Access Services Student Handbook

The student’s approved accommodations will appear on an instructor notification memo that the student will deliver to the instructor. It is necessary for the student to discuss the accommodations one-on-one with the instructor. The Access Office Specialist can facilitate this discussion for new students. The following are the most commonly used accommodations provided upon approval, but all accommodation requests are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Testing Accommodations

Quiz, exam, and test accommodations may include: 

• Out of class testing in the Testing Center
• Distraction reduced environment 
• Extended time 
• Assistive technology (e.g. screen-reader software, large screen) 
• Accessible formats (e.g. large print, audio, braille) 
• Computer Reader/scribe In-Class Accommodations

Note taking

Students who have difficulty capturing lecture material can be approved for note taking accommodations

The student and Access Specialist will discuss various ways that class notes are obtained: 

• The instructor might make their own notes available
• The instructor might secure a volunteer from the class who is willing to share notes 
• The instructor might request assistance from the Access Office in obtaining a note taker for the class

Audio recording of the lecture

The student might use an audio recorder as an effective technique for obtaining lecture material.

Accessible Media

The Access Office will provide course materials in accessible formats. Course materials includes textbooks, handouts, articles, exams, and videos.   To obtain these materials, speak with your Access Office.

• PDF
• Paper enlargements
• Braille
• Captioned videos
• Audio text
• Audio description (i.e. descriptive narration of images, videos, graphs, etc.)
• Other as determined by specific needs

Assistive Technology

Assistive technology is hardware or software designed to provide individuals with disabilities equal access to academic materials. There are a variety of assistive technologies on the STLCC campuses. To learn more about available assistive technology contact the Access Office on your campus.

Sign Language Interpreting/Speech-to-Text Transcribing

The Access Office will coordinate interpreting and/or transcribing services for deaf or hard of hearing students. Sign language interpreting and transcribing services are available for all Saint Louis Community College (STLCC) activities.

Interpreter Request Form

For additional information contact the Access Office.

Accessible Classroom Furniture

Disability Services is committed to ensuring students’ learning environments are accessible. Students who need accessible classroom furniture (e.g. tables, chairs) should notify their Access Specialist in advance by providing their course schedule and classroom locations via email.

FM Systems

Hard of Hearing students may request an FM Hearing System for use in the classroom environment. The FM System utilizes a microphone and transmitter unit (worn by the instructor) and a receiver and headset (worn by the student). The instructor’s speech is transmitted to the student’s receiver unit (via FM radio signal), and the student has the ability to control volume and other settings.

Lab Assistants

Students with disabilities which prevent them from being able to complete in-class lab requirements can request a lab assistant. Students should contact their Disability Services Access Specialist in advance to request this accommodation.

Lab assistants will:

• Perform only those tasks directed by you. They will NOT prompt or guide you in performing a lab task unless the task is dangerous
• Act as your hands or eyes, not as your instructor
• Inform you ahead of time if unable to attend a session
• Receive instruction, if needed, regarding your disability-related needs from you and/or your Access Specialist

Lab assistants will act only as your hands or eyes. All information about actual lab processes and procedures is your responsibility.

Temporary Accommodations

Students with temporary conditions, such as a broken leg/arm, concussion or surgery recovery can register with and receive services through the Access Office on a temporary basis. Students should visit or contact the office and ask to speak with an Access Specialist about registering for accommodations due to a temporary condition.