Columbia University Health ServicesDisability Services |
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Reasonable AccommodationsReasonable Accommodations are adjustments to policy, practice, and programs that “level the playing field” for students with disabilities and provide equal access to Columbia’s programs and activities. Examples include the administration of exams, services such as note-taking, sign language interpreters, assistive technology, and coordination of accessible housing needs. Accommodation plans and services are custom designed to match the disability-related needs of each student and are determined according to documentation and the student’s program requirements. Accommodations are determined on a case-by-case basis after the Office of Disability Services (ODS)considers both the student’s needs as described in their disability documentation and the technical academic standars of their course or program. Faculty also have the opportunity to consult with ODS on the final determination of accommodations for each of their courses and for each student. Some accommodations may be appropriate in one course or program, but not in another.
Foreign Language Substitution
Students with learning, speech, hearing or other disabilities that significantly impair their ability to acquire a foreign language may request a course substitution for a foreign language requirement. Consideration of this request includes review of educational history to study languages; disability documentation that demonstrates significant difficulty with language-based tasks in reading, spelling, writing, speaking or listening; and review of the requirements of their academic program.
It is important to know that foreign language substitutions are only a possibility for academic programs that do not consider the language requirement essential to the program of study. This is determined by the student’s school and/or program. Students should consult with their academic program or advisor regarding specific program requirements. Generally, there is a four semester foreign language requirement that can vary by school. Note-TakingNote-taking services are provided as a reasonable academic accommodation for students with documented disabilities that interfere with students’ ability to take notes in class. Students must receive prior approval from ODS before this service is coordinated on their behalf. ODS recruits a classmate to provide a set of course notes to a student through a system designed to preserve the anonymity of students receiving this service. Note-takers are compensated for their services. ODS has established note-taking guidelines that outline the process for requesting note-taking services, students’ responsibilities, and note-taker responsibilities.
Request for Note-taking Services (Online) Sign-Language Interpreting and Speech-to-Text ServicesSign-language interpreting or speech-to-text services are coordinated for students with hearing disabilities to facilitate communication and participation in University programs and activities. The appropriate type of service is determined according to students’ documented need and their level of communication skill.
Request for Sign Language Interpreting Services (Online) Request for Speech-to-Text Services (Online) Testing AccommodationsIn some cases, students with disabilities are entitled to accommodations related to administration of examinations. These testing accommodations modify, in a specific manner, the way an exam is administered to students. Typical testing accommodations include extended time to complete the exam, alternate format, e.g. large print, smaller proctored environment to take the exam, and use of computer to type the exam. The intent of testing accommodations is not to alter the performance requirements or lessen course standards; rather, their purpose is to ensure equal access to the testing setting for students whose disability-related needs warrant modifications related to the administration of exams.
Request Test Accommodation (PDF) |
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Important Phone Numbers
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