Resources for students with a disability
Posted: June 27, 2024 | Author: Portia Qiao | Read Time: 3 minutes
Embarking on a college journey is both exciting and challenging, especially for students with disabilities. At Southern Utah University, the Disability Resource Center (DRC) is dedicated to ensuring that students with disabilities have full access to all university programs, services and activities. Whether you are a new student seeking guidance or a current student looking for additional support, the DRC is here to ensure you never feel alone on your college journey.
Here are the resources provided by DRC to support students with a disability:
Equipment available for checkout
- Digital Voice Recorder: Perfect for recording lectures and important notes, making it easier to review and study.
Equipment available for use at the DRC
- CCTV: Closed-circuit television for enhanced visibility of printed materials.
- Alternative Text: Access to textbooks and other reading materials in formats that suit your needs.
- Books in Alternative Format: Obtain your required reading materials in formats such as Braille, large print or digital text.
- Speechify: Speechify is for students in need of books in alternative formant. It is a text-to-speech (TTS) app that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to read text aloud. It's available as a mobile app, desktop app, or browser extension. Speechify can convert written text into spoken words from a variety of sources, including books, articles, emails, PDFs, images, and text messages. It can also translate text into over 50 languages.
Assistive Technology
- Laptop Computer: Available at the library, equipped with various software programs specifically designed to assist with learning disabilities.
Examination Accommodations
- Isolated and Distraction-Reduced Exam Space: A quiet and controlled environment to help you focus during exams.
- Extended Testing Time: Extra time to ensure you can complete your exams without unnecessary pressure.
- White Board: Available in exam spaces for students who need it for problem-solving and note-taking.
- Alternative Test Formats: Exams can be provided in different formats to suit your needs.
- Testing Aids: Including readers, scribes and interpreters to assist during examinations.
Sign Language Services
- Interpreter Services: Professional sign language interpreters are available to support your communication needs in and out of the classroom.
Note-Taking Assistance
- In-Class Peer Note-Taker: Peer support to ensure you have comprehensive and accurate notes from your classes.
- Otter AI: A transcription service that converts spoken language into written text in real-time. Otter AI is free for students registered with the DRC. Others can access a free trial but will have to pay afterward. Schedule an Otter training here.
Campus Orientation and Registration Assistance
- Priority Registration: Early access to class registration to ensure you get the courses and schedule that best fit your needs.
- Service Referral Information: Guidance and referrals to additional campus and community services.
- Tutor Referral: Access to tutoring services for extra academic support.
- Mentorship Program: Connect with mentors who can provide guidance, support and encouragement.
- This support is only for students who are 17-21 years old as mandated by the USOR grant from the State.
Additional support services
- Personalized Weekly Peer Mentoring: Weekly one-on-one sessions with a peer mentor to learn study strategies, time management and school/life balance. Only as mandated by our grant for students who are 17-21 years old.
- Possible Paid Summer Internship: Internship placements in Utah aligned with the student's major or interests. Only as mandated by our grant for students who are 17-21 years old.
- Pre-Internship Professional Development: Monthly workshops and one-on-one sessions for DRC students, covering communication, interview skills, resume building and job training.
Navigating college with a disability can be challenging, but with the right support and resources, you can achieve great things! If you have any questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to the DRC.
Remember, your fellow T-Birds are here for you, every step of the way.
Tags: Student Campus Resources Disability Resource Center
