Reasonable accommodations are adjustments to policy, practice, and programs that “level the playing field” for students with disabilities and provide equal access to Illinois Tech’s programs and activities. Examples include the administration of exams, services such as note taking, sign language interpretation, use of assistive technology, and coordination of accessible housing needs.
Accommodations are determined on a case-by-case basis after the Center for Disability Resources considers both the student’s needs as described in their disability documentation and the technical academic standards of their course or program. Faculty members also have the opportunity to consult with the CDR on the final determination of accommodations for each of their courses and for each student. Some accommodations may be appropriate in one course or program but not in another.
All accommodations must be requested in advance by contacting 312.567.5744 or disabilities@iit.edu
Note Taking
Sign Language Interpreting Services and Speech-to-Text Services
Testing Accommodations
Housing Accommodations
Telephone Services
Note Taking
Note-taking services are provided for students with documented disabilities that interfere with a student's ability to take notes in class. The CDR recruits a classmate to provide a set of course notes to a student with a disability. The CDR has established note-taking guidelines that outline the process for requesting note-taking services as well as student responsibilities and note-taker responsibilities.
Sign-Language Interpreting and Speech-to-Text Services
Sign-language interpreting or speech-to-text services are coordinated for students with hearing disabilities. The appropriate type of service is determined according to the student’s documented need and his/her level of communication skill. If you are a student who needs sign language or speech-to-text services, please contact the CDR.
To request sign language interpreting for a campus event, please call 312.567.5744 or email disabilities@iit.edu in advance of your event. Because sign-language interpreters are contracted through a community agency, adequate lead time is very important.
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Testing Accommodations
In some cases, students with disabilities are entitled to accommodations related to administration of examinations. Typical testing accommodations include extended time in which to complete the exam, alternate format (e.g., large print), a reduced-distraction area in which to take the exam, and the use of a computer or other assistive technology. Students who wish to arrange accommodated testing in the CDR must contact the center a minimum of 48 hours before an exam with the following information: class, professor name, date, and time of exam. Students may do this by email or by visiting the CDR in person.
Housing Accommodations
In compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Illinois Institute of Technology provides reasonable housing accommodations to students with disabilities. For students whose disabilities substantially limit their ability to live in Illinois Tech’s traditional housing arrangements, accommodations are provided.
Students applying for housing accommodations must follow Residence and Greek Life procedures for applying for housing. In addition to the standard application process, students must also submit a Disability Housing Accommodations Request Form and required disability documentation (see documentation guidelines) to the CDR for consideration of their requests.
Disability Housing Accommodations Procedures and Guidelines
Telephone Services
Students, faculty, and staff with disabilities who need assistance with telephones or voicemail should contact the OTS Support Desk at supportdesk@iit.edu or 312.567.3375 (on campus 7-DESK).