REQUESTING NOTE TAKER SERVICES

Only qualified students with disabilities may request note-taker services through the DRC. Students should speak with the appropriate service coordinator at DRC to determine eligibility for note-taker services. Bobby Plienis is service coordinator for students who are blind or visually impaired. Molly Smith is service coordinator for students who are deaf or hard of hearing. Kathy Pendleton is service coordinator for students with learning disabilities or ADD. Cathy Patus is service coordinator for all other disabilities.

After determination of eligibility, students may request note-taker service by completing the Service Request Form (available at DRC) and submitting to the appropriate service coordinator. If a note-taker is already in place in any of the classes for which the student requests note-taker service, the note-taker coordinator will notify the student of the note-taker's name and telephone number. If there is not already a note-taker in place, the student may ask the instructor for assistance in securing a note-taker. Note-taker announcements will be attached to instructor letters.

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES

• Talk with appropriate service coordinator to determine eligibility for note-taker service.
• Request note-taker service by completing Service Request Form and submitting it to appropriate service coordinator. Submit request as early as possible since DELAYS IN SUBMITTING REQUESTS will result in delays in implementation of note-taker service. Generally, note-taker services will be implemented as soon as possible AFTER the request is submitted and will not include notes from the beginning of the term.
• Pick up packet from DRC (including instructor letters and note-taker announcements).
• Present instructor letter to each instructor and ask for assistance, if needed, in identifying a note-taker.
• After receiving notification from note-taker coordinator that a note-taker has been identified, contact the note-taker to work out details of note exchange, etc.

If the instructor makes the note-taker announcement and no one expresses interest:

• Ask the instructor to repeat the announcement
• Ask the instructor for approval to tape record lectures
• Ask the instructor for his/her lecture notes
• Approach another student in class to be the note-taker (be sure the note-taker comes to DRC to sign up for payment!!)

Contact the note-taker coordinator or the appropriate service coordinator early in the semester if the above options are not effective.

After a note-taker is identified:

• Make sure the note-taker has come to the DRC to complete the paperwork for payment.
• When the student knows in advance that he or she will be absent from class, notify the note-taker. Excessive absences without good cause may result in discontinuation of note-taker services from the DRC.
• A student with a disability must take their own notes to the best of their ability. The note-taker's notes are supplemental.
• Students receiving note-taker services must complete the note-taker evaluation form when received from the note-taker coordinator. Completion of this form is mandatory.
• Students receiving note-taker services should attempt to resolve any problems associated with the note-taker service directly with the note-taker. Problems may include: late notes, no notes, sloppy/uninformative notes, note-taker absences/tardiness, personal conflicts. If problems cannot be resolved directly through communication with the note-taker, the student must inform the note-taker coordinator or the appropriate service coordinator. Do not delay in communicating this information to the DRC!!
• Students should NOT ask the note-taker for additional services such as tutoring. Additional services must be discussed with the appropriate service coordinator.
  IMPORTANT: Note-taker services are designed to supplement student learning. Having a note-taker does not relieve the student with a disability from the responsibility of attending class, actively participating, and taking notes to the best of their ability.

DISABILITY RESOURCE CENTER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide/coordinate note-taker services for qualified students that have requested the service.
• Provide appropriate instructor letters, as requested.
• Assist in recruiting and hiring note-takers.
• Assist in resolving problems.
• Terminate unsuitable note-takers.
• Coordinate note-taker service evaluations.

NOTE-TAKER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Meet with the note-taker coordinator at DRC to complete, sign and return note-taker payment information.
• Read Note-Taker Handbook and abide by all policies.
• Provide notes only after contact from the student receiving the service.
• Attend class regularly and be on time.
• Check with student about note-taking format.
• If student is absent without good cause, deliver notes for missed class(es) to note-taker coordinator.
• Obtain missed notes for student when lack of notes is result of note-taker's absence.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding all disability related information, including identity of student(s) served.