Accessing Services

Counseling

CSD Counselors are available to guide students through the admissions/registration process. They will provide students with accommodations appropriate for their disabilities and classes they will take.

CSD Counselors are available at each campus location to help students explore career options and select the classes that are right for them. Whether students are planning on going into a certificate program, getting an Associate degree, or planning on transferring later to a four year program for a bachelor's degree, their CSD Counselor can guide them.

Sign Language Interpreting

The Center for Students with Disabilities has a team of sign language interpreters to assist students in all campus related activities. Any student who communicates through sign language can request an interpreter.

Note-taking/In-Class Scribe

Note-taking services are available for students with disabilities who have a severe learning disability, have a hearing impairment, or for some other disability related reason cannot take notes for themselves. The note-taker attends the student's class and takes notes from the class lecture. If a student cannot physically write, the note-taker assumes the role of a scribe. The scribe will not only take notes but will also take dictation from that student during class activities where the instructor requires students to write. Note-takers do not tutor the student in the classroom or interfere with the direct communication between the student and instructor. Outside of class, students might prefer to use technology in the Assistive Technology Lab for dictating their work. They can also request the services of a scribe.

Students meet with their CSD Counselor to request services. It is recommended that students request this service when they meet with their CSD Counselor during advising for class registration. The Campus Coordinator schedules all in-class services, such as note-taking and scribing. Students are asked to check with their Campus Coordinator to clarify these services.

Reader/Scribe

Students can request a reader or scribe specifically to assist them in completing assignments. The scribe will take dictation from the student. Students are responsible for deciding how they will answer on assignments.

Students who feel they may need this service can discuss their need with their CSD Counselor. There are alternatives to having a reader or scribe. The Center for Students with Disabilities maintains a variety of assistive technology that students may be able to use in lieu of a scribe or reader. CSD lab assistants are ready to assist students in acquiring the skills they need to make the best use of the technology available to them. Students with visual disabilities and learning disabilities can receive audio book through the Recordings for the Blind.

Tutoring

One-on-one scheduled tutoring and small group tutoring is available to students with disabilities enrolled at El Paso Community College; however, students with disabilities wanting this service must register with the Center for Students with Disabilities and request this service when meeting with their CSD Counselor. Once their CSD Counselor recommends the service, students meet with the CSD Campus Coordinator for their tutoring schedules. The Center for Students with Disabilities provides tutoring for students in degree, certificate programs, continuing education, and those students with disabilities who register for GED (graduation equivalency diploma) classes. CSD tutors have CRLA (College Reading and Learning Association) international tutoring certification at the regular, advanced, and master levels. They can help students with a variety of subject areas. Moreover, they are prepared to guide students with disabilities in developing insights into their own learning style, strengths and weaknesses, and to teach them learning strategies in conjunction with the subjects they are learning.

Testing Accommodations

Students who have disabilities that affect their ability to take tests are eligible to receive test assistance. The specific type of testing accommodation is determined by the nature of the disability. Test assistance provided by the Center for Students with Disabilities may include any one or a combination of the following accommodations: scribing, reading, extended time for testing, testing in a location other than the classroom, monitoring, and use of adaptive equipment.

Some students may need a test reader. The reader can describe graphs and diagrams in accordance with the instructor's directions. Sometimes students need a scribe who can physically write the student's test answers. The scribe takes the student's dictation; however, the scribe is not the only option available for recording test answers. In some cases, students may be able to use assistive technology in the test taking process. The CSD Counselor and CSD staff in the Assistive Technology Lab will familiarize students with assistive technology that may be useful in the test taking process. A monitor will oversee the test taking process when assistive technology is used. Scribes, readers, and monitors do not provide any assistance in determining answers to test questions. They only assist students in documenting their own answers on tests.

Extended Time

Students may require additional time for two reasons. (1) Extra time is needed just to work with a test assistant or use adaptive equipment.(2) Some students may have disabilities that affect their processing speed and will need additional time to complete a test.

Test Taking Locations

When additional time is the only testing accommodation needed, students usually take their test in the Testing Center. When the student needs test assistant or adaptive equipment, students take their tests in the CSD office.

Arranging Test Assistance

Students meet with their CSD Counselor to request this service. CSD recommends that students request test assistance when they meet with their CSD Counselor during advising for class registration, so students can provide their instructors with the testing assistance notification form.

Scheduling Exams

As soon as students know the test date, they should report to the Testing Assistance Coordinator or Campus Coordinator who will schedule the test during or as close as possible to the time the test is given in class. Students who receive extended time and take their tests in the Testing Center must follow their instructor's deadlines for taking the test.