College of DuPage Center for Access and Accommodations

Giana Ferrari
Accommodations Specialist
Center for Access and Accommodations
College of DuPage Facts
 Over 30,000 students attend COD
 There are more than 50 student clubs and
organizations on campus including : Autismerica
 College of DuPage offers more than 90 certificates
programs & degrees for occupational and technical
careers and nine associate’s degrees in 59
occupational and 45 transfer pre-baccalaureate
programs
Differences
High School
 Student has a right to a
free and appropriate
public education
College
 Attending college is
a privilege; students
must be eligible
 Emphasis on success
 Emphasis on equal
(modify standards)
access (standards
are not modified)
IDEA = Entitlement
ADA = Eligibility
Responsibility
College is the time to take control
 The student needs to seek out accommodations
 Know your disability, strengths, and weaknesses
 Be able to identify learning strategies that have
been successful in the past and additional ones
you think may be helpful in the future
 You are now your own advocate!!!
Requesting Accommodations
 In order to receive accommodations the
student must self-identify
 Students with a disability are not legally obligated to
disclose their disability. However, if students would like
accommodations, they must inform a specialist in the
Center for Access and Accommodations and provide
appropriate documentation of their disability.
Accommodations
 Accommodations we offer:
 Testing:
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Double time
Read or record tests
Scribe
 Note taking:
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NCR paper
Recorder/recording devices
 Reading:
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Audio textbooks/Alternative Learning Format textbooks
Reader’s Edge
Accommodations
 Accommodations we offer:
 Hearing disabilities:

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TTY
Interpreters
FM Loop System
 Visual and Print disabilities:
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 Scanner CCTV
Large print paper
 Talking calculator
Recorded books
 Type & speak
Braille alternatives
Computer reading programs (JAWS, Zoom Text)
Accommodations
 Accommodations we offer:
 Physical and medical disabilities:

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Barrier free parking (short term)
Adaptive furniture
Motorized Scooter (short term loan)
 Other Equipment:
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Trackball
Adjustable keyboard
Scanner

Mobility cane
Blue Card
 Once appropriate accommodations are determined a
blue card will be given to the student.
 The Blue Card verifies that the student has met with
an accommodations specialist and has submitted
documentation to qualify for accommodations.
Education Options at
College of DuPage
• Associate
Degrees
• Certificates
Reach Out
Courses
• Independent Living
• Communication
• Time Management
Vocational Skills
Courses
• Employment Skills
• Office Skills
• Computer Skills
• Hospitality Skills
• Food Service
• Horticulture
• Automotive
For non- degree seeking students with
developmental disabilities. Placement
testing is not required.
Degree Programs

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The Associate in Arts degree (A.A)
The Associate in Science degree (A.S.)
The Associate in Engineering Science degree (A.E.S.)
The Associate in Applied Science degree (A.A.S.)
The Associate in General Studies degree (A.G.S.)
The Associate in Fine Arts degree in Art (A.F.A.)
The Associate in Fine Arts degree in Music (A.F.A.)
The Associate in Arts in Teaching Secondary Mathematics
(A.A.T.)
 The Associate in Arts in Teaching Early Childhood
Education (A.A.T.)
Vocational Skills Program
 Courses targeted towards Vocational
Development
 Small class sizes—most courses cap at 10
students
 Courses require permission to register
Reach Out Program
 Offered through our Continuing Education
department
 Very small class sizes, most cap at 6 students
 Targeted towards independent living and social
skill development
Other Support Services
 Learning Commons
 Peer Tutoring
 Math Assistance
 Writing, Reading, and
Speech Assistance
 Courses: Education 1105 Career
Development, 1110
Interpersonal Skills, and 1115
College Success Skills
 Counseling/Advising Services
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Social group for students and community members
on the autism spectrum
No age limit, but most students age 16-30
Includes short educational programming, and then
social time, including video games, ping-pong, pool
and more
Separate meeting area for parents
Next steps for students
 Apply to the college
 Register for New Student Orientation
 Schedule an “intake appointment” with
Center for Access and Accommodations
 Bring documentation supporting your disability!!!
 Obtain a “blue card” (degree/certificate seeking
students)
 Take placement tests* (degree/certificate seeking
students)
 Meet with a COD Advisor and register
*Placement testing may not be required depending on student’s ACT scores.
College of DuPage
Open House
Student Services Center (SSC)
Monday, April 14th
6-:8:30pm
cod.edu/open_house
Contact Information
Center for Access and Accommodations
Student Services Center (SSC)
Room 3249
Phone: (630) 942-2154
Email: reuland2@cod.edu