...WITH SIGHT LIMITATIONS

ACADEMICS

Classroom Activity Access

Access to Text/Print

Expectations

ACCOMMODATIONS

Academic Participation

RDS Support

Computer Technology

MISCELLANEOUS

ACADEMICS

Students with vision limitations will be provided access to all academic programs for which they are academically qualified. They are also expected to meet the same requirements as other students for admission and for graduation.

Some courses or programs may require the ability to see in order to complete specific activities (e.g. laboratory work). However, in general, reasonable accommodations or modifications can often be implemented to compensate for this ability in doing the activity.

The method to demonstrate mastery of knowledge is commonly at the discretion of instructors. While some courses require this demonstration through papers and projects, students are more likely required to illustrate how much they know through exams. It is possible to accommodate students through different testing environments and formats. Students are not necessarily graded on effort although some instructors may factor this in when determining final grades.

Students who maintain a cumulative 2.0 grade point average (GPA) or above are considered in good standing with the university. Students who fall below a 2.0 cumulative GPA will be placed on probation. Students then have 2 semesters in which to raise their GPA to a 2.0 or better. At the end of two semesters, if a student's GPA is still below a 2.0, he/she will be dismissed from the university. (Petitions for exceptions are possible.)

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Classroom Activity Access

Students are encouraged to explore the requirements of specific courses the semester prior to enrolling in such courses so that appropriate accommodations or modifications can be arranged in a timely manner.

A student may be able to meet with a faculty member prior to taking a course to discuss the specific requirements.

A student may also wish to discuss specific courses with the RDS Counselor to determine whether or not the course can be adequately accommodated for participation. Student cooperation and collaboration are expected in developing an effective accommodation for specific activities.

Access to Text/Print

With advanced notice, most print material can be translated into an alternative format through RDS. The general alternative used by most students is auditory output, either orally through another person or electronically.

Some material can be converted into Braille through a scanner and Braille printer. However, large texts are not easily adapted for Braille translation. For such material, the most common adaptation is to convert the book to auditory output. Contact the RDS Coordinator of Alternative Text for more information.

The Morgan Library provides an electronic resource room that houses adaptive equipment for students to use independently. Some of the equipment includes: CCTV (closed circuit TV for enlarging text, pictures, etc.), screen enlargers and readers, talking word processors, voice activated computing, Braille translation software and printer and 4-track tape players. The library also offers Internet access with a screen reader. Some prior training is required for some equipment. Contact Lindsey Wess, reference librarian, (970) 491-1644, for specific training information.

Expectations

While some classes may present hands-on learning opportunities, many of the academic programs offered by CSU are theory-based. A student can expect a learning environment that is dependent not only on lectures and textbooks but also on self-initiative.

The majority of faculty are more than willing to meet with individual students to enhance the task of mastering course content. However, it is expected that students are primarily responsible for their own learning process. Exams are usually the method used to measure mastery of knowledge.

Students should be prepared to develop competencies in written and oral communication, mathematics, logical and critical thinking through the All-University Core Curriculum. Foundations and perspectives in the sciences, arts and humanities, social and behavioral sciences, history, global and cultural awareness, U.S. public values and institutions, and health and wellness are also part of this curriculum. The requirements of the Core Curriculum and a student's major are combined requirements for graduation from CSU.

ACCOMMODATIONS

The provison of an accommodation begins only once the need is made known to appropriate university personnel. A student must be considered eligible for an accommodation based on the documented presence of a disability and the significance the limitation has to participating in a course or program.

A student who needs accommodations in courses should first meet with the RDS Counselor. After an assessment of needs, the RDS Counselor will provide the student with a letter that will be given to each faculty member for each course for which an accommodation will be needed. This letter verifies for the faculty member that the accommodation is appropriate for a student's need. A faculty member need not provide an accommodation simply on the word of a student.

In addition, if specific arrangements need to be made with a faculty member, the RDS Counselor will be able to facilitate these arrangements, providing he/she is contacted in a timely manner.

There are no guarantees that a student will receive exactly the accommodation requested. Accommodations are provided that give effective access to the academic environment and for which resources are available.

Academic Participation

The presence of a vision limitation does not automatically exempt a student from any academic requirement, including science and mathematics education.

Many courses and activities can be adapted with prior planning. Some courses may require individual tutorial assistance while others may need adaptive computer equipment in place. Other accommodations may also require the direct involvement of instructors for specific modifications.

Students are encouraged to discuss their accommodative needs with the RDS Counselor prior to enrolling in specific courses so that accommodations can be arranged appropriately.

RDS Support

Many students with vision limitations have their text books recorded. Students are encouraged to apply to Recordings for the Blind and Dyslexic (RFBD) for 4-track cassettes. If a book is not available through RFBD, RDS will record the text through a volunteer pool of readers. See General Information for more information on this service and a direct link.

Some material may be Brailled through the use of a scanner and Braille printer. See the RDS Coordinator of Alternative Text for more information.

Students also are eligible for assistance with test taking. RDS offers alternative testing services that allow students the use of a reader, scribe, or adaptive computer technology. Arrangements for Alternative Testing are negotiated between the student, instructor and the RDS Coordinator of Alternative Testing.

Computer Technology

The Assistive Technology Resource Center (ATRC) provides individual assessments for adaptive devices for both classroom and other academic activities. Short term loan of equipment is offered for students who do not have access to their own equipment. Equipment available for loan includes: alternative keyboards, large monitors, screen enlargers and readers, and voice activated computing. Training is provided through ATRC. Students are encouraged to meet with ATRC personnel as early as possible so that appropriate equipment can be located or purchased for a particular classroom or course accommodation.

If you already have your own technology, you may need to check on its compatibility with university systems prior to using it for specific course work. Some courses may require the use of course-computers only for the completion of assignments. In those cases, specific adaptations may need to be in place prior to you starting the class and you may need to be trained to use specific software to access specific assignments.

For more information concerning computer and other technology access, contact ATRC, 305 Occupational Therapy Department, (970) 491-2016.

MISCELLANEOUS

Transportation

Transportation in the Fort Collins for those who are unable to drive consists of a bus service, a para-transit system, and taxis. The Transfort bus service is available at a reduced cost for students through an activities fee. Dial-A-Ride is a para-transit system that provides door-to-door service. Local cab service is available from Shamrock Yellow Cab. For more information on bus routes and Dial-A-Ride, contact Transfort, (970) 221-6620. Shamrock Yellow Cab can be contacted at (970) 686-5555.

RDS also provides limited transportation to students through its Van Services. Rides are limited for academic activities only and are dependent upon availability of drivers. Students must schedule their rides through the RDS Van Services Coordinator.

Involvement

Students interested in improving the accessibility of campus are welcome to join the Committee for Disabled Student Accessibility (CDSA), a student-run group that uses a portion of student fees for small accessibility projects around campus. Contact RDS for more information.

Specific community activities of interest for individuals with vision limitations vary from year to year. For example, the Loveland/Fort Collins area features a Beep-Baseball team and the National Federation of the Blind has had chapter representation in Fort Collins. For more information on community services and activities for individuals with vision limitations, contact the local independent living center, Disabled Resource Services, at 424 N. Pine, Suite 101, Ft. Collins, CO 80524, (970) 482-2700.

Assistive Animals

The residence halls do permit dog guides. However, you may need to negotiate with the Office of Housing and Food Services as to where your animal is allowed to relieve itself for grounds maintenance purposes. Contact Housing and Food Services, Palmer Center, (970) 491-6511, for more information if you are considering living on campus.

Financial Aid

Students with disabilities are eligible to apply for any financial aid available through the university. Disability is consider a "diverse" characteristic on campus and may help qualify you for those awards that are designed to promote diversity on campus. Contact the Financial Aid Office at 103 Administration Annex, (970) 491-6321 for more information.

Other

RDS will assist students in locating other appropriate services and information as needed. If you have further questions concerning Colorado State University and the accommodations that are available to you as a student, please contact RDS.

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Resources for Disabled Students
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Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523 USA (970) 491-6385

...WITH SIGHT LIMITATIONS	ACADEMICS	Classroom Activities	Access to Text/Print	Expectations
ACCOMMODATIONS	Academic Participation	RDS Support	Computer Technology	MISCELLANEOUS