A new semester can be overwhelming, but NDC is here with you. NDC can help streamline procedures to enhance disability services offices working with deaf students, with guides to help you build request forms, create a student absence policy and more.
Here are five commonly requested resources for disability services professionals. Visit nationaldeafcenter.org/dsptoolkit for a complete list of related resources, or reach out to help@nationaldeafcenter.org for personalized assistance.
#1: Creating an Accommodation Request Form
nationaldeafcenter.org/requestform
Campuses must collect essential information to effectively coordinate accommodations for a variety of consumers and events. This resource provides guidance on developing an accommodations request form for your campus, including considerations for location, contact information, special instructions, and prep materials.
#2 Crafting a Letter of Accommodations for Faculty
nationaldeafcenter.org/facultyletter
This template provides guidance on how to create a letter to faculty with instructions for making the classroom environment accessible while informing faculty of their responsibilities to ensure access aligns with accommodation plans.
#3 Policies and Procedures: Excessive Student Absences
nationaldeafcenter.org/absencepolicy
Deaf students have the same rights as their hearing peers, including the right to be absent. However, disability services offices often become concerned with managing resources on limited budgets when students are absent. Clear and concise policies and procedures can balance the need for access and the need for accountable budgetary management.
#4 Developing Contracts and Requesting Bids: Interpreters and Speech-to-Text Providers
nationaldeafcenter.org/contracts
If your institution has decided to contract with service providers or seek services from an agency, NDC recommends an agreement with clear expectations and guidelines to ensure that quality services are arranged. This resource offers guidance on various topics when developing service provider contracts, including required qualifications, rates, equipments, cancellations, and more.
#5 Note Taker Training
learn.nationaldeafcenter.org/courses/note-taker-training
Note taking is an important accommodation in various learning settings including the classroom, internships and the workplace. NDC offers a free, self-guided note taker training that defines the role of the note taker and discusses effective strategies to take accurate and comprehensive notes for deaf students. Individuals who successfully pass the training earn a certificate of completion.
