General Information and Student Accommodations Information

Accommodated Testing Services

Students may be eligible for testing accommodations that may apply to in class/on-line exams, midterms, finals, pop quizzes, ACCUPLACER, TEAS and other placement exams.

Some examples of testing accommodations include;

• extended time
• reader
• reduced distraction environment. Although, other testers may be in the testing room. Headphones, earplugs, and sound machines are available to help minimize noise distractions
• scribe
• use of assistive technology software or equipment
• use of computer

Other accommodations are determined on a case by case basis. Students may be able to arrange for accommodated testing with the instructor or they can schedule to take an accommodated test at the LA Center.

Testing accommodations can be arranged at both the Haverhill and Lawrence campuses.

Alternative Textbooks

For each semester the student is receiving Alternative Textbooks as an accommodation the student should schedule their Semester Accommodations Meeting (SAM) with their Disability Services Specialist soon after registering for classes. This will help ensure the alternative textbook file is available when needed.

A textbook receipt or statement of ownership form is required in order to receive the alternative textbook file.

It is an infringement of copyright laws to reproduce or distribute alternative textbook files.

If this is a new accommodation to the student, the student needs to schedule an Alternative Textbook Review with the Assistive Technology Specialist

Assistive Technology Software/Equipment Usage

Once trained, students may use Assistive Technology software in the labs or at locations where the software has been installed.

Students may also borrow Assistive Technology Equipment from the LA Center. It is best to reserve time in the AT Labs or for borrowing of equipment in advance to help guarantee availability. Equipment must be signed out and returned promptly on the agreed return date. Additional training can be requested, whenever needed.

Students may need to reimburse the college for any loss, damage or theft during the time the equipment is signed out to them.

Audio Recording Lecture

In Massachusetts, permission to record a classroom lecture requires consent of the instructor and all members of the class that is being recorded. Instructor and class permission is not required when a student is granted a reasonable accommodation as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The recorded class lecture is for a student’s own personal use and may not be shared, published or quoted from without the consent of the lecturer.

Sometimes the instructor may request the student turn off the audio recording device due to personal matters being discussed in class.

Furniture Accommodation

If disability documentation supports the request for Furniture Accommodations, the college will make every effort to provide reasonable accommodations.

Sometimes due to circumstances beyond the control of the LA Center the furniture may be moved out of a room after the accommodation is set up. If this occurs, please inform the LA Center as soon as possible.

Note Taking Services

Based on a student’s documented disability the Note Taker accommodation may be approved for a student.

The LA Center maintains a confidential master schedule of all note-taking assignments for potential note takers to review. Peer note takers may or may not be enrolled in the same course they are assigned to take notes for. The LA Center will send the student an email when a note taker is hired.

• The LA Center provides materials and training to note takers.
• A student will not receive notes for days/times they are not in class.
• Coaching or extra help is not part of the note taker’s job.
• Audio recording a class lecture may be an option if a note taker is not found right away.
• The student is to notify the LA Center if Note Taking services are not needed in a particular course.

Online Course Registration Recommendations

The student needs to have the necessary skills, computer equipment (hardware and software) and assistive technology to meet the requirements of online courses. There are differences in the level of support for online courses compared to classroom-based courses.

Arrangements can be made with the LA Center staff to discuss certain accommodations/services by email or phone.

The student should discuss their approved online testing accommodations with professors early in the semester.

Please Note:

• The student may need to come to the campus for certain accommodations and/or services.
• Paraprofessional staff such as a note taker, reader, or scribe will not be placed in student’s home.
• The student is responsible for obtaining any assistive technology software needed for their home computer since assistive technology software is installed on Northern Essex Community College computers only.

Refer to: Online Learning Students FAQs for technical support and information for online course/s.