Handbook
Introduction to Disability Services
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.
Legal Protection
State statues and federal laws prohibit discrimination. Students with a federally recognized disability have the same rights and privileges as any student to educational opportunities as well as any other public or private service that United States tax dollars help support. Institutions must make appropriate and reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities to enable accessibility to academic and non-academic activities:
- 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 director Lisa Besnoy at (859) 572-5282 or besnoyl1@nku.edu. Her office is in Room 101 of the University Center. Her fax number is (859) 572-5874.
After you have been admitted to NKU and have provided the required disability documentation to the in-take specialist, the Director of Disability Services will assist you with accommodations.
Common disabilities include, but are not limited to:
- Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
- Asthma/Allergies
- Attention Deficit Disorders
- Blind/Visual Impairment
- Cancer/Lupus
- Deaf/Hard of Hearing
- Diabetes
- Learning Disabilities
- Mobility Impairments
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Muscular Dystrophy
- Orthopedic Impairments
- Psychological Impairments
- Seizure Disorders
- Speech Impairments
- Substance Abuse
- Traumatic Head Injuries
Accessing Disability Services
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
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Medication prescribed
A learning disability requires a complete psychological evaluation done within three years of entering the University.
Documentation should be on letterhead or our Disability Services Form. 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 Procedure.
Format for the appeal can be picked up in the Disability Services Office. The policy can also be found on the web pages for the 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. Students will need to discuss specific arrangements with each professor for necessary accommodations.
Information sheets are available to take to professors that give helpful hints for teaching different types of disabilities:
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Teaching Students with Learning Disabilities
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Teaching Students with Mobility Impairments
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Deaf/Hard of Hearing
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Seizure Disorders
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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.
Here is detailed information on Accomodation Services provided for disabled students at NKU.
Accommodation Services:
Academic Advising/Class Registration
The Office of Disability Services will assist students with their first class schedule as appropriate. The Academic Advising Resource Center (Natural Science 405A), Student Support Services (BEP 209) or the department where a pre-major or major has been declared can assist with class scheduling for future semesters. Make an early appointment with the appropriate advisor to complete class selection and have your “hold” removed
The Super Advance Priority Registration period will be available after the first semester to students who are register 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.
Withdraw/Dropping a Class
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.
DO NOT discontinue attendance in a class without officially withdrawing through the Registrar’s Office. A registered student will receive a grade of “F” if the proper procedure to officially withdraw is not followed.
Dropping a class can affect your auto/medical insurance, scholarships, residential housing, financial aid grants, loans, work-study positions, vocational rehabilitation status, or veterans programs. Check with appropriate offices before dropping a class and look at your options.
Exam Proctoring
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 (UC 320) 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 (UC 320) 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 are to 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.
Liaison Services
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
Here is contact information for Department For Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) offices:
Northern Kentucky DVR
8020 Veterans Memorial Dr., Suite 100
Florence, KY 41042
(859) 371-9450
KY Bureau for the Blind
8020 Veterans Memorial Dr., Suite 100
Florence, KY 41042
(859) 371-3380
Southern Indiana DVR
836 Jackson St.
Columbus, IN 47201
(812) 376-9935
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, including class handouts, overhead transparencies and exams.
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 for enlarged text or equipment.
An Optelec is available in the Office of Disability Services, the Chase Law Library in Nunn Hall and on the fourth floor of Steely Library.
Services for the Deaf/Hard of Hearing
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. Every available resource will be used to acquire interpreters. Disability Services works closely with the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation to secure interpreters. Volunteer note-takers can be used for acquiring notes.
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.
Share notes in study groups or one-on-one to assure receipt of all lecture material. 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
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 information on electronic text formats and assistive technology.
Steely Library: Access and Service
Steely Library has a Disability Services web page where you can make accommodations for individual help. Plan ahead and schedule with library personnel to receive help with your library research.
Services available include:
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Assistance with searching computers or other indexes and reference books
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Retrieving items from the stacks
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Assistance with 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.
Albright Health Center
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
(859) 572-5475
University Center, Room 170
Here is a listing of Learning Assistance Programs available to NKU students:
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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.
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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 are 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.
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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.
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Speech Lab: The Speech Lab located in Room 102 of Landrum Academic Center 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.
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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 through the Office of Financial Aid. The list of scholarships for students with disabilities includes:
Health, Counseling, and Prevention Services
(859) 572-5650
University Center, Room 440
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 can receive free Counseling Services in areas of personal concern, relationships, frustration, and anxiety. Counselors are trained in treating a wide variety of personal concerns.
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:
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Emphasis on low income and first generation students
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Neither parent/guardian has a four-year degree
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Students have a federally recognized disability
Services available to students include:
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Academic advising/counseling
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Learning skills workshops
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Computer training
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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
Free career services available to NKU students from freshmen to alumni status include:
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Career planning
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Cooperative education
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Career employment
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Alumni services
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Job placement services
Campus 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.
Campus facilities
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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.
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ON-CAMPUS TELEPHONES: Telephones are located throughout the campus to make calls within the university by dialing the last four digits of the extension 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 operator to connect.
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EMERGENCY CALLS: Department of Public Safety (859-572-5770) uses 7777 as an on-campus emergency response number. DO NOT dial 911 on campus!
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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
Students can work with professors 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 Authority of Northern Kentucky (859-331-8436) offers RAMP Disability Service for transportation to Northern Kentucky University and business community.
For transportation to and from the Residential Life Area to the main campus, Escort Service can be provided for your safety by dialing x5500.
Students can acquire an NKU Disability Parking Permit through the Parking Office (859-572-5505). Students must apply for a permanent disability placard through the state.
Students who do not have state-issued disability parking permits may apply to the Health Office for temporary disabled parking pass by submitting a physician’s statement to the Health Office 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.
Emergency response
NKU has instituted an Emergency Response Manual that addresses many emergency situations. Emergency warning signals on campus include:
A siren or buzzer within a building is a signal to evacuate the building. An external siren on campus is a signal to move inside a building and seek shelter away from windows
To 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 and 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 should keep these tips in mind during building evacuations:
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Move to a stairwell and wait for assistance on landing
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Ask students and personnel to report your position to Public Safety of the university
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Remain calm and wait for rescue from the Department of Public Safety or fire department. Public Safety officers and fire personnel will check the stairwell on each floor first in an emergency
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DO NOT allow unauthorized personnel (classmates or professors) to lift or carry you down a stairwell. The only exception would be if the building is going up in flames or it is deemed as a terminal situation!
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Be aware of safety features of building you enter
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Plan ahead by knowing the location of exits and location of telephones
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Learn emergency numbers (x7777 or x5500). Emergency personnel will respond immediately. DO NOT dial 911 on campus
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Arrange for a friend, fellow student, or aid to wait with you during evacuation
Additional Information
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.