These guides should help you with anything you'll need to navigate our new system. Please contact ssd@colum.edu with and questions.
New Students
Returning Students
Receiving Notes
- STAY TUNED!
Being a Notetaker
These guides should help you with anything you'll need to navigate our new system. Please contact ssd@colum.edu with and questions.
New Students
Returning Students
Receiving Notes
Being a Notetaker
-Is SSD still open and operating?
How do I submit my application or documentation?
How should I contact SSD if I need something?
With the switch to all-virtual instruction, I anticipate barriers and would like to request new accommodations. What are my next steps?
I am struggling with taking care of my mental health right now. What should I do?
I am having trouble connecting with the College right now. What can I do?
I do not have the textbook for my class. I used to use the Library copy to do my coursework. What should I do?
TESTING ACCOMMODATIONS:
What happens now that tests are online? How do I get extended time for an online quiz or test?
I have a reduced distraction testing location accommodation. How do I use this accommodation now?
I am struggling with online tests, and I don’t know what to do.
NOTE TAKER ACCOMMODATIONS:
I currently have a volunteer note-taker in my class. Now that the class is online, will I still receive a copy of the notes?
I am a volunteer note taker in a class. How does this work for the new online classes?
You will get paid if you provided notes up to the point when the class format changed and no further notes are required. SSD will contact you regarding the payment process.
TESTING ACCOMMODATIONS:
How will extended time on tests and quizzes accommodations work? Will SSD proctor online exams?
NOTE TAKER ACCOMMODATIONS:
When you receive a Services for Students with Disabilities accommodation letter that includes a peer notetaker accommodation, here is how you can satisfy that accommodation. Please note that this accommodation is not satisfied simply by making a request for a volunteer note taker! Please read on.
Here is an easy way to earn $100. A student in our class needs a notetaker, a person who is willing to share copies of their notes. To be a notetaker, you need to attend class regularly, take legible notes, and provide copies of your notes in a timely manner. Notetakers will upload their notes to the Services for Students with Disabilities MySSD web page assigned to them. It's easy! You will receive a $100 stipend after the end of the semester. If you are interested, please go to http://www.colum.edu/ssd "Notetakers Wanted" section to sign up or click on the following link: https://elbert.accessiblelearning.com/Colum/ApplicationNotetaker.aspx or contact the SSD office, ssd@colum.edu. or 312 369-8296.
Exception #1:
If you are recording your class, then this accommodation does not apply. Just be sure to provide the student(s) with a copy or link to the recorded lectures. Please let the student and SSD know. SSD will make a note in the student’s file.
Exception #2:
If you post your power points and notes for students, or if you have notes that you are willing to share, then that will suffice. Please let the student and SSD know. SSD will make a note in the student’s file.
Exception #3:
If your class is totally asynchronous, this accommodation does not apply. Please let the student and SSD know. SSD will make a note in the student’s file.
Exception #4:
If your class is performance based and there are no lectures or discussions where students would typically take notes, then the accommodation may not apply. Some examples might be Keyboarding, Acting, Ballet, etc. Please contact SSD to confirm the applicability of the accommodation to your class.
Lastly, while you wait for a notetaker volunteer to be assigned, please reach out to the student(s) for frequent check-ins. That outreach can make a huge difference for the student, both in terms of how they are progressing in your class but also knowing that you care about them. We eliminated the burden of students having to physically deliver an accommodation letter to their instructor. At the same time, it also eliminates that personal interaction and connection where the teacher would often say thanks and if you want to talk about any of this please let me know.
If no one volunteers and the alternative options do not apply, contact SSD and let us know what steps you have taken. We will provide additional suggestions or solutions.
Please contact SSD at ssd@colum.edu or 312 369-8296 with any questions or concerns.
Check out the many resources at Columbia to help you: https://students.colum.edu/information-technology/remote-learning-support
Some Apps to Check Out:
Other Resources:
Access to free electronic books:
Internet Hot Spots:
What kind of accommodations are available for students with disabilities?
Why should I register with SSD?
It is recommended that all students with disabilities provide documentation to SSD, even if they do not choose to request any services.
Providing documentation enables SSD staff to act more efficiently and knowledgeably on a student’s behalf, should the need arise and should the student request this.
How do I start receiving services?
See our guide here!
Once I am registered with SSD, what do I need to do to receive accommodations each semester?
The process to request your accommodation letters and have them set to your instructors is completely digital to make things easier for students! Each semester, SSD students must initiate the request for their semester-specific accommodation letters to be sent to their instructors through our online database system, MySSD. Once a student requests their accommodation letters, the SSD office will send them to their instructors electronically, via email.
To request your accommodation letters, click on the “Returning Students” tab on the left and follow the instructions listed there to request accommodation letters. An instruction guide that walks students through accessing their MySSD account and requesting their accommodations can be found on the “Returning Students” page. Please follow the steps on the guide to request your letters.
Accommodations are effective upon receipt of the semester-specific accommodation letter by the instructor. They are not retroactive.
Please also see Right and Responsibilities of Students with Disabilities
Please review the documentation guidelines to learn about the types of information that must be submitted to be considered eligible for services through SSD.
Be sure to read the general guidelines and specific guidelines related to your disability.
Alternative Diagnostic Guidelines (informational)