Accessibility Services

Resources

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

AHEAD

Badlands Human Service Center

Vocational Rehabilitation Services

Campus Accessibility Map

Questions? Contact Us.


Accessibility Services
May Hall 204

dsu.accessibility@dickinsonstate.edu

Call 701-483-2686

Register for Accessibility Services

To be eligible for services, you must provide appropriate documentation of your disability. Disabilities can be physical, psychological, or learning-related. A disability is defined as significantly limiting one or more major life activities.

Step 1: Complete a registration packet from Accessibility Services

Step 2: Submit documentation of your disability

Step 3: Contact Accessibility Services and schedule a time to meet with the coordinator

Student Rights & Responsibilities

  • Self-advocate for own needs
  • Register with Disability Services
  • Provide current evidence of a disability
  • Request accommodations promptly each semester enrolled
  • Give accommodation letter to necessary faculty and staff
  • Communicate with faculty and staff as needed
  • Provide textbook information for alternative text formats

Transition

Wondering what the difference is between high school accommodations and college accommodations? Please visit these resources:

Transitions to College for Students with Disabilities

OCR

Launch My Life ND

Accommodations

Accommodation Plan

To be approved for accommodations, you must first register for Accessibility Services.

Your accommodation plan will list recommended accommodations, agreed on between you and the accessibility services coordinator, which you will discuss with your instructor. This document is reviewed and updated each semester.

Once you receive and sign your accommodation plan, it’s your responsibility to contact the instructor of each class in which you’re requesting an accommodation. This will allow the two of you to discuss how your accommodation(s) will be arranged. Take a copy of your accommodation plan with you to give to the instructor.

Academic Accommodations

The accessibility services coordinator will arrange reasonable accommodations between you and your instructors each semester. Accommodations may include:

  • Alternative testing, which may include (but is not limited to) distraction-reduced rooms, a reader, a scribe, extended time on tests, large print
  • Access to class notes
  • Alternate format of texts
  • Sign language interpreter and computer-aided real-time captioning services for deaf, hard-of-hearing, or deaf/blind students
  • Priority registration for those students whose accommodations necessitate these course arrangements
  • Reduced course load option
  • Assistive technology
  • Other services provided as needed

Test Taking Accommodation Policy

A quiet room is provided in the Accessibility Services Office in May Hall, room 200. Scheduling for this room is on a first come, first served basis. A minimum of 72 hours’ notice is required to schedule an exam. Time may not always coordinate with actual class schedules.

Student Responsibilities

  • You are responsible for notifying your instructor of the Test Taking Accommodation.
  • You are responsible for contacting the accessibility services coordinator to schedule a time to take the test.

Instructor Responsibilities

  • The instructor is responsible for filling out the Testing Accommodation Form.
  • The instructor must deliver the form and the test to the Accessibility Services Office. This may be done in person, through intercampus mail, or email.
    • If it is delivered through intercampus mail, the Accessibility Services Office is not responsible for lost tests.
  • When the test is complete, the accessibility services coordinator will do one of the following based on how the instructor filled out the Testing Accommodation Form:
  • Notify the instructor by email so the instructor can pick up the test
  • Notify the instructor by phone so the instructor can pick up the test
  • Return the test through intercampus mail in a sealed envelope with the accessibility service coordinator’s signature.

Dining Accommodations

If you require a special diet, you are invited to discuss your needs with the dining services director at dsu.sodexo@dickinsonstate.edu or 701-483-2014.

Dining accommodations will be approved only for students who must purchase a full-service meal plan. You can find more information in the Student Handbook. Exceptions to the requirement to purchase a meal plan based on a disability are granted only if your needs cannot be met in our dining facilities. If an exception needs to be made to the meal plan, kitchens are available in student housing for your use, and you will be responsible for purchasing your own food.

To be approved for dining accommodations (e.g., special diet), you must register with Accessibility Services. Requests for dining accommodations are granted when you have submitted sufficient documentation demonstrating that you have a disability and that the requested accommodation is medically necessary based on the current functional limitations of the disability.

You should apply for dining hall accommodations as soon as you have decided to attend Dickinson State University or at least 60 days before you need the accommodation.

Housing Accommodations

To be approved for residence hall accommodations (e.g., single room, emotional support animal), you must register for accessibility services. The accessibility services coordinator reviews requests for residence hall accommodations then recommends them to the housing director based on provided documentation. There is no guarantee residence hall accommodation requests will be granted by registering with the Accessibility Services Office. Please see the registration process for more details.

You'll find more information at Dickinson State University Housing, including requests for approval to live off campus. You'll also find information in the Student Handbook. Exceptions to the requirement to live on campus on the basis of a disability are granted only if your needs cannot be accommodated in one of the on-campus residence halls.

Please note that Accessibility Services cannot approve requests for single rooms based on your desire to have a quiet, undisturbed place to study. Because of the shared facilities, resources, and number of people living in the residence halls, a single room is just as quiet and distraction-free as a standard double room. If you want a quiet, undisturbed place to study, we encourage you to visit Stoxen Library.

You should apply for residence hall accommodations as soon as you have decided to attend or continue at Dickinson State University to give us enough time to make the adjustments you need.

Emotional Support Animals

DSU recognizes the importance of emotional support animals (ESAs) for individuals with disabilities and has established a policy regarding ESAs to assist students. The university also acknowledges that such animals’ presence may present health, safety, security, and programmatic issues for other members of the community. DSU reserves the right to alter ESA procedures, as necessary, at any time.

DSU reserves the right to enforce all relevant rules for the use of ESAs through the student conduct code and applicable laws. The university also reserves the right to revoke the permission granted for the campus presence of any ESA whose owner fails to follow the requirements set forth in ESA procedures.

Requests for ESAs will only be reviewed under the procedure for university housing. ESA animals will not be allowed in other campus facilities (i.e., classrooms, dining facilities, etc.) according to DSU policy 916.001 Animals On Campus.

Requests that do not carry evidence of the ESA’s necessity as a reasonable accommodation will be denied.

Accommodation requests are reviewed and managed by the Office of Accessibility Services. For more information, contact the Office of Accessibility Services at dsu.accessibility@dickinsonstate.edu or by phone at 701-483-2686.

Assistive Technology

Read & Write Gold 11.0

An easy-to-use computer program designed to help improve reading fluency and comprehension. This software includes tools to help improve research, writing, studying, and test-taking skills. Read & Write Gold is available as a free PC and MAC download to DSU students, staff, and faculty. Please contact the Accessibility Services Coordinator for more information.

Sonocent Audio Notetaker

An innovative study tool that enables almost any student to create complete notes from class, encouraging both independence and better learning. Designed for students who struggle with note taking, Audio Notetaker combines color-coded audio, text, and images in the same space.

For more information, visit Sonocent.com.

ABBYY FineReader 9.0

FineReader converts scanned paper documents, digital images of texts, and image-only PDFs into actionable formats such as Microsoft® Word, Excel®, or searchable PDFs, enabling you to quote or entirely reuse text and table content without retyping.

Dragon Naturally Speaking 12.0

Dragon recognizes what you say and how you say it so you can turn talk into text and use your voice to command the PC and applications. Say words and they appear on your screen. Use your favorite applications to dictate documents, send email, or search the web. Speak simple voice commands into a headset/microphone to launch applications. (This program requires additional training for the computer to recognize your voice.)

User Guide

Quick Start Guide

Livescribe

Take the stress out of tests and meetings with an Echo smartpen from Livescribe. Record everything you hear, say, and write, while linking your audio recordings to your notes. Quickly replay audio from your Livescribe paper, a computer, or a mobile device – all with a simple tap on your handwritten notes. It’s never been easier to take notes and stay organized.

User Guide

Basics

Frequency Modulation (FM) Amplification System

A personal amplification system designed for use by individuals who are hard of hearing. The system can be used in group settings like a classroom, where it maximizes your ability to hear and allows you to hear the speaker’s message. FM Systems are wireless assistive hearing devices that enhance the use of hearing aid(s), cochlear implants, and assist people who are hard of hearing, but do not wear hearing aids.

USB Voice Recorder

With this device, you can record audio from lectures and replay the audio by plugging the USB into a computer.

User Guide

JAWS 14.0 for Windows

Screen-reading software developed for computer users whose vision loss prevents them from seeing screen content. JAWS reads aloud what’s on the PC screen.

User Guide

Alternate Text Requests

To receive alternate texts, please follow the steps below:

  • Identify books for each class and bring this list into the Accessibility Services office.
  • Purchase the text for each class.
  • Pick up the alternate text format.
    • Accessibility Services will contact you within two working days of receiving the alternate text format.
  • Sign a contract with Accessibility Services before receiving the alternate text format.

You must return alternate formats within three days of the class final or within three days of withdrawal from class, transfer to another postsecondary institution, etc.

Learning Ally

Learning Ally provides a growing library of accessible, downloadable audiobooks and educational content for people of all ages and education levels including people with learning disabilities, visually impaired individuals, and individuals with physical disabilities.

Please see the accessibility services coordinator to arrange access to Learning Ally.

https://learningally.org/Solutions-for-Home/College-Adults

Bookshare

An accessible online library for people with print disabilities. Please see the accessibility services coordinator to arrange access to Bookshare.

https://www.bookshare.org/cms

Confidentiality and Release of Information

Accessibility Services ensures that all student information is confidential as required or permitted by law. Any information obtained by Accessibility Services is used to verify the disability and plan for appropriate services. This information may include test data, grades, biographical history, disability information, performance review, and case notes.

Disability-related information is treated the same as medical information. For example, DSU faculty and staff do not have a right or a need to access diagnostic or other information regarding a student’s diagnosis. They need only to know what accommodations are necessary or appropriate to meet the student’s needs. No one has access to the student files at Accessibility Services except the accessibility services coordinator and the director of the Student Opportunity and Resource (SOAR) Center.

Information regarding a student’s disability may be shared with a limited group of university officials on a “need to know” basis. For example, information may be released when a student is appealing a disability-related decision or citing the disability as a mitigating circumstance in a course or program-related issue. View the FERPA/Student Information Release form on Campus Connection by completing these steps

Files maintained by the university will only be released in accordance with federal and state laws, which require release in the following circumstances:

  • A student indicates or reports that he/she intends to harm himself/herself or another person(s).
  • A student reports physical abuse, neglect, or sexual abuse of children or vulnerable adults within the last three years. This includes the occurrence of abuse or neglect to the student if he/she was under the age of 18 at the time of the abuse.
  • Files can be released legally pursuant to a court order or subpoena.
  • A student may give written authorization for the release of information when he/she wishes to share it with others. Before giving such authorization, the student should understand the information is being released. Information will not be released without consent unless it is required by federal or state law.
  • Documentation will be kept on file for five years after the student is no longer enrolled at Dickinson State. After that time, documents will be appropriately disposed of.

Grievance Procedures

Internal Grievance Procedure

Students may use the Grievance Policy for Accommodations to appeal the university’s decisions regarding requests for accommodations.

External Grievance Procedure

Students with disabilities, who feel the university may have violated their civil rights, may file a complaint with the Office for Civil Rights (OCR). The OCR enforces federal civil rights laws. These laws prohibit discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance from the Department of Education (ED).

Channel for Communication Relating to Accessibility Services

Accessibility Services Specialist > Associate Provost > Provost

Report an Access Barrier

All are encouraged to report physical access problems (e.g., icy walking path, elevator not working). If you encounter any barriers at DSU, please contact Facilities at 701-483-2148. 

FAQ

Disabilities can be physical, psychological, or learning-related. A disability is defined as significantly limiting one or more major life activities.

Accessibility Services can help you by discussing the options available. We don’t provide screening for disabilities, but the accessibility services coordinator can give you referrals to get evaluated. You are responsible for all testing and documentation costs.

That decision is up to you. Disclosure is a very personal choice and should be done only after careful thought. If you have a disability, there are no requirements that you tell anyone about it at any time, but to receive accommodations at work or in college, you must let Accessibility Services know about it.

Maybe, but not necessarily. High school special education programs are required by law to provide whatever service, help, or accommodation you need to be successful. Colleges and universities are required by law to provide “equal access to education” through programs, services, or extra help. Access is provided through reasonable accommodations. For example, services such as word banks or reduced assignments probably won’t be provided, because higher education schools don’t provide adjustments that would change the educational standards of coursework.

If you are 18 years old or older, you are legally recognized as an adult. As an adult, you must self-identify to Accessibility Services, request accommodations, and submit supporting documentation. Accommodation requests and disability documentation will only be accepted from you, not from your parents. However, parents are a wonderful source of support, and we encourage you to have open communications with them or other significant family members.

Yes, absolutely! If you’re planning to visit our campus as you select a university, let your enrollment coach know that you’d like to speak with someone from Accessibility Services or if you will need any accommodations during the visit.

Please note that you are not required to disclose your disability at any time. The decision to self-disclose a disability during the admission process is your personal choice. Dickinson State University does not have a separate admissions process or criteria for students with disabilities. Disability documentation should be submitted directly to Accessibility Services.

The accessibility services coordinator makes the final decision after reviewing your documentation and talking with you. Accommodations will be based on how the disability interferes with access to the activity. You can appeal decisions regarding approved accommodations using the grievance procedure.

Maybe, but not necessarily. Each university may have different guidelines related to documentation and what is a reasonable accommodation. Upon transfer to Dickinson State University, information from a previous school is helpful, but it’s still necessary for Accessibility Services to review your documentation and determine what is reasonable at our institution. 

Yes. Accommodations ensure “access,” not necessarily “success.” If you are struggling in a course, we recommend speaking with your academic or faculty advisor about your options for staying in the course and/or other resources, such as tutoring.

No. Being registered with Accessibility Services will not appear on your academic records.

You should start registering for accessibility services as soon as you have been accepted at DSU, or at least 60 days before your first semester starts so that we have plenty of time to arrange any accommodations you may need.

Please send your disability documentation to:

Accessibility Support Services
291 Campus Drive
Dickinson, ND 58601

Fax: (701) 483-2942
Note: Please include a cover letter when faxing and indicate that the material is confidential.

Email: dsu.accessibility@dickinsonstate.edu
Note: Documentation accepted via email must be sent directly from the medical provider.

No. The IEP or 504 Plan developed by your high school will not follow you to college, but the rights and protections under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 apply. Section 504 is civil rights legislation and provides two things: (1) nondiscrimination based on disability and (2) an equal opportunity to participate. The concept of “maximizing success” is only found under IDEA for elementary and secondary school. 

Maybe, but not necessarily. If your IEP or 504 Plan contains the necessary information, it will be accepted as documentation. Please see the Documentation Guidelines for appropriate documentation.