student's accommodation letter. If the DSS office is needed to coordinate arrangements for accommodations, the student and professor must complete and submit a "Request for Accommodations" form to the DSS office at least a week prior to an exam (2 weeks before midterms and finals). [back to top]
In compliance with federal and state regulations, and policy and practice of American University, DSS provides academic services tailored to individuals and without charge. These services may include:
- priority registration
- referral to appropriate campus and community agencies whose services can benefit individuals with disabilities
- accommodation letters notifying professors of a student's registration with DSS and the need for accommodations
- physical access to classrooms and events
- materials in alternative format
- note taker and scribe services during class or test-taking situations
- sign language and oral interpreters
- assistive listening devices such as FM or infrared listening systems
- access to adaptive technology and auxiliary aids
- proctor services and testing accommodations
Priority Registration
Priority registration is available for those students whose disability requires advance planning to arrange for accommodations. Eligibility is determined by DSS on a case by case basis, and is coordinated by DSS and the Registrar's office. [back to top]
Accommodation Letters
Each semester DSS will provide accommodation letters to students who have completed the registration process and are determined eligible to receive services. These letters are requested by the student and delivered to the professor as notification of a student's registration with DSS. In addition, explain the accommodations the student is eligible to receive. [back to top]
Alternative Formats
DSS will provide materials in alternative format for required course materials such as textbooks, electronic documents, exams and other print materials. These materials can be converted into large print, Braille, and various electronic formats. Students who wish to obtain materials in accessible formats should make requests as early as possible in order to receive them in a timely manner. [back to top]
Note Takers
DSS will provide eligible students with a classroom note taker. All requests for note takers should be made to DSS at the beginning of the semester. DSS enlists the involvement of the professor in making an announcement for a note taker. Students are responsible for informing the DSS office regarding the status of announcement response. [back to top]
Scribes
DSS will provide a scribe for students needing assistance in writing for course examinations. These arrangements are coordinated in conjunction with testing accommodation requests. Students requesting this service must complete a "Request for Testing Accommodations" form with the professor and submit it to DSS at least 2 weeks prior to an exam. [back to top]
Interpreters
Interpreters are assigned to classes on the basis of area of expertise, experience, method of communication requested by student and student preference. In order to provide appropriate and professional interpreting services, the following guidelines have been established:
- For semester assignments: Students should request interpreters 6 weeks in advance of semester.
- For one time events: Students should request interpreters 3 weeks in advance of event.
- Every effort will be made to fill late requests.
Although students may discuss needs for interpreting with interpreters, all requests for interpreters must be made to and assigned by the DSS office. [back to top]
Auxiliary Aids
Students who require the use of auxiliary aids will be permitted to use such aids, including but not limited to, tape recorders, Braille or recorded texts, oral or manual interpreters, note takers, other assistive or adaptive equipment, or assistants. In many cases, the University's role will be to inform students of programs or organizations which assist with auxiliary aids. University responsibility for provision of auxiliary aids will be determined on a case-by-case basis. The University does not provide wheelchairs, hearing aids, personal attendants or other kinds of "personal devices." [back to top]
Testing Accommodations
Whenever possible, testing accommodations such as extended time or the use of a computer can be arranged between the student and professor based on the information provided in the student's accommodation letter. If the DSS office is needed to coordinate arrangements for accommodations, the student and professor must complete and submit a "Request for Accommodations" form to the DSS office at least a week prior to an exam (2 weeks before midterms and finals). [back to top]