Services
ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES
Academic Accommodations
Recommendations for academic accommodations are generally listed in the documentation presented by students from their doctors. The Coordinator of Accessibility Services determines which accommodations are appropriate and consistent with the student’s particular disability. The following are some of the more commonly prescribed accommodations:
- A student is permitted to make audio recordings of class lectures.
- A student is given extended time on examinations.
- A student is furnished with copies of examinations in a large-print format.
- A student is allowed to use a calculator during examinations.
- A student is allowed to use a laptop computer during examinations.
- A student is not penalized for mechanical errors on in-class writing assignments and examinations.
- The instructor uses alternative testing formats for the student’s exams: For example, oral rather than written, short-answer rather than multiple-choice (or vice versa), or essay rather than multiple-choice.
- The Coordinator of Accessibility Services may recommend a reduced course load (for a single semester or for a student’s entire academic career) when the student’s disability makes it necessary to work more slowly and spend more time on each course.
- The coordinator works with the Financial Aid Office to protect the student’s award from being impacted by taking a reduced course load.
- Occasionally a student’s disability necessitates an adjustment in required courses. The Coordinator of Accessibility Services determines whether learning disabilities will prevent the student’s mastery of course material in mathematics or foreign languages. If so, the coordinator advises the student about the procedures to be followed in seeking adjustments.
Accessing Services
- It is the responsibility of the student with a disability to self-identify.
- The student must inform Accessibility Services that he has a disability and needs an accommodation in order to be protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504.
- Morehouse College’s responsibility begins upon notification by the student through Accessibility Services, and Accessibility Services must have received appropriate documentation of a disability that justifies the requested accommodation for equal opportunity.
Compensatory Techniques and Coping Strategies
Accessibility Services helps students understand their learning strengths and weaknesses, explains how their disabilities may affect their performance in courses, chosen careers, or social settings, and teaches students compensatory strategies to improve their chances at success in life.
Housing Assistance
Housing allots a certain number of single-occupancy spaces within the residence houses. These spaces can be used to accommodate the needs of students with disabilities. To use one of the allotted spaces, a student must provide Accessibility Services with documentation of a disability-related need for special housing.
Problem-Solving
Accessibility Services works with students in developing problem-solving strategies and solutions to difficult problems in order to teach self-advocacy.
