Testing accommodations typically include extra time on exams and a distraction-reduced testing environment. Students who receive extra time are allotted “time and a half” on exams: for example, a 60-minute time limit is extended to 90 minutes.
Either TDS or instructors can provide this accommodation. TDS requires that all students meet with their instructors to discuss how accommodations will be met. If both parties agree that TDS should provide extra time, the student is required to schedule a testing appointment three business days in advance of the exam. The appointment should align with the exact day and time that the class takes the exam (contact TDS if there is a scheduling conflict). This is done through the TDS database, and instructions for this procedure are emailed to students who qualify. If you have any questions, contact TDS for a walk-through.
*Students are expected to arrive on time and ready to test for all testing appointments with Disability Services. If a student arrives more than 15 minutes late, they may be sent to class to test with the instructor under standard testing conditions.
STUDENTS RECEIVING EXTRA TIME WITH AN INSTRUCTOR SHOULD NOT SCHEDULE THOSE APPOINTMENTS WITH TDS. ONLY SCHEDULE APPOINTMENTS THAT WILL BE TAKEN IN THE TESTING CENTER.
Assistance with notes is offered to students based on medical documentation. It is the student’s responsibility to work with the instructor to ensure notes are received in a timely manner. Having assistance with notes does not relieve students of the necessity to attend class or take their own notes. If a student fails to attend class, the instructor is not obligated to provide the student with materials from the missed class. It is the student’s responsibility to notify the instructor when he or she needs to miss class. If the student misses three classes without notifying TDS or the instructor, the student may lose their accommodation privileges. The student may request an appeal of the decision through the grievance procedures.
Assistance will be requested from instructors to identify students in each course willing to provide copies of their own notes. Alternatively, instructors may provide their own notes. Arrangements will be made for the copies to be produced with the appropriate department for the class, or NCR paper (or Carbon Paper) will be provided to the TDS-registered student for use to have multiple copies of notes.
Notes are to be delivered directly to the instructor or student approved for the service. Notes should be available to the student no later than 24 hours after the class meeting.
Sign language interpreters are provided to deaf and hard-of-hearing students who request and demonstrate a need for interpreters and the ability to benefit from such accommodations. Students requesting interpreters must be registered with TDS. The type of interpreting provided depends on the accommodation of the deaf/hard-of-hearing students in the class. Interpreters can be provided for academic programs and college-sponsored activities.
Requests from students and staff will be covered according to the following priorities:
To request an interpreter for academic classes, provide a copy of your class schedule two weeks before the start of the quarter and make a request in writing for an interpreter to be available on the first day of class. After this time, we will do our best to locate an interpreter, but we cannot guarantee that an interpreter will be available on the first day of class.
Students requesting an interpreter for academic and/or college-sponsored activities must make their request in writing one week in advance. Oral requests made to staff are not considered formal requests. Last minute and emergency requests will only be filled if interpreters are available.
If the interpreter does not show up for an assignment or class, the student should contact TDS as soon as possible. If available, a replacement will be sent.
The student should notify TDS at least 24 hours in advance or as soon as possible if they will not be attending the class, activity, or service. Should a student not show up for a class, activity, or service, the interpreter will wait for five minutes. After the allotted time has expired, the interpreter will return to TDS.
After a student is absent from three class sessions without notifying TDS, services for that student may be interrupted. In order to reinstate interpreter services, the student must meet with TDS to complete a contract covering the new terms of interpreting. If the student continues to be absent without notification or does not follow the terms of the contract, services may be discontinued. The student will receive written notification from TDS that the accommodation has been discontinued. The student must petition TDS to obtain reinstatement of interpreters.