Accommodations

Classroom accommodations are designed to help level the playing field for students with disabilities. Accommodations should not offer an unfair advantage to a student because the student has a disability. Click here to view a sample of the confidential letters sent to instructors from the Access Office

Extended Time on Exams

1. One of the common accommodations approved by the Access Office involves alternative conditions in which to complete exams. This accommodation is offered through the Assessment Office on the campus of Northwest Vista College. In order for a student to utilize these accommodations, an Exam Request Form that explains the conditions of the assessment must be completed and turned in to the Assessment Office in Cypress Campus Center, Room 207 (CCC-207). If desired this form can be submitted electronically via e-mail (songay@alamo.edu)(first, download the form and fill it out then, second, attach the pdf to an email and send to: songay@alamo.edu with subject: Exam Request Form).

2. The Assessment Office will monitor the student’s exam if desired.

3. The Assessment Office must be notified four working days prior to the exam if the student wants a reader, scribe or use of a private room.

4. If the student is approved to listen to music during the exam, the testing center may spot-check the music player to ensure test integrity.

Emergency Evacuation Assistance

1. The instructor will designate another student in class to help evacuate the disabled student to the main stairwell or out of the building.

Use of a Tape Recorder

1. Student will provide his or her own tape recorder to record information.

A Volunteer Note taker

1. The student will obtain his or her own note taker. Volunteer note taker may receive extra credit.

A Reader or Scribe

1. The student will secure in-class Readers or Scribes as needed. Readers/Scribes may also receive extra credit.

2. The Assessment Office will secure testing Readers/Scribes after student gives them four working days notice.

A Sign Language Interpreter

1. The coordinator of special services will hire interpreters for students who are deaf and/or hard of hearing.

Adaptive Equipment

Several different types of adaptive equipment technology are available at Northwest Vista College.

1. Screen reading software is available for students who have visual impairments or difficulty reading. Click here for a list of resources available at Northwest Vista College for students who struggle with reading.

2. Enlarged monitors and keyboards are available for students with visual impairments.

3. Larger chairs are available for students who are approved for them.

4. Approved students with visual impairments and reading difficulties can obtain copies of textbooks spoken on compact discs. Click here to learn more about Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic.

5. Students with hearing difficulties may be approved to use an FM system to adequately hear their instructors in class.

6. Students with documented difficulties in math calculation may be approved to use a basic, four function calculator on math-related exams. Click here for a list of resources available at Northwest Vista College for students who struggle in Mathematics.
   
   

7. For students who struggle with writing, software is available that converts spoken words into written text. 

Opportunity to leave the class suddenly

1. If a student’s disability is distracting other students in class, the student may decide to leave the classroom to avoid distracting other students and attracting attention.

2. The student is responsible for any information that is missed.

Student may be late to class due to walking difficulties 

1. If a student has disability related mobility issues it may be difficult for him or her to move to class with many other people on campus. Therefore, the instructor is notified that the student may be a few minutes late to class.

Other

1. Additional accommodations and suggestions may be added on an individual basis.