For Faculty

Registering with SSD is a simple online process via our portal, MySSD. Please refer them to the home page if they are interested in learning more.

• Accessibility/Neurodiversity Tips

  There are several things to keep in mind when providing accessible materials to your students:

  1. A compatible digital format obtained directly from the publisher in an accessible format (no DRM).
  2. A compatible digital format obtained from a digital text resource: https://www.kurzweiledu.com/news-resources/digital-text-resources.html
  3. A scan of the original physical copy using a scanner.

  We do not recommend scanning previously copied material (such as a photocopy) unless it's your only option, because there is some quality lost with each copy/scan performed which can impact the OCR results.

  Below are ten useful tips from Ithaca College. Visit their incredible website for a comprehensive guide.

  1. Usability: provide a logical navigational structure that is consistent from page to page, use clear fonts, straightforward language, and lists where appropriate.
  2. Headings: use headings correctly to organize the page. Page structure should look like a table of contents. Do not use formatting (bold, larger text, underlining) to create page hierarchies.
  3. Color: be aware of your use of color. Make sure there is sufficient contrast and do not use color only to convey meaning.
  4. Links: give links descriptive names. For example, use "If you need accommodations, visit the Student Accessibility Services website" and not "If you need accommodations, click here."
  5. Tables: use tables for data, not for layout. Tables should be formatted to have rows, columns, and headers.
  6. Images: include alt text for images and other non-text content. Do not use text in graphics or images as the only way to access information (this is the equivalent of trying to get a screen reader to read a photograph).
  7. Linked documents: all documents and downloadable resources should be accessible.
  8. Videos: all videos should be captioned (to an acceptable standard) and a transcript should also be available.
  9. Forms: forms should be accessible.
  10. Keyboard access: page content and functions should be accessible using a keyboard only (i.e., navigation without using a mouse).

  Visit Academic Diversity and Inclusion's Sharepoint site for a video on teaching neurodiverse students:

  Be sure to be signed in to your Columbia email!

   

• Testing Accommodation Questions

  For Students 

  Our test scheduling process is now online!

  Students with testing accommodations, please fill out this form.

  Please do not fill out this form if you do not have testing accommodations.

  Please contact our office at ssd@colum.edu, 312-369-8296, the day before the test to confirm that your testing accommodation is all set.

   

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  For Instructors 

  Our test scheduling process is now online!

  SSD will email you after the student makes us aware of an upcoming test; however, you are welcome to fill out the form ahead of time if you wish.

  Please complete the following form here.

  If the test is on Canvas, click the following link for a guide on changing an assessment’s duration: Canvas Time Adjustment Guide. 

  This new testing procedure is intended to make the process easier! By streamlining the test scheduling forms you used to receive, we hope to serve you and your students more efficiently. 

  We will scan completed in-person assessments and email them back to you.

• Notetaker Questions

  Peer Notetakers have been replaced with Glean, a notetaking and transcription software that will be replacing peer notetakers. Glean is a web-based application that allows students to capture audio and upload slides, diagrams, and text notes to include alongside each recording. Students are able to capture presentations without writing and can highlight key points for review. Glean can be accessed online, downloaded to your computer desktop, or via a mobile app. This means no more classes without a notetaker, no waiting for a notetaker to be assigned, and no delay in accessing notes!

  If the student previously had a peer notetaker or the ability to record class lectures, they will be able to access Glean. After they have requested “Notetaking Support” on their accommodation letters, they will receive an invite to sign up for Glean and can start using the software.

  You can learn more about Glean here.

  If you have any questions please let us know and thank you for your patience as we make this transition!

• General Questions

  What if I think accommodations may help my student?

  • Never ask and never assume that a student has a disability.  
  • Many students feel insecure about receiving accommodations. 
  • Consider approaching the student for a general check-in regarding their academic or personal success. Again, do not assume that the student has a disability, but instead you can recommend reaching out to our offices along with other services on campus, such as the Academic Center for Tutoring, TRiO, and/or the Counseling Services. 
  • Your support can make the difference in the life of the student. 

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  How will I know if one of my students has an accommodation?

  Accommodation letters are emailed to instructors at a student’s request. Students who are registered with SSD can request their accommodation letters online. They will be sent electronically on the next business day to the instructor’s official Columbia email. Accommodations begin when letters are emailed, whether or not the email is opened. Failure to comply with accommodation requests could result in legal liability for the College and the instructor. Accommodation letters may be emailed at any point during the semester. 

  The letters look different than prior letters and may look like they are coming from outside the college. However, the subject line is very clear and identifiable: “[SSD] student name - BIOL 140.01 - BIOLOGY OF THE HUMAN IMMUNE SYSTEM (CRN: BIOL14001) - Accommodation Letter Fall 2020.”  

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  Do you have any tips for me? 

  • Consider posting on Canvas a weekly reminder to all students about what is due.  
  • Check in with students from whom you received accommodation letters. They may not reach out to you and it could make a difference.
  • Continue to be responsive and flexible. We are so grateful for your support!
  • When in doubt, contact SSD regarding students, registered with SSD or not, or accommodations.