Disability Article I wrote for the Tangerine

Academic Support Services Hosts Event on Accommodating Students with Disabilities by AJ O’Hagan

The Office of Academic Support Services hosted the ACSS (Adapting Curriculum for Student Success) Conventions in room 355 of the library last Thursday afternoon.

Learning Specialist Judy Borner and the Director of Learning Services Kateri Henkel hosted the event and explained how students with disabilities get help and accommodations for their academics here at Utica College.

One example is testing. Students with an updated documented disability are allowed to take their exams in a separate room by themselves with double the time limit compared to a regular exam period. They can also have note-takers take notes for them in class and use audio devices so they can hear the notes.

“We also focus on the transition from High School to college.” Borner said. These events attract faculty, staff, and students from Utica College but they aren’t the only ones. “Teachers from other schools and people from the community also attend this event.” Henkel said.

Every semester Faculty and staff host two to three events on hoe to help and accommodate students with disabilities. When asked if these events were successful, Henkel replied, “I think so. We have had good responses from the people that attended.”

The Academic Support Services will be having more ACSS Conversations in the Fall Semester of 2010. They will be listed in the Cultural Calendar and Web-Site. For any questions, contact Kateri Henkel of the Academic Support Services at 315-792-3032.