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Current ADS Students

Visit the ADS Online Portal.

Important Information About Your Accommodations Letter

ADS will ensure that the student is aware of the following information relevant to sharing the accommodations letter with course instructors.

  1. Accommodation letters are only valid for the semester listed at the top of the letter.
  2. It is the student’s responsibility to share an electronic copy of their accommodation letter with the course instructors in courses the student chooses to implement their accommodations. Download the Accommodation Letter Procedure (pdf) for more information.
  3. Students must meet privately (either virtually or in-person) with instructors, and when necessary, teaching assistants, to discuss the implementation of their accommodations in the course. Students are encouraged to meet during office hours or to schedule an alternate meeting time, after having shared an electronic copy of their accommodation letter with the course instructor.
Best Practices (for students)

ADS will ensure that the student is aware of the following information relevant to sharing the accommodations letter with course instructors.

  1. Share your accommodation letter with your instructors via the online portal. To share your letter with any TAs, either save a copy of your letter and email it or print out a copy to share in person.
  2. Schedule a private meeting with your instructor, preferably during office hours, to discuss the details of the accommodations as they relate to each course.
  3. Establish a clear understanding of what accommodations are relevant for each course and how they will be implemented within each course. Some of your accommodations may not apply in some courses.
  4. Complete a Detailed Implementation Plan Form (pdf) for any accommodations requiring a written plan. This requirement is indicated on the accommodation letter and was discussed during your registration meeting. You and the instructor should each keep a copy of the completed Detailed Implementation Plan to reference when it becomes necessary to implement your accommodation(s).
  5. If you have testing accommodations, establish all parameters to implement your accommodations either within the ADS Testing Office (by making a test reservation on the online portal) or in the classroom.
  6. During your meetings, have your instructors (and TAs) sign the Acknowledgement of Student Request Form (pdf). Please submit your signed Acknowledgement of Student Request Form and Detailed Implementation Plans, if required, to ADS by emailing copies to adsfrontdesk@umd.edu. Copies will be uploaded to your confidential file.

Online Course Acknowledgement Template
Dear Instructor,
Since our course is online and we are unable to meet in person, at the guidance of ADS, please use one of the following methods to acknowledge receipt of my accommodation letter in lieu of an in-person signature: 1) digitally sign the form, or 2) reply to this email confirming you have received my accommodation letter. If additional communication is needed to coordinate the implementation of my accommodations, or a written Detailed Implementation Plan is required, please indicate your preferred method of contact. Thank you for your time and participation in this process.

Alternate Acknowledgement Process for Online Courses
For classes that are being held online and/or during virtual meetings, we understand that it may not be possible to obtain a signature on the Acknowledgement of Student Form in person. Please ask your professor to use one of the following options in lieu of an in person signature: 1) digitally sign the form or 2) email you confirming they have received the letter and have discussed your accommodations with you. You can find a template email on our website to use when requesting Acknowledgement for online classes and virtual meetings.

Do not reply directly to this email please. If you have any questions, please contact your ADS Counselor who is cc'd on this email.

Please save a copy of your Accommodation Letter each semester for future reference, as they will not be available after the semester ends.

Updating Accommodations and Documentation Requirements

There may be occasions where current ADS students need to submit updated documentation. This can assist ADS in either gaining a better understanding of their current functioning and coordinate the need for updates and/or changes to approved accommodations.

Students must provide supporting documentation that demonstrates how the disability limits participation in courses, programs, services, jobs, activities, and/or access to facilities at the University. Documentation of the disability should be relevant and current and from appropriate professionals who are credentialed to diagnose the student’s particular disability. The type of required documentation will vary depending on the nature of the disability and accommodations requested. All documentation should include the diagnosis, the specific functional limitations caused by the disability, recommendations for reasonable accommodations, and a justification statement for each recommendation listed.

If you are not sure what category your disability falls under, please contact the Accessibility and Disability Service for assistance at (301) 314-7681.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD)

Submit a neuropsychological or psychoeducational evaluation (refer to our ADHD Guide (pdf) or a Verification of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (pdf) from a psychiatrist or other professional who has screened the student for and is credentialed to diagnose ADHD. ADHD documentation must be relevant and current. It is in the student's best interest to submit ADHD documentation that has been completed within the last 5 years of registration with ADS. However, we will review and determine the relevance of a student's documentation if it is beyond 5 years.

Hearing Disabilities

Submit a current and complete audiological evaluation from a properly credentialed audiologist.

Learning Disabilities (LD)

Submit a neuropsychological or psychoeducational evaluation. For more detailed information refer to our Learning Disability Guide (pdf) . It is in the student's best interest to submit evaluations that were completed within the last 5 years of registering with ADS. However, we will review and determine the relevance of a student's documentation if it is beyond 5 years.

Medical Disability

Submit a current (within the last 6 months Verification of Medical Disability Form (pdf)

Mobility Disabilities

(Impairments to limbs, hands, ability to move from one location or another)
Submit relevant and current documentation from a medical provider who is credentialed to diagnose the mobility condition. Documentation could be in the form of the ADS Verification of Medical Disability Form  (pdf) or other relevant, detailed documentation from a credentialed treatment provider.

  • Students with injuries or conditions that impact daily functioning for a prolonged period (a minimum of 6 weeks) may be eligible for ADS assistance.
  • Students with short-term injuries or conditions that require recovery periods of 6 weeks or less should consult their instructors regarding their temporary academic accommodation needs.
  • Those individuals with short-term injuries or conditions requiring paratransit shuttle service should contact the University Health Center at (301) 314-8667.

Psychological Disabilities

Submit a current (within the last 6 months) Verification of Psychological Disability Form  (pdf)

Vision Disabilities

Submit a current Verification of Vision Disability  (pdf) from a licensed ophthalmologist or optometrist.

Local Diagnostic Testing Resources

Local Diagnostic Testing Resources document (pdf)

Please note, effective June 1st, 2020, ADS will have a new accommodation letter procedure that requires students to provide their accommodation letter to their instructors via the portal. ADS students with testing accommodations will not be able to schedule their exams online (or manually in person) until they have shared their accommodation letter with their professor through the portal. Test bookings will only be enabled in classes in which you have shared your accommodation letter.

Accessibility and Disability Service (ADS) has a dedicated Testing Office for registered students with testing accommodations such as extended time testing, reduced distraction, and alternate formats. Students are required to reserve their seat with the Testing Office a minimum of 1 week in advance of their testing session during Fall and Spring semesters.

Accessibility and Disability Service Testing Office
0118 Shoemaker Building
Phone: (301) 314-7217
E-mail: ADSTest@umd.edu

Testing Office Hours
Regular Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00p.m. AND 1:00p.m.- 4:00 p.m Monday through Friday

Final Exam Week (Fall and Spring Semesters Only)
Extended Hours: Monday-Friday: The Testing Office will be open from 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Saturday hours are from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (If the first day of exams falls on Saturday, the extended hours are as follows: Saturday thru Thursday - 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m., Friday 8:00 a.m - 4:00 p.m.)

If you have any difficulties accessing the online forms, please contact the ADS Testing Office at adstest@umd.edu

Please Note: Business days DO NOT include Saturdays and Sundays.

Information for Registered Students

Handouts for Registered Students
Frequently Asked Questions

What do I do if there is a delayed opening or snow day the day of my exam?
The ADS Testing Office follows the same schedule as all other UMD offices.

  • In the event of a delayed opening, the ADS Testing Office will open at the advertised time. Testing sessions that were scheduled during or overlapping the delayed time, will need to be rescheduled in 3 business days.
  • In the event of a snow day, the ADS Testing Office will be closed, and your exam will need to be rescheduled. Exams can be rescheduled in 3 business days.

What do I do if my exam reservation is cancelled?
If an exam is cancelled, your instructor may either administer the accommodated exam personally OR assist you (the student) in rescheduling the exam with ADS. Please note that 3 business days notice is required for rescheduling.

Am I allowed to make either a same day reservation or a reservation the day before my testing session?
ADS Testing is unable to allow either same-day or day before testing reservations. All reservations must be made 1 week in advance during Fall and Spring semesters.

I forgot to make a reservation, what can I do?
ADS Testing Office is unable to make adjustments for last minute reservations. Students are encouraged to speak with their professors about what options are available to them.

I am running late for my exam, what important information do I need to know?

  • Students who arrive to complete their exam 20 minutes or more late, forfeit their ability to complete their exam. Students will have to speak with their instructors regarding the ability to reschedule with the ADS Testing Office.
  • Students who arrive late to take their exam, forfeit the volume of time they were late from their testing reservation (up to 20 minutes).

How do I know what testing location to use?

  • A student’s testing location (classroom building and room number) will display in the Online Portal the morning of the scheduled testing date.
  • If a student arrives at the wrong testing location, please obtain a ticket from the proctor. This ticket can be submitted to the proctor of the correct location to offset lateness.

What materials am I responsible for bringing with me to my testing session?
Students are responsible for bringing:

  • Photo ID
  • Calculator (when permitted by instructor)
  • Personal computer (for ELMS exams)
  • Notes, cheat sheets, or reference materials when permitted by instructor

ADS Testing staff provides:

  • Scantrons
  • Answer booklets
  • Scratch paper
  • All necessary assistive technology related to approved testing accommodations
  • Noise cancelling earbuds

My exam is supposed to take place online via ELMS, what do I do?

  • Students are responsible for providing their own personal computer to complete an ELMS exam at the ADS Testing Office.
  • Prior to the start of your testing session, your Instructor will adjust the online exam to reflect the approved accommodations for each student.

My additional testing time overlaps with a different course, what should I do?

  • You should never skip class, be late, or leave early to obtain your additional time in another course. ADS cannot excuse absences if a student makes a personal decision to do this.
  • If a time conflict prevents you from testing at a specific day/time, please inform your professor as soon as possible. ADS can assist in making arrangements to allow you to test without any scheduling conflict.

Contact the ADS Testing Office

Accessibility and Disability Service Testing Office
0118 Shoemaker Building
Phone: (301) 314-7217
E-mail: ADSTest@umd.edu

Testing Office Hours
Regular Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday

Final Exam Week - Extended Hours: Monday-Friday: the Testing Office will be open from 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Saturday hours are from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

If you have any difficulties accessing the online forms, please contact the ADS Testing Office at adstest@umd.edu

For more information, please visit the Accommodated Note Taking Unit page.

Alternate Text Services Contact Information
Campus Location: 1103 McKeldin Library
Phone: (301) 314-7684
Email: adsalttext@umd.edu

Eligibility

Any student who has been given an accommodation for alternate text format is eligible to request services from this unit. Typical disability categories that qualify to receive books and materials in alternate format are:

  • Vision disabilities
  • Some learning disabilities Some attention deficit disorders

 

Any of these disabilities could affect reading ability, reading comprehension and the ability to process information in printed form.

Alternate Text Services

The Alternate Text service is responsible for converting required printed course materials into formats that are accessible to students with printed materials disabilities.

  • Convert textbooks and other required reading materials into electronic format, braille and enlarged print.
  • Convert textbooks, course packets, articles, handouts, and miscellaneous printed into alternate text.
  • Save in an appropriate file format so that the information is accessible to the eligible individual.

 

The Alternative Text Process

ADS will ensure that the student is aware of the following information relevant to sharing the accommodations letter with course instructors.

  1. Schedule a meeting with the Alternate Text Coordinator.
  2. Complete the necessary paperwork and submit a request for materials to be converted.
  3. Alternate Text Coordinator checks the ADS database and/or other agencies such as the Maryland Accessible Textbook Program, BookShare, and Learning Ally to determine if converted books are available. If so, the Coordinator orders a copy of the converted materials.
  4. Materials that are not previously converted will be converted by ADS staff . Materials are scanned into a file format that is preferred by the student.

 

Copyright

  • Copyright laws apply to all materials converted by ADS or borrowed from ADS.
  • ADS follows copyright laws and procedures s for all materials copied and reproduced.
  • Students are required to return all materials borrowed from ADS.

 

Purchasing Books and Supplies

ADS will purchase textbooks and other required reading materials from the University Book Center or other sources when printed material conversion is required.

Alternate Text Software Borrowing

The Accessibility & Disability Service will download a copy of University-owned Kurzweil 3000 onto eligible students’ personal computers for ease in accessing materials in an alternate format.

Once students graduate or take leave from the University, they are responsible for informing the Alternate Text Unit.

This accommodation allows eligible students to reduce their course load to fewer than twelve (12) credits over the course of a semester while maintaining full time status. The reduced course load accommodation is based on documentation and, once established as appropriate for the student by the ADS, the student must request implementation of this accommodation for each semester that the student deems it necessary. The request can be made by informing the ADS in an in-person meeting with a ADS counselor, by telephone (301) 314-7682 or via email, adsfrontdesk.umd.edu.

Once received by ADS, the ADS informs the Registrar’s office of the request and the number of credits in which the student will be enrolled for the semester. The Registrar’s office responds directly to the student with a final approval.

You may contact your ADS counselor for more information or to discuss your eligibility.

Priority registration makes it possible for students to start their semester with the appropriate accommodations in place. ADS assists students in obtaining priority registration as an accommodation. We work with the Office of Records and Registration to arrange this accommodation for eligible students.

  • Allows students to register for classes earlier than the general student body.
  • Provides an early start for ADS to prepare students’ accommodations, such as hiring interpreters, securing laboratory assistants, or converting textbooks to alternate format.
  • Aids in class scheduling, so that students are better able to plan their schedules with appropriate breaks and not have to sacrifice attendance in other classes or reschedule course exams.

 

Priority registration is provided to eligible students based on information in their disability documentation. You may contact your ADS counselor for more information or to discuss your eligibility.

 

Important Information for Freshman Connection Students

Students who participate in the Freshman Connection Program begin their education a semester early. However, these students are not fully admitted to the University until the Spring semester. Any accommodations that impact registration and other non-classroom processes are not effective until students are fully admitted to the University. Thus, Freshman Connection students who are determined to be eligible for “priority registration” are not allowed to use this accommodation until being fully admitted in the Spring semester.

Please view the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services page for more information.

All documentation and records related to a student’s services and disability are retained by the Counseling Center’s Accessibility and Disability Service. These records are considered confidential. All student records, including documentation collected through ADS are kept separate from other student education records maintained by the University of Maryland.

ADS adheres to the professional, legal, and ethical guidelines established by the Federal Government, the State of Maryland, and the Association on Higher Education and Disability.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that protects the privacy of education records. Parents have certain rights and access to their student’s education records until the age of 18. Once the student turns 18, these rights transfer to the student, and parents then no longer have access to a student’s records without the student’s consent, with the exception of a parent who claims a student for income tax purposes. Generally, schools must have written permission from the student in order to release any information from a student’s record. However, FERPA allows disclosure without consent under the following circumstances:

  • School officials with a legitimate educational interest
  • Other schools to which a student is transferring
  • Specified officials for audit or evaluation purposes
  • Appropriate parties in connection with financial aid to a student
  • Organizations conducting research studies for or on behalf of the school
  • Accrediting organizations
  • In response to a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena
  • Appropriate officials in cases of health and safety emergencies
  • State and local authorities, within a juvenile justice system, pursuant to specific State law

For more information, please see the University’s Policy and Procedures on the Disclosure of Student Education Records.

Delta Alpha Pi Honor Society is an academic honor society for students with disabilities in colleges and universities.

Because of the negative stereotyping associated with disability, students with disabilities have been reluctant to identify themselves publicly. Delta Alpha Pi International Honor Society presents an opportunity to change that perception by recognizing students with disabilities for their academic accomplishments through acceptance into an honor society.

Purpose

Delta Alpha Pi is a social and cultural organization. Its purpose shall be to recognize the academic accomplishments of college and university students with disabilities, to facilitate development of leadership and advocacy skills, and to provide opportunities for members to serve as mentors and role models. The further purpose of Delta Alpha Pi shall be to provide educational programming related to disability issues for the campus and community.

Basic Information

Founded
2004 (International DAP)
2014 (Gamma Rho Chapter - University of Maryland)

Location
College Park, Maryland 20742

Products
Members of Gamma Rho will receive:

  • Delta Alpha Pi lapel pin
  • Delta Alpha Pi honor cord
  • Alumni chapter membership

Officer Positions:

  • President
  • Vice President
  • Treasurer
  • Secretary
  • Public Relations Officer (PRO)

 

Website
Delta Alpha Pi International Honor Society website

Membership Criteria

Current undergraduate and graduate students who are registered with Accessibility and Disability Service and have demonstrated an active interest in disability issues, and:

Undergraduates:

  • Must have completed a minimum of 24 credits
  • GPA: At least 3.10 (4.00 scale)

Graduates:

  • Must have completed a minimum of 18 credits
  • GPA: At least 3.30 (4.00 scale)

Contact Information

Please contact Hannah Witschey, Co-Adviser, hwitsche@umd.edu or Kimberly Williams, Co-Adviser kwilli95@umd.edu  with any questions

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