Accommodations Overview

ACCOMMODATIONS OVERVIEW

Lock Haven University welcomes academically qualified students with disabilities. The Office of Disability Services for Students (ODSS) provides accommodations and accessibility resources to students with disabilities registered with ODSS. We are committed to serving a diverse student body, and want all students to achieve academic success through equitable access to University programs, services, activities, and facilities. Accommodations are determined on a case-by-case basis through an interactive process with the ODSS faculty/staff. Additional resources are available for all students within our campus-wide support system. 

COMMON ACADEMIC ACCOMMODATIONS

Academic accommodations are meant to provide the student with equal access to courses without fundamentally altering the essential elements of a course or degree program. The type of disability determines the appropriate accommodations.

Below you will find examples of common academic accommodations, but other accommodations specific to disability must be requested and approved.

Test Accommodations

Test accommodations are modifications to the testing conditions for students with hearing, visual, motor limitations or those who have learning, cognitive, or psychological disabilities that significantly affect the ability to demonstrate their mastery of course material under normal testing conditions. Test accommodations may include: 

• Extended Test Time
• Distraction Reduced Testing Environment
• Test Reader
• Test Scribe
• Use of a Computer for Tests

In consultation with the student, faculty members will assist in arranging testing accommodations. ODSS has a small Testing Center where students may test in small room or individual format. ODSS is also able to arrange for Test Readers and Scribes through the ODSS Testing Center. 

Peer Note-Taker

Note-taking is an accommodation for students with hearing, visual, motor limitations or those who have learning or cognitive disabilities that significantly affect the ability to take notes in class. The peer note-taking accommodation is designed to enhance the student's learning process by having another set of notes. This accommodation is not to be used as a substitute for attending class or taking one's own notes, if physically able.

Audio-Recording Lecture

Audio-recording class lectures is sometimes an accommodation for students with memory challenges, vision loss, attention deficits or distractibility, auditory processing disorders, or limited manual dexterity. The audio recording is a supplement to the student's own or a note-taker's written notes. Students must sign an agreement during their accommodation plan meeting agreeing not to share, copy, or release any material from a recording made in class and that the recording may be used for the student's personal educational needs only.  

Alternate Format Textbook/Course Materials

Alternative format textbooks/course materials are an accommodation for students with visual limitations, learning disabilities, or other cognitive or physical limitations that significantly affect the ability to read and or comprehend print material. This accommodation provides adequate access to textbooks/course materials in a format that is compatible with the student's limitations.  

• Electronic or Enlarged Font Classroom Materials (such as handouts and presentations)
• Captioned Videos, Movies, Internet Clips (captions, subtitles or transcript)
• Audio or Print Descriptions of Other Visual Materials (such as artwork, graphics, drawings, diagrams, flow charts) 

Preferential Seating

Preferential seating is an accommodation for students who have disabilities that affect their ability to see, hear, sustain attention, or participate in activities in the same ways as other students. Preferential seating allows the student to sit in a location that is most beneficial for his/her learning. For example, if the student has a vision or hearing loss, seating closer to the front of the room may be most appropriate, but a student who experiences anxiety in the classroom may need seating in an aisle seat, back row, or near the door.  

Priority Registration

Priority registration allows students with disabilities early registration for courses for Fall and Spring Sessions. Priority registration occurs only during pre-registration, and does not impact summer sessions, late registration or drop/add procedures.

Assistive Technology in the Classroom (Computer, iPad, Calculator, software, etc.)

This accommodation is for students who may need the use of technology to have equal access to the lecture or course materials. Depending on the disability/need the student may use the technology to take notes, read electronic documents, or to access other applications.

Residence Hall Accommodations

Residence Hall accommodations are provided for students with a variety of disabilities in order to provide equal access to campus housing facilities. Under the ADA (Americans With Disabilities Act), it is the responsibility of the student to request accommodations and provide documentation of a disability that has a significant impact on the student's ability to access and use on-campus housing facilities. This documentation must demonstrate that this accommodation is a medical necessity in order to have equal access to housing facilities. All requests for housing accommodations must be submitted to the ODSS.

When to Submit: Requests for housing accommodations should be made as soon as the Registration Deposit has been paid to ensure accommodations are in place for the start of the semester.

Request Process: To request housing accommodations, students must complete both of the following tasks:

• Complete the Housing Application process through Housing/Residence Life. Please note any accommodation requests on the Housing application.
  
• Submit an Accommodation Request with ODSS.

Interview/Review Process: Once those tasks are completed, communication will be made with the student to schedule a Welcome Meeting/personal interview with ODSS. This meeting will be followed by a review of the housing accommodation request form by the Director of Disability Services and the Dean of Student & Residence Life at LHU.

Requests for housing accommodations are determined on a case-by-case basis according to documented need and prevailing standards for reasonable accommodations. If there is sufficient documentation to determine medical necessity, a Housing Accommodation Letter will be sent to the Housing/Residence Life Office.

Requests for Exception to the Residency Requirement Due to Disability

If you are seeking an exception to the On-Campus Residency Requirement due to a disability, you must complete and submit an Accommodation Request with ODSS.

The DSO will forward approved Accommodation Letters to the Housing/Residence Life Office, with a copy to the student.

Dietary Accommodations

Lock Haven University Dining Services offers a variety of foods that promote healthy lifestyles. Recognizing that some students may have food allergies or dietary needs, Dining Services makes every effort to accommodate individual dietary needs. The dietician is available for referral and consultation to discuss available food options and dietary needs. Requests for Dietary Accommodations (special diet) must be submitted to ODSS. 

Please note: Students living in campus residence halls, with the exception of Campus Village (apartment style housing with in-unit kitchens), have a contractual/mandatory meal plan. 

Physical Access, Mobility Training, and Orientation

It is important that students with mobility impairments disclose their disability and notify ODSS of any problems with access at least 4 weeks prior to the first day of instruction to ensure access. 

Mobility orientation for students with visual impairments is provided by The Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services (BVS) of Pennsylvania. Students need to contact their local BVS office or the BVS office in Altoona at 814.946.7330 or 866.695.7673 to arrange for mobility orientation.

Other Support Resources

Our office also partners with and/or recommends that students connect with the following support resources:

• Tutoring at the Tutoring Center
• Writing assistance at the Writing Center
• Math assistance at the Math Center
• LHU Counseling Services
• Academic Support Programs
• Student Resources for Online Learning
• Glennon Student Health Services
• Job postings & career mentoring from LHU Center for Career & Professional Development
• Job postings from Bender Consulting Services, Inc.
• Liaison with the PA State Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR)