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Office of Support Services for Students and Employees with Disabilities
Jackson State University

Academic Adjustments, Auxiliary Aids, Services, and Accommodations

Students or employees with disabilities are offered a variety of services and resources through the ADA Coordinator for students, and employees, and campus visitors with disabilities. The Office of the ADA Coordinator is located in B.F. Roberts, Room 112 (601) 979-3704. Students or employees with documented disabilities such as hearing impairments, visual impairments, learning disabilities, and mobility impairments are eligible for services. Support Services, a component of the Office of the President, coordinates such services as registration assistance, tape recorded texts, testing accommodation, attendants referrals, and academic advice. The ADA Coordinator also works closely with Mississippi Rehabilitation Services (MRS) and other organizations to assist students with disabilities.

According to each student or employee's documented disability, an attempt will be made to provide reasonable accommodations in order that individuals might experience success in the educational or work environment. Summarized below are some accommodations that are provided to students:

Priority Registration: Any student with a disability may request early registration. This form of accommodation helps students to select classes in regard to medication schedules and health concerns.

Extended Time: Any student with a disability may be granted time and a half on class assignments, and exams. The ADA Coordinator will not request accommodations for untimed test or assignments. It is the student's responsibility to speak with instructors in reference to when assignments must be completed. All assignments are expected to be completed by the end of each semester. When a student needs extended time for test, he/she should work out time with instructors. If an instructor is unable to comply with extended time, the test can be given in the Office of SSSD. In order for a test to be administered in the ADA Coordinator Office, a test form should be completed 3 days prior to the testing date.

Consideration for Absence(s): Any student with a disability, which prohibits class attendance, may be granted consideration for absences. This is only acceptable when absences are due to the disability. Accommodations for each semester must be requested by the student. The student is still responsible for fulfilling all requirements of the course, and must contact the professor to make arrangements for missed class periods. The student should keep in mind that class attendance is crucial and even though consideration for absences is granted, excessive absences will prohibit the makeup of class work.

Consideration for Spelling: Any student with a disability may request consideration for spelling when Dyslexia or a visual processing disability is present. If the student has a hand-held spell checker, it may be used in place of consideration for spelling. Both accommodations cannot be used together (one or the other).

Alternative Test Format: Any student with a learning disability may request an alternate test format if his/her documentation states that this will be beneficial. Example: short answer test replaces an essay test, or a multiple choice.


Tape Recorded Textbooks and Other Alternative Formats: Any student who has a vision, learning, or physical disability can receive assistance with ordering textbooks on tape. Orders are usually done with Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic (RFB&D). In order for the ADA Coordinator to assist students with this request, requests should be made as far in advance as possible due to the fact that it takes several weeks or months to get texts book from RFB. If text books are not available from RFB, the ADA Coordinator will attempt to make other appropriate referrals. Assistance will also be provided by obtaining textbooks in braille, cassette tape, large print, and raised line drawing.

Readers: Any student who has a visual impairment or a severe reading disorder can receive readers. This accommodation is usually given to students who receive textbooks on tape. Students who receive readers will take their test in an approved location. A testing accommodation form must be completed 3 days prior to the test date.

Scribes; Any student who does not have any use of his/her dominant hand or who has a visual impairment can receive a scribe. Students who receive scribes will take their test in the Office of SSSD. A testing accommodation form must be completed 3 days prior to the test date.

No Scantrons; Students with visual disabilities, severe learning disabilities or severe ADD/ADHD have difficulty keeping their places on scantron forms. If this applies to you, first discuss it with your advisor and then indicate this accommodation request on your accommodation request form. Students to whom this applies may then write their answers directly on the exam.

Noise Reduced Room For Testing: Any student who has an anxiety disorder, severe ADD/ADHD, and those who need testing assistance can receive this accommodation.

Note Taker: Students who need note takers are responsible for identifying someone. Upon request the ADA Coordinator will provide students with non-carbon paper. If the student should have problems finding a note taker, the ADA Coordinator will help students locate a note taker. Students who have no use of their dominant hand or who are physically disabled may be able to receive a paid note taker. The student is still responsible for finding his/her own note taker. Once the student has found a note taker, he/she should direct him or her to the ADA Coordinator to set up payment arrangements. (Note takers are not responsible for taking notes for students if they miss a class and don't have a request for consideration of absences, which is discussed at the beginning of each semester).

Sign Language Interpreters: Any student who is deaf or has a hearing impairment can request an interpreter. This should be taken care of at the end of each semester and as early as possible in the registration process so that the student will have someone scheduled for each class.

Accessible Classrooms: Students who have an orthopedic/mobility impairment can request accommodations which make classroom location accessible. A student can request a seat at the front of the class and/or near a door.

Accessible Housing: A student with a disability may request certain accommodations for housing. Students may fill out a form in the Department of Housing to request accommodations. Some accommodations for students with disabilities are: room location, lowered closet rod, enlarged doors into the room and bathroom, grab bars in the shower and toilet areas, and lowered sinks.