Educational Access Services Accommodation Information

Educational Access Services facilitates a number of accommodations for students with documented disabilities. Explore the table below to learn more about these accommodations.

Alternative Formats encompasses accommodations concerning course materials and textbooks. The goal of this accommodation is to provide equal access to students for whom print-based materials are inaccessible because of a visual, learning, or physical impairment.

Alternative format accommodations approved by EAS include digital access to print books, text-to-speech, magnification, screen-reading software, and braille.

Requests for alternative formats should be made ahead of time to allow for the production process. Students should use the AIM Portal to request and receive accessible books and materials unless otherwise arranged. Alternative formats and materials provided by EAS are intended to accompany texts already purchased or distributed in class.

Test accommodations are approved for students who experience disability-related barriers impacting the accessibility of an exam or quiz. These accommodations are meant to ameliorate barriers and allow equal opportunity to the student. Examples of test accommodations provided by EAS are text-to-speech, reduced distraction environment, adaptive technology, speech-to-text, and extended time.

Test accommodation are usually administered in the EAS office (H 108), and can be provided by faculty.

Note-taking accommodations are provided when students encounter disability-related barriers that prevent access to course information that is received through taking notes. EAS note-taking accommodations use assistive technology and peer support. Examples of note-taking accommodations are:

Ability to digitally record audio lecture
Ability to take pictures of the board or screen
Access to copies of lecture notes and slides
Access to notes taken by class peer

As soon as you have registered, check your assigned classrooms to determine if the room and furniture will accommodate your disability. For instance, if you use a wheelchair, check the height of the tables or desks.

If a desk or chair needs to be added to the classroom, contact the EAS office. Your furniture request will be forwarded to Facility Services to provide appropriate accommodations.

EAS staff are available by appointment to assist with learning to use assistive technology. Contact EAS to set up an appointment for assistive technology training: 970.248.1856 or [email protected]

Adaptive equipment available to students with disabilities includes Dragon Naturally Speaking software, CCTVs, Natural Reader (screen reading technology), assistive listening devices, JAWS (screen-reading software), ZoomText (screen magnification software), TypeWell (classroom transcription), and a Kurzweil 1000/3000 station at the library.

Some technology is available at the library. Adaptive equipment and software can be installed across campus as needed.

Check out some other Free and Low Cost Applications and Programs to see what works best for you - tips on staying organized, assistance with notes, and more!

Online students with documented disabilities may be eligible for extra time on tests and books in alternate formats. If you are taking an online class and you need accommodations, contact the EAS office to discuss. Documentation requirements are the same as for other students.

PRIORITY REGISTRATION ELIGIBILITY

Students with disabilities may be granted permission to register early, before their regularly assigned registration time, if they meet any one of the following criteria:

The student has a disability that requires an accommodation that takes an extensive amount of time to prepare - such as audiobooks or the hiring of sign language interpreters or computer transcribers.
The student has a disability that requires scheduling classes to allow expanded class time for testing.
The student has a disability that requires their course schedule to be carefully planned with regard to the time of day that courses are taken. For example, a student who needs an hour to rest between classes, or only early morning classes, due to a medical condition or disability.
The student has a disability that requires early registration for a reason not listed, as deemed appropriate by Educational Access Services.

All priority registration requests are reviewed and approved by the EAS staff. Eligibility for priority registration will be periodically re-evaluated, and prior approval does not constitute automatic entitlement for ongoing eligibility.

CMU recognizes that some students, as a result of a disability, may be eligible for a substitution for the University mathematics or foreign language requirement.

Documentation of disability

Documentation of a student's disability must show a significant impact on the student's ability to master mathematics or foreign languages. Eligibility for EAS services does not guarantee eligibility for a course substitution.

Mathematics Course Substitution

Some students, as a result of a disability that significantly impairs academic performance in the quantitative area, may be eligible for a substitution for the University math requirement. The decision to grant a substitution is based on an individual's learning history, history of multiple failed course attempts through course completion, history of extensive mathematics tutoring, thorough psycho/educational documentation with testing results, clearly indicating a specific math disability that impairs mathematical processing, and future educational goals. All documentation and testing results must come from a qualified educational diagnostician and/or licensed psychologist/psychiatrist. Test results must have been completed within three (3) years of initial request. If the math substitution is granted, alternate courses in areas designated by the academic department head and faculty advisor are substituted for the required math courses.

A math substitution is NOT an option if math is deemed essential to a program or course of study. Also, a math substitution is not an option if it is a prerequisite for a required class.

Foreign Language Course Substitution

Students with a learning disability or other disability that impairs the ability to acquire a foreign language may apply for a substitution for the language requirement. The decision to grant a substitution is based on an individual's learning history, documentation of a disability that impairs foreign language acquisition, and future educational goals. Eligibility is determined by the appropriate academic department head and faculty advisor. If the foreign language substitution is granted, two alternate courses are substituted for the required foreign language courses.

Essential elements

The math or foreign language substitution should not substantially alter an essential element of the student's program of study, including requirements for majors/minors. The granting of course substitutions is an academic decision.

Application Procedure

Students wishing to apply for a course substitution for Mathematics on the basis of a disability should schedule an appointment with the the Vice President of Academic Affairs for Student Success. Contact information 970.248.1881: Lowell Heiny Hall Room 204.

Students wishing to apply for a course substitution for a Foreign Language should contact their academic advisor for assistance.