Disability Resources Program Support Services and Accommodations

Click here for the BSU Campus Accessibility Statement

Advocacy Letter

When requesting accommodation or services, it is the responsibility of the student to meet in advance with the instructor or staff member to introduce him/herself, describe his/her disability and identify accommodations or services that will be important and appropriate. Students who would like an accommodations letter from the Disability Resources Office must make a request in writing each semester.

New students must meet with a member of the Disability Resources staff to develop an accommodation plan in advance. In the event that an instructor is unwilling to make a reasonable accommodation, contact the Disability Resources Office for assistance immediately.

Assistive Technology

Adaptive Technology Labs are located in the Moakley Center, Room 130C and adjacent to the Disability Resources Office in the Maxwell Library. From spell check and grammar check to speech synthesis and document scanning, the Adaptive Labs provide resources to benefit all students with disabilities. Specialized software includes Dragon Naturally Speaking for Windows, Duxbury Braille Translator, Jaws, Zoom Text Xtra and Kurzweill 3000. Individualized and small group training may be provided. Employment opportunities are available for students who have skill with assistive hardware and software. Visit the lab at the Academic Achievement Center or contact the Coordinator of Disability Resources.

Automatic Door Openers

Automatic door openers have been installed in a number of University buildings including Boyden Hall, the Campus Center, East Commons, Harrington Hall, the Maxwell Library, the Moakley Center, the Tinsley Center, DiNardo Hall, East Hall, Miles Hall, and Woodward Hall. In addition, many doors are equipped with remote opening devices which are activated with the student’s Connect Card. If you experience problems, please contact the Connect Card Office or the Disability Resources Coordinator.

Auxiliary Aids

Students needing auxiliary aids should submit requests in writing to the Disability Resources Coordinator at least 4 weeks prior to the start of the semester. The University must have sufficient time to evaluate the request, determine the appropriate accommo-dation to be provided, and identify how it will be obtained (i.e. purchase, lease, hire, etc.). Late requests cannot be guaranteed, but will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and provided as possible under the circumstances. A number of aids are available at no charge, including assistive technology hardware and software, TTY's, accessible tables in classroom and dining areas, tape recorders, and assistive listening devices.

When appropriate, the Disability Resources Office will assist students in identifying agencies (Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, Recordings for the Blind and Dyslexic) or private charitable organizations (March of Dimes) to obtain auxiliary aids of a long-term or permanent nature or support funding. If the aid is not available through outside resources, the Disability Resources Coordinator will evaluate the request to ensure that it is appropriate to the documented needs of the student. Every effort will
be made to provide the auxiliary aid or find a reasonable alternative that will allow the student full participation, unless the request is determined to be unreasonable or will impose an undue hardship on the University.

Course Substitution

It is expected that students with disabilities will meet all essential requirements of academic degree programs. Course substitutions on the basis of disability are rarely considered. In the event that a student can demonstrate that due to a disability he or she would be unable to meet a requirement with or without accommodation, a substitution may be considered. Students must meet with a member of the Disability Resources staff to discuss the appropriateness of requesting a course substitution. Currently students who are approved for a foreign language substitution must select replacement classes from the following list: FL300, Fl 350, LS210, LS220 and LS230.

Elevators and Lifts

See “Access to Classrooms and Facilities”. “Connect Cards” can be coded after authorization from the Disability Resources Office to provide elevator access to the ground level of the Maxwell Library and specific building access.

Enlarged Print, Braille, Taped and Electronic Texts

Students who are blind or vision impaired, or who have learning disabilities, may benefit from textbooks that are recorded on cassette tapes or digital disks. The primary source of audio and digital texts is Recordings for the Blind and Dyslexic (RFD&D), 20 Rozel Road, Princeton, NJ 08540, 1-800-221-4792. View the on-line catalog at http://www.rfbd.org. Students who have not already registered with RFB&D are encouraged to do so if they suspect that they may benefit from taped or digital texts. A more restricted selection of University texts is available in enlarged print.

If a text is not available in an alternate format, it normally takes at least two months to convert a text to an alternate format. Students using alternate format texts should actively seek text title, author and edition information from academic departments and instructors well in advance of the semester (i.e. June 1 for fall; December 1 for spring; March 1 for summer) to ensure that the text will be available at the start of the semester. Note: Prior to the registration period for spring and summer classes students may request authorization from the Disability Resources Office to register in advance if they will be using alternative format texts.

At the Adaptive Technology Labs at the Moakley Center and the Disability Resources Office, print materials can be scanned onto computer disk. Print magnification, voice synthesis, Braille translation and other access enhancing technologies are also available.

Fire and Emergency Evacuations

The issue of safe evacuation in case of a fire or other emergency is an important concern on this campus. During an emergency most elevators cease to operate for reasons related to smoke and electrical fires. Students who cannot use stairs or exit a building without assistance must develop an emergency evacuation plan in advance. Please schedule a meeting with Mr. David Tillinghast, chief of campus police, (508/531-1380, TTY 508/531-6111), prior to the start of the semester. Students may also request a meeting with the fire chief of the Town of Bridgewater. Students who are hearing impaired should make arrangements with the Residence Life and Housing Office for installation of emergency signaling devices in their residence hall rooms.

The following guidelines are offered as general suggestions for students who cannot use stairs or exit a building without assistance, and not as an official plan of action. Your safety depends on your judgment and knowledge of general safety precautions, and the evacuation plan that you develop with the assistance of Chief Tillinghast.

• If you have an attendant, the two of you should discuss emergency evacuation plans in advance.
• Talk with your instructors about evacuation from classroom and laboratory facilities.
• If you live on campus, discuss your plans with your Head Resident, RA and other persons who may be available to assist you in getting to a safe place.
• In the event of an emergency, fire drill or other incident, proceed to a safe place away from the incident, near an elevator or major stairway, and preferably in a room with a window.
• Go to a room with a phone, if possible.
• Note the room number.
• Close the door.
• Call 911 or TTY 6111 to alert the fire department as to your location. In the residence halls, have emergency numbers and a phone near your bed. Seal cracks around the door with clothing or bedding.
• If there is no phone, close the door and go to the window. Open the window slightly and signal the emergency response personnel.
• The person assisting persons with disabilities should inform emergency response personnel that a person with a disability is in room (number).
• Do not use the elevators. Only trained fire fighters are qualified to judge the safety of using an elevator in a particular fire emergency.

Interpreters/CART

Requests for interpreter or CART services must be made in writing to the Disability Resources Office at least 4 weeks prior to the start of the semester. The University employs only appropriately credentialed and qualified interpreters. Students who will be using interpreter services should be aware that there is a shortage of qualified interpreters in the southeastern Massachusetts region; therefore course schedules need to be finalized early. Students utilizing interpreters or CART during the spring or summer sessions may be authorized for advance registration by the Disability Resources coordinator.

A Policy and Procedure Handbook for students using interpreting or CART services is available at the Disability Resources Office.

Learning Assistance Area, Academic Achievement Center, Maxwell Library

Study and Research Services
Mathematics Services
Writing Studio
Communication Studio

The Learning Assistance Area is located at the Academic Achievement Center. The hours of operation are Monday through from 8AM-5PM. Drop-in and scheduled help sessions are available. Talk with the LD Specialist or other Disability Resources staff to identify how you can benefit from study skill, time management, and individual and small group tutorial and consultation services.

Notetakers/Tape Recording

Peer notetaker services are provided to students who have received authorization from the Disability Resources Office or LD Specialist. Generally notetakers are students who are enrolled in the class, who are identified directly by the student requesting the service or through the assistance of the course instructor. Notetakers must register with the Disability Resources Office and the Student Employment Office at the beginning of the semester and will receive a stipend at the conclusion of the semester for providing the service on a consistent basis.

Notes may be copied at any University office photocopier at no charge. The University bookstore now carries Mayer Carbonless Notebooks, which provide a quick, clean and simple way to share notes. By using these notebooks you will walk out of class with a copy of notes in hand; no waiting in line at the copy machine. Notetakers are not expected to take notes when students are absent unless authorized by the Disability Resources Office.

Students may also be permitted to use tape recorders in class as an accommodation, but must request permission from the instructor before doing so. Cassette recorders and blank tapes may be borrowed from the Media Service Department, Maxwell Library, ground level, on a semester loan basis.

Parking

As of Fall 2003, first-year resident students are not permitted to have a car on campus. Disability parking areas have been marked and posted in all campus parking lots. Persons with Registry of Motor Vehicle plates may park in any authorized parking space except those clearly assigned to specific University personnel. All requests for special parking authorization based on disability must be made in writing to the Director of Health Services, who will make determinations on a case-by-case basis each semester. Students are advised to make every effort to utilize the accessible campus bus service and safety escort van.

Personal Care Attendants

The University does not provide or pay for the costs associated with personal care attendant or aide services. Training and supervision are the responsibility of the individual requesting the service. The Disability Resources Office will assist in the recruitment of student attendants and aides by sending out letters to groups of students who may be qualified for and interested in the position. Positions may also be posted on line through the Student Employment Office, Boyden Hall, Room 101.

Pre-University Workshop

The Pre-University Workshop is a 2-day program prior to the start of the fall semester, designed to give new students an opportunity to become familiar with the resources available to individuals with disabilities at Bridgewater. In small groups, led by upper class students and professional staff, students talk about their goals, expectations and concerns; learn how to prioritize their time to make room for study, recreation and work; explore their personal learning style and develop strategies for academic success; and become familiar with classroom accommodations. To register for the program, which is held at the end of August, contact Disability Resources at 508/531-2194 or TTY 508/531-6113.

Readers and Scribes

Students requesting readers or scribes must make the request in writing to the Disability Resources Office in advance. Readers and scribes must register with the Disability Resources Office and the Student Employment Office. They will be assigned work by the Disability Resources Office and must complete a weekly time sheet for payment. Tapes and 4-track tape recorders may be obtained from the Media Services Office on a semester loan basis upon authorization by the Disability Resources Office.

Reduced Course Load

As a general principle most students with disabilities are expected to maintain a full-time course load of a least 12 credits per semester. A student who would like to take fewer than 12 credits must talk with a member of the Disability Resources staff to determine if this is an appropriate accommodation and to consider the effect, if any, on financial aid, medical insurance, housing status, athletic participation and the like.

Registration

Web-based registration makes the registration process accessible for most students. Please confer with staff at the Disability Resources Office in advance of the registration period if you anticipate needing further assistance or priority registration. During the registration period for spring and summer classes, students using alternative format texts or interpreter or CART services may be authorized for advance registration by the Disability Resources Office.

Service Animals

Service animals are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a person with a disability. It is University policy to permit service animals to accompany the individual with a disability at all times and everywhere on campus except where service animals are specifically prohibited. Areas off limits to service animals may include specific research areas, mechanical rooms and custodial closets, areas where protective clothing is necessary, or areas where there is danger to the service animal.

Service animals must be in good health and immunized against diseases common to the type of animal. Animals must be on a leash at all times and the owner must ensure that feces are disposed of properly.

Telecommunication Devices for Persons Who Are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and
Speech Impaired (TTY)

To report a crime, suspicious activity or to receive service from a uniformed campus police officer dial 508/531-6111 from any TTY.

TTY's have been installed in the following locations on the campus and are available for use by persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired.

Public payphone located outside the Campus Center and Conferences Office, Rm. 008 - 508/531-9511
Academic Achievement Center/Disability Resources Office - 508/531-6113
Admissions Office - 508/531-1357
Campus Center/Orientation/Student Activities - 508/531-6112
Campus Police - 508/531-6111
Counseling/Health Services -508/531-6116
Graduate School/Continuing Education and 508/531-6114
International Programs Office
Registrar’s Office - 508/531-6117
Residence Life and Housing - 508/531-6118
School of Education/Burnell School - 508/531-6115
Student Affairs/Judicial - 508/531-1384

Arrangements for telecommunication and emergency signaling devices in the residence halls are made through the Residence Life and Housing Office.

Test Accommodations

It is the student’s responsibility to request test accommodations based on disability documentation. Test accommodations may include, but are not limited to

• extended time
• taped test or Brailled test
• enlarged materials or alternate type size
• dictated or oral exam
• scribe
• reduced distraction testing area
• use of a computer
• dictionary, spell checker, grammar checker, or calculator
• modified format

A quiet, monitored testing room is available in the Academic Achievement Center.
Students requesting testing accommodations at the Center must follow the procedures outlined below:

• Student must submit a written request for accommodated or alternative testing to the Disability Resources Office early in the semester.
• The Disability Resources Office staff will review the student’s documentation and determine the appropriate test accommodations.
• The Disability Resources Office will provide the instructor and the student with a letter identifying appropriate test accommodations.
• The student will meet with the instructor in advance of the scheduled exam to plan for the approved testing accommodations.
• If the instructor and student determine that the exam will be administered in the Academic Achievement Center, the student will complete an Accommodated Test Form and give it to the instructor at least 1 week prior to the scheduled date of the exam.
• The student will return the completed form to the Disability Resources Office at least 3 workdays before the test date and make an appointment to schedule the exam.
• The student must leave all belongings, except authorized testing materials, in the Disability Resources Office or at the front desk.
• The student will be directed to a designated testing area.
• The completed test will be sealed in an envelope with a routing page, which will be signed by the professor (or departmental secretary) when the test is delivered.
• The student worker or staff member, who delivered the test to the professor/-department, will return the signed routing page to the Disability Resources Office.

Transportation Services

The Transit Shuttle Service and Transportation Coordinator’s Office are located in the new Operations Center on Great Hill Drive. University-operated accessible transportation is available on campus during the regular academic year, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. The buses are wheelchair accessible and the para-transit system vans provide scheduled door-to-door service for individuals who are unable to use the buses. The front of the buses can be lowered to allow individuals to climb into the buses more easily. Persons needing priority seating should identify themselves to the driver upon boarding and a seat will be made available.

A number of bus stops with shelters have been established throughout the campus. The bus schedule is posted in each of the shelters and is also available on the Transportation web page. Transit staff members are available to meet with any student at any time to become familiar with the bus or para-transit lift equipment and other operational procedures.

New students who will use the para-transit service must contact the Coordinator of Disability Resources at 508-531-2194.

New students who will use the para-transit service must contact the Director of Health Services for authorization at least four weeks before the start of the semester. Persons authorized to use the para-transit service must contact the Transit Office, (508) 531-1319 or (508) 531-2094, at least three weeks before the start of each new semester with schedule information.

The MBTA Commuter Rail station located on campus is fully accessible. The system provides transportation between Boston and Middleboro/Lakeville. Schedule information is available at www.mbta.com.