EAS facilitates a number of accommodations for students with documented disabilities. Explore the table below to learn more about these accommodations.
EAS provides textbooks in alternate formats to students who have documented disabilities affecting their ability to read print or physically handle textbooks. Students must purchase print copies of textbooks before receiving alternate formats. EAS can provide textbooks in electronic formats for most books. The student will need to use text-to-speech, screen-magnification, or screen-reading software to read the electronic texts.
Students should request texts in alternate formats at least two weeks before the start of the semester to ensure obtaining texts in time. Later requests may not be ready at the beginning of the semester.
Braille books may be provided for math, foreign languages, and other technical areas for which audio formats are not appropriate or adequate. Braille texts must be requested six months in advance of the semester for which they are needed. Contact the Coordinator to discuss.
Some students with disabilities find it difficult to take notes in class. EAS uses a peer note-taking system. Students who are granted this accommodation may use a tablet of duplicate paper from EAS. The student may ask another student in class to share their notes using the tablet. If the student does not know whom to ask, he or she may ask the professor to assist in locating a volunteer note-taker.
If the student cannot find a volunteer note-taker in class, a student assistant may be sent into the classroom to take notes for the student.
Students using this accommodation are usually allowed to use a recorder to record lectures and discussions. Additionally, many faculty post PowerPoint presentations and other materials online which are helpful for the student in taking their own notes.
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. Call the Assistant Coordinator at 970.248.1801 to schedule an appointment.
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.
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 audio books 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 they take courses. 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 the Coordinator of Educational Access Services.
All priority registration requests are reviewed and approved by the EAS Director. Eligibility for priority registration will be periodically re-evaluated, and prior approval does not constitute automatic entitlement for on-going 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
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, essential 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
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 and Faculty 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.