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:
Psycho-Educational Assessment—Students can receive a psycho-educational assessment, for a charge. After the fee is paid, students will be contacted by the educational diagnostician, and an appointment for testing will be set. Students who fail to appear for two or more set appointments will be placed at the end of the testing list. The Center for Disability Services does not provide individualized education plans, only support services and recommended learning strategies.

College Orientation—Small-group orientation sessions are held to help students understand college programs, services and degree requirements. Placement tests (COMPASS) in reading, math and communications must be completed before this orientation. Students needing assistance with  (COMPASS) tests need to make an appointment through the CDS office.

Instructor Assistance—The Center notifies the instructors of the services and auxiliary aids students with disabilities are eligible to use. The Center for Disability Services provides instructors with help in adapting instruction to meet student's needs.

Educational Planning—Students receive a letter from the Center for Disability Services approximately six weeks before registration for the following semester. Students need to arrange a counseling appointment to determine their course selection for the next semester.

Priority Registration—After analyzing and selecting their courses with their counselor or college advisor, students may register on the very first day of registration for spring and fall semesters.

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, or request that students turn off their tape recorders if personal information is being shared in class.

Extended Time for Testing—Teachers are informed that the students may need 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.

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. Recordings for the Blind and Dyslexic, and Educational Tape Recording are two sources from which students can request taped books. Recording a textbook can take two months or longer. We strongly recommend deciding what courses you will take and starting to track down book lists approximately three months before the beginning of the term. There is an annual fee for this service.

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. Special equipment is available as needed for taking tests in L170. The Center for Disability Services will not be responsible for proctoring untimed tests. Test proctoring will not be offered for reading classes.
 
Tutoring—Additional assistance is coordinated by the Center for Disability Services with the Academic Skills Center. The Academic Skills Center provides tutors, computer-assisted instruction (NovaNet), and audiovisual programs in the areas of English, mathematics, reading, biology, and accounting. Tutoring is coordinated by the Learning Development Support Services instructional coordinator at no cost, at a time that is convenient to students, in the content areas presenting problems for them. Every effort is made to schedule individual tutoring, but it cannot be guaranteed.

Interpreters—Students needing an interpreter for classes are encouraged to make their request to the Center for Disability Services at least eight to ten weeks prior to the start of a new semester. If the Center receives less than eight weeks notice, it cannot guarantee this accommodation.

TT/TDD—The Center has a text telephone located in Room L170. It may be used by students to communicate with the CDS, to make some local calls, and to make arrangements for support services such as calling a state rehabilitation agency. The TT/TDD is available during regular working hours. The number is (708) 974-2004. There is also a public TTY on the first floor of the College Center.

Assistive-Listening Devices—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 Center for Disability Services will enlarge textbooks as needed. It usually takes two to three weeks for books to be produced in this format.

Career and Academic Support—Counseling is available for students on an individual basis. Career and academic counseling, career exploration, and educational advising services are available to address concerns and needs. Students receive 1:1 assistance with academic advising and career planning.

Accessible Parking—Handicapped parking spaces are provided in each campus parking lot. Individuals need to purchase their own parking placard, plate or sticker through the local township or drivers license facility. 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 Center for Disability Services 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 Center for Disability Services does not provide personal attendant care or services of a personal nature. 

The Center for Disability Services does not provide equipment or devices of a personal nature.

Although the Center staff will be happy to help you tour the campus initially, Moraine Valley does not offer mobility training to the visually impaired.