Legal Protection Contacting this Office Accessing Disability Services Academic Advising/Class Registration Withdraw/Dropping Class Exam Proctoring Liaison Services Services for the Deaf/Hearing Impaired Learning Centers Financial Aid Health, Counseling, & Prevention Dept. of Student Life Student Support Services Career Development University Housing Dept. of Public Safety Parking Office Emergency Warning Signal
We
are pleased you have chosen Northern Kentucky University to continue your
education. The Office of Disability
Services will work with your course of study.
The goal of NKU is to guarantee that all students with disabilities have
an equal opportunity in the pursuit of their educational objectives.
Services and programs are available for students according to their
individual needs. Students who
consistently use the many resources and accommodations services at NKU earn
higher grades and graduate at a higher rate than students who choose not to use
them.
The following information outlines the
procedures for accessing the services and accommodations available to you.
For further information, contact the Office of Disability Services.
Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Public Law 93-112), Title V, Section 504
The Americans with Disability Act of 1990 (ADA)
Contacting
the Office of Disability Services
For
information about applying to the disability services program, contact Lisa
Besnoy, Assistant Director, (859) 572-5282 (email: besnoyL1@nku.edu,
fax: (859) 572-5874), University Center, room 320.
After
you have been admitted to NKU and have provided the required disability
documentation to the in-take specialist, Sue Roth will assist you with
accommodations.
Sue Roth, Director of Testing and Disability Services,
(859) 572-5180
(Email: roths@nku.edu), University
Center, room 320.
Common disabilities include, but are not limited to:
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
Asthma/Allergies
Attention Deficit Disorders
Blind/Visual Impairment
Cancer/Lupus
Deaf/Hearing Impairments
Diabetes
Learning Disabilities
Mobility
Impairments
Multiple
Sclerosis
Muscular
Dystrophy
Orthopedic Impairments
Psychological Impairments
Seizure
Disorders
Speech
Impairments
Substance Abuse
Traumatic Head Injuries
Students with disabilities must self-identify to the Office of Disability Services.
Documentation from a physician, psychiatrist,
or medical specialist requires a statement including the following information
on an individual’s disability:
Medical
Diagnosis or Diagnostic/Statistical Manual (DSM) IV Revised Classification
·
Medication
prescribed
Documentation
should be on letterhead or our Disability Services Form
A
learning disability requires a complete psychological evaluation done within
three years of entering the University.
All
documentation is kept confidential.
The documentation for the disability should address how the disability affects major life activities.
The
Office of Disability Services will verify the need for reasonable
academic/physical accommodations and will provide a form to the student that
verifies approved accommodations. Should
the student feel that reasonable academic or physical accommodations are not
being given; the student can appeal the accommodations within five business days
through the Student Accommodation Appeals Process.
Format for the appeal can be picked up in the Disability Services Office.
The policy can also be found on the web page of the Office of Disability
Services, Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities, and in the Dean of
Student Development Office. Speak
with the Director of Disability Services to clarify the need and accommodation
before starting an appeal process.
Students who register with the Office of Disability Services will receive an accommodation letter to share with their faculty as appropriate (i.e.exam proctoring or help in securing a volunteer note taker).
Students
sign a Consent to Release Form to give the Office of Disability Services permission to
disclose information in a discretionary manner should the Director need to intervene in an academic or University
situation/concern on the student’s behalf.
Teaching Students with Learning Disabilities
Teaching
Students with Mobility Impairments
Hearing Impairments
Seizure Disorders
Chronic Medical Conditions
Letters are prepared by the Office of Disability
Services to assist in acquiring testing accommodations and/or volunteer note
takers.
In the event that a reasonable academic/physical
accommodation is not provided by a faculty member, contact the Director for
Students with Disabilities immediately to clarify the concern or issue.
Make an
early appointment with the appropriate advisor to complete class selection and
have your “hold” removed.
Available
only to students who are registered with the Office of Disability Services.
Super
Advance Priority Registration
takes place a few days before Advance Priority Registration begins.
The date will be posted outside the Disability Services Office and a
reminder will be sent to you for the date of this registration each semester.
The Official Schedule of Classes will be available a few weeks prior to Super Advance Registration on the NKU web page early in the semester.
Students
will register on-line at appropriate time or thereafter.
Other
“holds” such as Parking, Library, and Financial Aid must be cleared to
register.
Students
on probation must meet with the appropriate probation dean/advisor and register in
person at the registration center.
Please
immediately contact the Office of Disability Services with any problems.
Students
should speak with an advisor before action is taken. Consider other options; talking with professor, tutoring,
resource labs, or study groups to help with the class.
Verification
of disability will determine the eligibility for the service.
Provided
on a case-by-case basis.
exams
will be given in a quiet, distraction-free environment with up to double time on
exams.
Use of a
scribe and/or reader is available as appropriate (i.e. word processing programs,
Optelec, etc.).
Students
must secure a “Verification Letter for Student Accommodations” at the beginning of each
semester and give a copy to their professor as soon as possible.
Make an appointment and visit with each professor to discuss your
individual concerns and situation. Professors are not notified that you have a disability
by Disability Services.
Students
will receive guidelines for the exam proctoring service from the Office of
Disability Services listing responsibilities of the student, professor, and the
Disability Services.
The
student will remind the professor several days before the test of the needed
accommodation. It is the
responsibility of the professor AND the student to have the exam sent to the
Office of Disability Services
(UC320) as soon as possible prior to the exam date.
A calendar in the department is provided to schedule your exam.
The
student will sign up for an exam in the Office of Disability Services (UC320) at least
one week in
advance of the class scheduled exam date. A calendar is provided to
schedule your exams.
Students
are monitored by surveillance camera and personnel in the department.
Sound
mufflers, white noise, earplugs, or light music can be provided by the
department.
Coats,
purse, book bags, and personal belongings should be placed in lockers or placed
in appropriate safe areas. Cell
phones should be secured in lockers.
Questions
regarding exam proctoring should be addressed to the Director of the Office of
Disability Services.
Discussion of the exam with other students before taking the exam and/or giving information to other students regarding the exam is considered cheating. Exams should be taken as close to the time (preferably the same day) that the class is taking the exam.
The
Office of Disability Services acts as a liaison with many national, state,
local, and community agencies. The
department also consults with all University departments. Referral and available resources are available.
Agencies
commonly utilized:
Department
for the Blind
Disability
Coalition of Northern Kentucky
Recordings
for the Blind
Veterans
Rehabilitation
Workers
Compensation
North Key
Northern
Kentucky Services
Department
For Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)
1.
Northern
Kentucky DVR
8020 Veterans Memorial Dr., Suite 100
Florence, KY 41042
(859) 371-9450
2.
KY Bureau
for the Blind
8020 Veterans Memorial Dr., Suite 100
Florence, KY 41042
(859) 371-3380
3.
Southern
Indiana DVR
836 Jackson St.
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 376-9935
4.
Southern
Ohio DVR
617 Vine St., Suite 925
Cincinnati, OH
45202
(513) 852-3260
1-800-368-3515
Large Print Material/Visual Text Equipment
Each
academic department is responsible for enlarging material for students with
disability needs.
Class handouts, overhead
transparencies,
Information
should be printed on white paper
Copy
machines with enlarging capabilities are found throughout campus
Students
should provide professors with the accommodation letter which verifies their need
An Optelec is available in the Office of Disability Services Office, Nunn Hall - Chase Law Library, and Steely Library - 4th floor.
Advance notice must be given to the
Director of Disability Services to provide an interpreter for class
accommodations.
A
limited number of interpreters are available in the northern Kentucky community.
Assistive Listening
Devices may be loaned to students for short-term use.
Different
systems may be needed by some students.
Department
of Vocational Rehabilitation can help students acquire the listening systems
that work for their individual needs.
Advance
notice to the department in charge of the program is essential.
Professors
should use close captioning for television and audiovisual presentations.
Tape Recorders/Volunteer Note Takers
Notify the professor that the lecture is being taped, based on the approved accommodations.
Professors will assist in providing volunteer note takers.
Some professors may give copies of their notes for use and/or provide their notes online.
Carbonless paper can be acquired from the Office of Disability Services.
A letter
from Disability Services to the professor will be provided to the students to help secure a volunteer note
taker.
Taped Text Books/Reader’s Services
Taped textbooks can be ordered from:
Recording for the Blind
20 Roszel Road; Princeton, NJ 08540
(609) 452-0606; (800) 221-4792; (800) 221-4793
The
University Bookstore can give a list of books needed by looking at the
student’s class schedule
Books and materials not on tape
Students needing taped books are encouraged to learn and use the Kurzweil 3000 Reading Program. The program provides both visual and auditory feedback immediately, and allows students to store material on disk, e-mail home, study, and read along with audio text. Learning this program can provide instant auditory help in a very short time. Contact the Lisa Besnoy, room UC 320; 859-572-5282 for more infomration on electronic text formats and assistive technology.
Steely
Library: Access and
Service
See Steely Library web page to register for individual help. Plan ahead and schedule with library personnel to receive help with your library research.
Services available include: assistance with searching computers or other indexes, reference books, retrieving items from the stacks, use microform equipment, and photocopying at students’ expense).
Library Resources also include an adjustable computer table, computer with Jaws, Dragon Naturally Speaking, Kurzweil Read Station, an Optelec, and other assistive devices. Click the link to assistive technology to see a list with locations of assistive technology on campus.
Remember to seek out the Reference Desk
when you need help with library questions.
All NKU students receive a membership to the Albright Health Center.
Students with physical challenges should ask their physician to help develop a fitness program that will accommodate limitations and disability.
Notify the Health Center staff about the program for support and possible assistance.
Some specialized equipment such as a swimming lift is available upon request.
Learning Assistance Center
(859) 572-5475
Founders Hall, room 209
The Writing Center Tutorial assistance with any writing assignment from any course: English, literature, term papers , reports, letters, and memos. Also, help with study skills, notes, and exam skill development. Advance registration required in the center.
Tutorial Assistance Peer tutors are available for most freshmen and sophomore classes. One-to two hours of tutoring per class, per week can be utilized.
Tutoring fees paid for by the student fee.
Students will be given the names and phone numbers of tutors to contact. Convenient tutoring session can be scheduled.
Students should come to the tutoring session prepared with books, notes, syllabus, and other needed material.
Students must show up for scheduled tutoring sessions or be terminated from the use of tutorial support.
Developmental
Math Lab
Individual help can be acquired in the Math
Lab for math 090, 095, and 099.
Operating hours are posted in the lab.
Speech Lab The Speech Lab can help students develop,
prepare and practice an oral presentation done at NKU. Students can receive help for speaking
anxiety and receive constructive criticism while practicing a presentation.
Academic Computer Lab
Instructional workshops and programs are
constantly being given to train students in e-mail, internet and other new and
helpful programs. The Lab is equipped with many different
computers for disciplines throughout the university. Basic word processing training is available
in many areas. There are many computer labs within academic
departments and throughout the university. Operating hours are posted each semester. Financial Aid/Scholarships
Office of Financial Aid
(859)
572-5143 Administrative Center, room 416 Federal financial aid, grants, and loan
information is available for all students. Contact the Office of Financial Aid for all
scholarships and specific scholarship information for students with
disabilities.
1.
Thelma Louise Grein Scholarship
2.
Roy and Elizabeth Dawn Memorial Scholarship
3.
Jan Walling Memorial Scholarship
4.
Fifth Third Bank/Lions Club Tip-Off Scholarship
Campus Health Services (859) 572-5650 University Center, room 300 Health Services is committed to providing
prevention and treatment service in an effort to enhance the students’ health and help students make healthy lifestyle decisions Education, training, screening, and
treatment services are provided free and without appointment Students with disabilities are
encouraged to
register with Health Services when necessary Nurse Practitioner Services Health Clinic Campus Counseling Service (859) 572-6373 University Center, room 300
Students can receive free counseling support
in areas of personal concern, relationships, frustration, and anxiety
Counselors are trained in treating a wide
variety of personal concerns
Referral service Activities/Support Groups
Department of Student Life (859) 572-6514 University Center, room 10 Student Life can put you in contact with
many special interest and support groups – Student Government, clubs,
fraternities, sororities, and other university organizations. Get involved and have a good time while developing many
leadership, communication, and social skills.
Future employers like to see university and community involvement. Student Support Services (859) 572-5138 Business, Education, Psychology
Center,
room 209
A selective, academic support program
designed to increase the retention and graduation rates of participants. Funded through a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of
Education, the program targets students who demonstrate a need for academic
support and meet one or more of the following eligibility criteria:
Emphasis on low income and first generation
students
Neither parent/guardian has a four-year
degree
Students have a federally recognized
disability Services available:
Academic advising/counseling
Learning skills workshops
Computer training
Social/cultural activities Student support services works with a
limited number of students each year and it is suggested that students apply
early, as a waiting list generally exists. Career Development Center (859) 572-5680 University Center, room 230
Career services are free to NKU students
from freshmen to alumni status.
Career planning
Cooperative education
Career employment
Alumni services
Job placement services
University Housing
(859) 572-5676 Norse Commons, room 101
Residential Life has a number of
accessible rooms for students with disabilities. Ground-level
rooms and dining area make easy access to the university community. Special room accommodations will be given on a case-by-case
basis and is determined by disability and supporting documentation. Students
must register with the Office of Disability Services to receive housing accommodations.
Apply early, as they do have a limited number of accessible rooms. Power Doors Hydraulic power doors are located throughout
the university (consult
map for locations). Each building has plaza level access and
lower level access. Report power door failure to Physical Plant
Office 572-5661 for immediate repair. In-House Telephones
In-house telephones are located throughout
the university.
Communicates within NKU only.
Dial the last four digits of the phone
number.
Directories are available throughout the
university or at the Information Center in the University Center Lobby.
Dial “0” if a directory is not available and ask the operator to connect.
Department of Public Safety’s Emergency
Response Number is 7777. DO NOT dial 911 on campus! Restrooms
Restrooms with power doors are located
within each building.
Plaza-level restrooms are designated as the
floor with accessible restrooms.
Landrum Academic Center has an accessible restroom
on the second floor.
More restrooms are being made accessible
above and below plaza level.
Classroom Accommodations
Work with professor to acquire needed
accommodations.
If you need an accessible work station, call Work Control, extension 5660,
to request the
accommodation. Identify yourself as a student with a disability and provide
the building, room number, and type of desk or chair needed.
Contact Office of Disability Services with
any problems Transportation
Transit Bus Company’s Disability Service,
RAMP, (859) 331-8436.
For transportation to Northern Kentucky
University and business community.
Department of Public Safety (859) 572-5770 Johns Hill Road, 415
In the event of an emergency call x7777
or x5500 on any in-house phone, or use Emergency
Response Stations located around campus in strategic locations. DO NOT dial 911 on campus, as this will only confuse emergency personnel
For transportation to and from the
Residential Life Area to the main campus in bad weather.
Escort Service can be provided for your
safety, just dial x5500.
Acquire an NKU Disability Parking Permit
through the Parking Office.
Students must apply for a permanent
disability placard through the state.
Students must obtain an NKU vehicle
registration sticker (must show state disability parking permit).
Students who do not have state-issued
disability parking permits may apply to the Health Office for temporary disabled
parking pass.
Temporary disability parking permit-Submit a
physician’s statement to the Health or Parking Office.
Accessible parking is located throughout the
campus. In the event that a parking
space cannot be located, contact a Department of Public Safety officer at (859)
572-5500 or stop an officer for help.
At
prime times officers are found throughout the University parking area.
In-house informational phones are located around the University. NKU has instituted an Emergency
Response Manual that addresses many emergency situations.
Internal building siren or buzzer: evacuate
the building
External siren (severe weather): move inside
a building, seek shelter away from windows. Take responsibility for your own
safety!
Identify
fire alarm boxes, exits, stairwells, and other safe areas in advance.
Ask for assistance during a building
evacuation.
Evacuate the building when a fire
alarm is
set off.
In case of an emergency, proceed to the
nearest marked exit, stairwell, or safe area.
Use classrooms, restrooms, or office areas
only in the event of an emergency if remaining in the building.
For building evacuations, move immediately
to the stairwell or exit areas.
On plaza or ground level, exit the building
and move far away from the building.
Do not stand on bridges or remain close to building entrances.
Individuals
who use wheelchair or with
mobility impairments: move to a stairwell and wait for assistance on landing. Be aware of safety features of building
you enter. Plan ahead.
Know the location of exits and location of telephones.
Learn emergency numbers (x7777 or x5500).
Emergency personnel will respond immediately.
DO NOT dial 911 on campus.
Arrange
for a friend, fellow student, or aid to wait with you during evacuation.
The Beginning
We look forward to working with you to
help you acquire your education and future career.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us so that we may
refer you to the numerous resources available to you.
Resources and technology constantly change here at NKU.
Watch our website for updated information.
We are here to assist you in this great educational experience.
EQUAL
OPPORTUNITY POLICY
It is the policy of NKU not to discriminate in its educational programs,
admission policies, financial aid, or other school-administered programs on the
basis of race, color, age, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation,
physical or mental disabilities, or status as a disabled veteran or veteran of
the Vietnam Era.
Mission & Goal
Accommodations
Scholarships
Calendar
of Events
Categories of Disability
Handbook
How to Register
Assistance Programs
Faculty Resources
Forms
Policy Appeal Procedure