In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on inclusivity and accessibility in education. As a result, many institutions have begun to implement initiatives aimed at supporting students with disabilities. Ivy Tech, a leading community college system in Indiana, is no exception. In this article, we'll explore five ways Ivy Tech supports students with disabilities, ensuring they have an equal opportunity to succeed.
Accommodations and Support Services
Ivy Tech offers a range of accommodations and support services designed to help students with disabilities navigate the college experience. These services include:
- Note-taking assistance
- Extended time on exams
- The use of a reader or scribe
- Adaptive technology, such as text-to-speech software
- Priority registration
These accommodations are tailored to meet the individual needs of each student, ensuring they have an equal opportunity to participate in academic programs.
Disability Support Services Team
Ivy Tech has a dedicated Disability Support Services (DSS) team, which works closely with students to identify and provide the necessary accommodations. The DSS team includes:
- Disability support specialists
- Counselors
- Tutors
- Adaptive technology specialists
These professionals work together to ensure that students with disabilities receive the support they need to succeed.
Assistive Technology
Ivy Tech has invested in a range of assistive technologies designed to support students with disabilities. These technologies include:
- Text-to-speech software
- Speech-to-text software
- Screen readers
- Closed captions on video and audio materials
These technologies help to level the playing field, ensuring that students with disabilities have equal access to course materials and resources.
Assistive Technology Labs
Ivy Tech has established Assistive Technology Labs on each of its campuses. These labs provide students with access to a range of assistive technologies, including:
- Adaptive keyboards and mice
- Software with text-to-speech functionality
- Screen readers and other visual aids
These labs are staffed by trained professionals who can provide guidance and support on using assistive technologies.
Accessibility in Online Courses
Ivy Tech has made a commitment to accessibility in its online courses. The college uses a range of strategies to ensure that online courses are accessible to students with disabilities, including:
- Closed captions on video and audio materials
- Transcripts for audio and video materials
- Clear and consistent navigation and design
- Compatibility with assistive technologies
These strategies ensure that students with disabilities can fully participate in online courses and access course materials.
Accessibility Guidelines
Ivy Tech has developed accessibility guidelines for online courses, which provide faculty with the resources and support they need to create accessible courses. These guidelines include:
- Guidelines for creating accessible documents and multimedia
- Tips for using closed captions and transcripts
- Resources for creating accessible navigation and design
These guidelines help to ensure that online courses are accessible to all students, regardless of their abilities.
Disability Awareness and Training
Ivy Tech offers disability awareness and training programs for faculty and staff. These programs are designed to promote understanding and inclusion of students with disabilities, and to provide faculty and staff with the knowledge and skills they need to support students with disabilities.
Disability Awareness Month
Ivy Tech celebrates Disability Awareness Month each October, with a range of events and activities designed to promote understanding and inclusion of students with disabilities. These events include:
- Guest speakers and panel discussions
- Workshops and training sessions
- Accessibility fairs and exhibits
These events help to promote a culture of inclusion and accessibility on campus.
Conclusion
Ivy Tech's commitment to supporting students with disabilities is evident in the range of services and resources it provides. From accommodations and support services to assistive technology and accessibility in online courses, Ivy Tech is dedicated to ensuring that all students have an equal opportunity to succeed. By promoting disability awareness and training, Ivy Tech is creating a culture of inclusion and accessibility on campus.
Gallery of Disability Support Services
FAQ Section
What types of accommodations are available for students with disabilities?
+Ivy Tech offers a range of accommodations, including note-taking assistance, extended time on exams, and the use of adaptive technology.
How do I request accommodations?
+Students can request accommodations by contacting the Disability Support Services team on their campus.
What types of assistive technology are available?
+Ivy Tech has a range of assistive technologies, including text-to-speech software, speech-to-text software, and screen readers.