Support Services, Procedures and Responsibilities

No qualified student with a disability shall be denied the benefits of, be excluded from participation in, or be otherwise discriminated against in a college program or activity due to the absence of educational support services. 

Support services may include, but shall not be limited to:

• Evaluation and Review
  Documentation is reviewed upon receipt by the Center for Disability Services (CDS) professional staff and the needs of students are determined. If necessary, a diagnostic evaluation is recommend and can be administered through the CDS. The evaluation helps a person understand their learning strengths and provides strategies on how to compensate for their learning weakness. The preparation of the evaluation can take up to four to six weeks.
  
  A diagnostic evaluation fee is charged. The fee includes the testing cost and preparation of the report. After the fee is received in the CDS, students are contacted by the educational diagnostician and testing dates are set. If students fail to appear for two or more set testing dates, they will be moved to the end of the testing list.
   
• College Orientation
  Small-group orientation sessions are held by CDS to help students understand college programs, services and degree requirements. Placement tests (COMPASS) in reading, math and communications must be completed before attending orientation.
   
• Faculty Notification
  The Faculty Memo of Recommended Services/ Accommodations are distributed to students at the beginning of each semester. The student will hand deliver their memo to each instructor they want notified of services and accommodations. The memo is valid for one semester.
   
• Educational Planning
  Students receive a letter for the CDS approximately three weeks before registration for the following semester. Students may elect to arrange an advising appointment to determine their course selection for the next semester.
   
• Priority Registration
  Students may register during priority registration week after their first semester in attendance and registered with the CDS. There is no priority registration for summer classes.
   
• Tape Recorder
  Students have the right to tape their classes if the service is recommended based upon documentation. Teachers may require students to sign a waiver before tape recording their class. Teachers may also request that students turn off their tape recorders if personal information is being shared in class.
   
• Extended Time for Testing
  Extended time will be set at time and a half or double time dependent upon the documentation. Extended time does not mean unlimited time. Arrangements for taking tests should be made with the instructor. If a test will be taken in CDS office, it is the student's responsibility to make an appointment with the office five days in advance.
   
• Midterm Evaluation
  The CDS will send memos to instructors around the midpoint of the spring and fall semesters. The memo will ask for current grades, class participation and attendance, and use of accommodations. Letters are sent home to students who are earning less than a "C" in their class.
   
• Note-takers
  Some students with disabilities will require a note-taker. The instructor may assign a student in class to use NCR paper to get a duplicate set of notes. Students with disabilities are also advised to take notes and to use the note-taker's notes as a supplement.
   
• Textbooks-On-Tape
  Many students with visual impairments or learning disabilities rely on textbooks recorded on tape. The CDS has a membership with the Recordings for the Blind and Dyslexic. Recording a textbook can take two months or longer. We strongly recommend deciding what courses you will take and requesting the taped books at least two months before the beginning of the semester.
   
• Test Proctoring
  In some cases when severe decoding, limited sight word vocabulary, reading comprehension, or low-vision problems are noted, test proctoring may be recommended as a support service for students. It is the student's responsibility to make an appointment with the CDS at least five days in advance of using test proctoring. The CDS will not be responsible for proctoring untimed tests. Test proctoring will not be offered for reading classes.
   
• Tutoring
  The Academic Skills Center (Room B260) provides tutoring in select subjects for students who are experiencing problems in their courses. There is also a Writing Center located in the library to assist students in writing papers and reports. No appointment is necessary. Stop by for a schedule. The phone number to the Academic Skills Center is (708) 974-5340. If the Academic Skills Center does not offer tutoring for the specific subjects, CDS recommends that the student work with the instructor. A limited amount of scheduled tutoring is available through the CDS office.
   
• Sign Language Interpreters
  Students needing an interpreter for classes are encouraged to make their request to the Center for Disability Services at least 4-6 weeks prior to the start of a new semester. If the Center receives less than two weeks notice, it cannot guarantee this accommodation.
   
• Assistive-Listening Devices
  On a semester basis, the CDS will lend FM amplification systems for students to use in the classroom and for other school-related functions. Contact the Center for Disability Services for assistive-listening devises at (708) 974-5711. If you plan to use an FM system on a long-term basis, it is suggested you purchase your own FM system or ask your rehabilitation counselor to purchase one for you.
   
• Large-Print Books
  The CDS will enlarge textbooks as needed. It usually takes two to three weeks for books to be produced in this format.
   
• Career and Academic Support
  CDS provides educational and vocational counseling. Personal counseling is offered through the Counseling and Career Development Department (708) 974-5722.
   
• Accessible Parking
  Handicapped parking spaces are provided in each campus parking lot. The CDS strongly encourages eligible students to provide campus security with a state-issued handicapped parking permit. The student will then be given a Moraine Valley sticker for the handicapped parking spaces. If you have further questions about handicap parking, contact the Moraine Valley Police Department at (708) 974-5555.
   
• Student Complaints
  Students who feel accommodations are not meeting their needs should see a staff member in the CDS office or contact Toula Karnavas at (708) 974-5328. Every attempt will be made to provide students with the service or aid that will facilitate their success. Waiting to report a complaint could seriously impact grades.

The CDS does not provide personal attendant care or services of a personal nature. The CDS does not provide equipment or devices of a personal nature. Although the staff will be happy to help you tour the campus initially, Moraine Valley does not offer mobility training to the visually impaired.