For further information visit the Office for Students with Disabilites web site.
The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) is Normandale's program to provide accommodations for students with disabilities. The goal of the program is to ensure that students with a documented disability will have equal access to Normandale courses, programs, and events through appropriate and reasonable accommodations.
WHAT IS A DISABILITY?
According to the Americans with Disabilities Act, a person with a disability has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, has a record of such an impairment or is regarded as having such an impairment. These activities include the ability to write, learn, read, think, concentrate, memorize, hear, see, talk, walk, breathe or perform manual tasks.
WHAT ARE SOME DISABILITIES ACCOMMODATED THROUGH THE OSD BASED ON ADA LAW?
These disabilities include, but are not limited to, learning disabilities, hearing and vision losses, physical and psychological disabilities, attention deficit disorders, brain injuries, and other health related disabilities.
HOW DO STUDENTS BECOME REGISTERED WITH THE OSD?
First, students must be admitted to Normandale Community College. Then students must make an appointment to see an OSD staff person for an intake interview and at that time present documentation of their disability. This documentation may include high school special education records or a report from a licensed psychologist, disability specialist, or medical doctor. Once students have presented documentation of their disability along with having a staff consultation, a variety of accommodations may be provided which are determined on a case-by-case basis.
WHEN SHOULD I BEGIN TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS FOR RECEIVING ACCOMMODATIONS THROUGH THE OSD?
Students should call the OSD office several weeks before starting at the college to begin the registration process with the OSD. Earlier registration is essential in order to arrange for taped textbooks, interpreters, note takers, and other OSD services; late registration may limit immediate assistance. To receive sign language interpreting, students should contact the OSD to arrange for interpreting before registering for classes.
CAN THE COLLEGE CHARGE FOR PROVIDING ACADEMIC ACCOMMODATIONS?
The college may not charge students for necessary accommodations.
WHAT ARE EXAMPLES OF REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS THAT ARE PROVIDED BY THE OSD TO STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES?
- Accommodations for placement testing
- Alternative testing that may include extended time, tape-recorded tests, or writing assistance
- Note taking or taping of lectures
- Organization or time management assistance
- Adjustable tables or custom chairs
- Editing assistance for written assignments
- Referral for taped textbooks
- Sign language/oral interpreting
- Provision of and/or orientation to assistive technology
- Other reasonable accommodations
WHAT OTHER SERVICES DOES THE OSD PROVIDE?
- Assistance with course selection and registration
- Support for coping with a disability in college
- Assistance with faculty contacts
- Support groups
WHAT KINDS OF SERVICES ARE NOT PROVIDED BY THE OSD?
- Assistance with homework
- Individually prescribed devices
- Attendants
- Transportation
- Readers for personal use or study
- Special college classes only for students with disabilities
- Personal tutoring
MUST THE OSD PROVIDE STUDENTS ALL THE ACCOMMODATIONS AND AUXILIARY AIDS THEY REQUEST?
Normandale is not required to provide academic adjustments or aids that would fundamentally alter the nature of a program or the academic requirements that are considered essential to a program of study or to meet licensing requirements.
Contact Information
Debbie Tillman, Director
Office for Students with Disabilities
952-358-8623/8625
952-358-8619 FAX
