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Frequently Asked Questions for Students With Learning Disabilities
What is the program and where is it located?
The program serves six functions:
- Selection for admission of learning-disabled students whose testing, academic record, and motivation promise success with a college curriculum;
- Two hours weekly of individual tutoring with learning specialists for those participating in the full, for-fee program;
- Accommodations for full participants as well as those not in the program who have submitted appropriate documentation of learning disabilities;
- Diagnostic screening for areas of academic difficulties, and possible learning disabilities or ADD followed by short-term tutoring by appointment for any MMC student not enrolled in the program;
- Informative talks about learning disabilities and teaching issues for faculty;
- Learning workshops open to all students at the college.
The program is housed in the Ruth Smadbeck Communication and Learning Center, Department of
Communication Sciences and Disorders located on the 7th floor of the Main Building
directly opposite the elevators. Diana Nash is the Director of
the program. Her phone number is 212-774-0724;
e-mail is dnash@mmm.edu.
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What kinds of accommodations can a learning disabled student request?
In addition to taking a reduced course load, an LD student may request:
- Permission to tape record lectures or discussions
- Extended time for class examinations and the MMC Placement Test (Time and a half to double time maximum as indicated by learning specialist)
- Separate testing room
- Authorization and reimbursement of a student note taker for class(es)
- Use of laptop or computerized speller for written exam
- Use oral quizzes to supplement written exams
- Early submission and critiques of drafts of essays
- Allow clarification of exam questions, annotation of multiple choice
- Oral or taped presentation to supplement written work
- Use of calculator and partial credit for use of correct formula in math or statistics courses beyond Developmental Math.
- Use of Kurzweil 3000 software at the Access workstation or at Shanahan Library Workstation.
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Is a faculty member required by law to grant these accommodations?
Yes and no. The student must present a signed letter from the Director of the Access program as proof he/she has presented adequate documentation of a disability. A verbal claim of LD by a student is not considered proof and faculty members should not independently grant accommodations without authorization.
The first three accommodations listed are fairly standard and accepted as reasonable. However, often judgments are made on a case-by-case basis. Oral presentations or oral testing are at the discretion of the faculty member in consultation with the Program Director. Separate testing must be proctored and under a double time maximum limit. The program arranges for separate testing near its offices.
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What is a Separate Testing Approval Form?
The student requesting extended time or separate testing must obtain a Separate Testing Approval Form, which indicates the date and time of testing to the professor, who must read and sign it. The student then submits this form to the director of Access. The professor is responsible for delivering the test by e-mailing it as an attachment to dnash@mmm.edu. with the name of the student and the course information or by dropping off a hard copy of the test in an envelope to the director.
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How will the completed test be returned to me?
The professor must indicate on the approval form his office location, building, floor, and room number, or general division office mailbox. Completed tests will not be left in basement mailboxes. The professor may also pick up the test from the Access office.
What if the LD student presents his letter or card for extended time and separate testing the day of the final?
It is the student's responsibility to present his/her letter and requests for accommodations at the beginning of the semester. In addition, he must submit a Separate Testing Approval Form at least a few days before any test so the Director can make arrangements. If the student requests accommodations at the eleventh hour, the faculty member who is not given reasonable notice is within rights to deny the request.
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Should I, as a faculty member, grant accommodations to a student I think is learning disabled?
If a faculty member discerns difficulties above and beyond poor skills and lack of preparation, the student should be referred for interview and screening by the Director. Accommodations should only be granted on recommendation by a testing professional. Referring the student will assure that the source of the problem will be identified accurately.
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Do faculty members modify the course difficulty for students in the program?
Students in the program are required to meet the same course standards as any student at MMC and faculty should grade them using the same standard they apply to other students. Faculty may, however, consider modifying the mode of fulfilling assignments, e.g., oral mode vs. written for some assignments or tests if they feel it does not seriously alter the level and requirements of the course. Time extensions on assignments are not standard accommodations.
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Isn't extra time for testing an unfair advantage over other students? These LD students seem as bright as the average student.
Many variations of learning disabilities affect the rate at which individuals can recall and then present what they know in written form quite apart from measured intelligence. These include slow processing, word-finding difficulties, and attentional issues that affect concentration and memory. The LD student is attempting to cope with such subtle handicapping conditions, sometimes in a few very specific areas. For example, he may be conceptually fluent orally, but need more time to transmit these same ideas in written form. In addition, he must put in the study time and effort required of all students.
Time and a half or double time is intended to remove a disadvantage, not to give unfair advantage. Separate testing is proctored, and students cannot produce information or ideas they have not absorbed, no matter how long they take.
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What is an Early Progress Report?
Close to the middle of each semester, the Access Program e-mails the faculty member to request an early, brief, informal report of the student's participation, attendance, and performance on assignments and tests. Faculty are urged to promptly e-mail a response so that the program and student can address any difficulties.
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Do all LD students participate in the Access program? Why do some students present cards from Disability Services?
Not all learning-disabled students participate in the for-fee Access tutorial support program, but they are still eligible for accommodations with proper documentation. The Access Program arranges accommodations for LD students not enrolled in the full fee program.
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When should a faculty member refer a student who has not
presented authorization from the Office of Student Affairs or the
Program for Academic Access for screening by the Learning Specialist?
If a professor senses a student has areas of extreme organizational, attentional, writing, listening or reading comprehension problems, especially which he/she reports as long-standing, the student should be referred to Diana Nash by e-mail at dnash@mmm.edu or by phone at 774-0724. Professors must obtain the student's permission to give contact information to the learning specialist or advise the student to contact her. The faculty member should give some details about the nature of the student's difficulties after permission has been obtained. Many students who have a history of learning disability and have received special services in high school are unaware of the program and the availability of accommodations.
There is no fee for LD screening or accommodations only with adequate documentation. Undocumented students can also obtain referrals for full LD evaluations at reduced fees. There is a $2000 fee per semester for the LD tutoring program offered by the Program for Academic Access. Students admitted to the program work closely with learning disability specialists 2 hours a week. They are required to participate for 2 consecutive semesters, although they may choose to participate longer.
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What are the procedures for obtaining accommodations for students not enrolled in the Academic Access program?
Students must obtain and complete a Disabilities Services Registration Form from Student Affairs. The student must also submit current documentation of AD/HD or other learning disability to the Access director, who will then issue a signed accommodations letter to show to professors. Students with demonstrated need may also arrange for note taker services. Any student enrolled in the student's class can become a note taker. The professor may assist the accommodated student in identifying a qualified note taker. Student note takers must report hours and fill out forms obtained from the Access Program to arrange for reimbursement.
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