Graduate School & Disability Accommodations Question

[Guest guest]

I just started grad school last week. My fingers bend backwards, making it

extremely difficult and painful for me to take notes for an extended time.

My classes are each 3 hours long. I provided appropriate documentation to

the school and they provided letters to my instructors informing them of my

need for a note taker and extended test time.

My instructor made the required announcement to ask for a note taker for me,

but he wasn't familiar with how to handle the procedure of getting the notes

to me. I mailed the school's Disability Office asking for their assistance

in recruiting a note taker and for their policy on how the notes are to be

copied. Their answer (below) essentially told me I am on my own for both

issues.

It is my understanding that Section 504 of the Rehab Act also applies to

graduate school. The following is from the University's website about their

ADA policy.

" Providing meaningful access to courses for disabled persons is not

preferential treatment, it is aimed at providing equal opportunity.... When

a student's disability prevents him or her from fulfilling a course

requirement through conventional procedures, thoughtful consideration should

be given to alternatives, keeping in mind that academic standards must be

maintained. Innovative and flexible solutions may include extended

assignment deadlines, use of word processing equipment, or taped responses

in class or on examinations. "

So, my question is this. Does anyone have any experience with requesting

ADA/504 accommodations at the graduate school level.

Disability Services

>

> My instructor made the announcement at the start of class on Thursday

> requesting a note taker for me. No one came forward to provide notes.

The

> instructor was unfamiliar with how to handle the note-taker issue as he is

> new to City U.

>

> Being new myself, I wasn't sure how to answer his questions. How does

City

> U seek a note taker for me and what is the procedure by which I will

receive

> the notes?

>

> I require extra time for testing. What is the procedure the instructor

will

> follow for allowing me the extra time?

>

> -Barbara

>

>