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Allen S Henry Bulding

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Resources

Accessibility Resources are designed to ensure that all individuals, including those with disabilities, have equal access to educational, physical, and digital spaces. Here's a breakdown of various Accessibility Resources for students, faculty, and staff:

The Florida Institute of Technology celebrates Disability History and Awareness Week the first week of October to promote the history of the disability rights movement through the knowledge and awareness of disabilities that impact students.

The History of the Disability Rights Movement

AAPD: Disability Rights Organizations Join the National John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Action Day

Disability Awareness Videos

Famous People with Disabilities

Disability Etiquette

Advocacy Groups

The American Association of People with Disabilities

Association on Higher Education and Disability

Disability Rights Florida

Articles

FINDING YOUR WAY: A College Guide for Students on the Spectrum by the Organization for Autism Research

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 mandate postsecondary institutions that receive federal financial assistance to provide educational programs and services that are accessible to students with disabilities. This includes providing reasonable accommodations for programmatic and physical access. The goal is to ensure equal opportunity and treatment as well as to create a welcoming environment for students with disabilities.

Faculty Support

  1. Consult with the Office of Accessibility Resources if you have questions and/or concerns with student accommodations or how to approach specific course requirements.
  2. Invite the Office of Accessibility Resources to department meetings to discuss general accommodations for students with disabilities.
  3. Call the Office of Accessibility Resources if you suspect that one of your students may be struggling from a disability.
  4. Ask Office of Accessibility Resources to participate in a scheduled meeting for a student with a registered disability to assist in problem solving learning difficulties (with student permission).
  5. Think of the Office of Accessibility Resources as a resource for accommodating students with disabilities in the college setting.
  6. Faculty Support for Online Testing Accommodations.

Teaching Tips

  1. Include textbook information, description of assignments, and due dates in the course syllabus.
  2. Post the syllabus on CANVAS as far in advance as possible.
  3. Offer frequent, detailed, and timely feedback on students’ coursework.
  4. Encourage students to approach you to clarify assignments.
  5. Communicate in a timely manner to student concerns.

Examination Procedures for Students with Disabilities

If extended time and/or low distraction setting for testing has been approved by the Office of Accessibility Resources, students can schedule their testing at at the Student Success and Support Center by making a Testing Appointment. It is important for the student to plan ahead as the Office of Accessibility Resources requires 48-72 hours advanced notice, depending on the testing accommodation request. If the course instructor(s) can replicate such accommodations, then a student may be required to take the quiz/test/exam within the academic department. Examination procedures for the Testing Services are listed on the website.

Transitioning from High School to College

It is helpful for parents to be aware of the differences between services offered at the high school level and services offered at the postsecondary level. Services may also vary based on the institution. The article Transition of Students with Disabilities to Postsecondary Education: A Guide for High School Educators assists educational support systems and families in understanding the changes that may occur.

Another helpful resource is the comprehensive guide on how students on the spectrum negotiate the transition to college. The booklet may also assist students with other disabilities due to the detailed description of starting college:FINDING YOUR WAY: A College Guide for Students on the Spectrum by the Organization for Autism Research 

Involvement in Student Education

When a student is involved in the school system as a minor, parents are involved in educational planning for the student. According to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1976 (FERPA), a student is the sole guardian of his/her records when enrolled in a post-secondary institution. If the student would like any information shared with others, they must complete the Authorization for Release of Personally Identifiable Student Information Form that is processed in the Registrar’s Office.

Parent Information for Florida Tech Students

If your student is considering attending Florida Tech, this school webpage helps parents navigate through commonly asked questions during this process of choosing a college. View Florida Tech Resources for Parents.

Tutoring Assistance

Assistive Technology

Scholarship Resources for Students with Disabilities

Alternative Textbook Materials

The formatting of alternative textbook materials is based on the availability from publishers. With the advancement of assistive technology, many publishers have discontinued the use of audiobooks and have transitioned to other formats that can be uploaded to e-readers and/or to personal computers with software that has text to speech capabilities. Free software can be downloaded from the Internet to make the technology accessible to students.  Upon request, the Office of Accessibility Resources may be able to request alternative textbook materials from some publishers for books.

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