How to Access Services

SDS provides several services to help students:

Auxiliary Aids

Assistive Technology

Assistive technology is available to students with disabilities in various locations on campus and can enhance self-reliance. Training is coordinated through Student Disability Services. The following are available.

• Kurzweil 3000 is a multi-sensory computer program that simultaneously highlights and speaks the words displayed on a computer monitor. It voices and highlights characters, words, lines and screen text. Have SDS scan your books.
• Dragon Naturally Speaking is a large vocabulary, speech recognition system. You can enter commands and dictate text by speaking into a microphone. You can use it with a keyboard or a mouse, or you can use it completely hands free.
• FM Systems are assistive listening devices that use transmitters and microphones (worn by the presenter). A student uses the receiver and headset or neck loop with hearing aids. Volume can be controlled.
• JAWS (Job Access with Speech) manages speech output to application programs. It will voice characters, words, lines and screen text in nine distinct voices.
• Laptop computers can be used for computer assisted note-taking or test-taking.
• CCTV (closed circuit TV) is an electronic magnification system that provides a clear, high-contrast image of printed material on a monitor. It enables individuals to read or write in a manner that best accommodates their individual visual needs.

Note-taking

Faculty: Faculty members who need more information about finding note-takers for their students should read Guidelines for Faculty or call Disability Services at 864-656-6848.

Real Time Captioning

Students who are deaf or hard of hearing can access lectures or class discussions by having a highly skilled captionist transcribe the discussion on a laptop computer. As the discussion notes are typed, they are transmitted onto a student’s laptop. Students also have the option to obtain a final copy via e-mail.

Sign Language Interpreters

Students who are deaf or hard of hearing often request interpreters from this office when they register for classes. In the unlikely event that a student arrives for the first day of class without an interpreter, the student should be referred to our office to schedule an interpreter. University departments that receive requests or anticipate needing an interpreter for public meetings or events should contact Student Disability Services. To ensure the availability of interpreters, this office encourages individuals to make requests at least two weeks in advance.

Guidelines for Working with Interpreters

Interpreters are bound by the code of ethics developed by the National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, which specifies that interpreters are to serve as communications intermediaries. Thus, when an interpreter is present, speak directly to the person who is deaf or hard of hearing rather than to the interpreter and avoid using phrases such as “tell him” or “ask her.” Other important guidelines include:

• Relax and talk normally, noting that there might be a lag time between the spoken message and the interpretation.
• When referring to objects or written information, allow time for the translation to take place. Replace terms such as “here” and “there” with more specific terms, such as “on the second line” and “in the left corner.”
• In a conference room or class environment, the deaf student and the interpreter will work out seating arrangements with the interpreter usually located near the speaker.
• Inform the interpreter in advance if there is an audiovisual element in a presentation so arrangements can be made for lighting and positioning.
• Be sensitive to sessions that extend longer than one hour. The interpreter might require a short break to maintain proficiency in interpreting.

Tutoring

All students at Clemson University can take advantage of tutoring by the Academic Success Center (ASC). Brochures are available in Student Disability Services. The tutoring schedule is available online at the ASC website: www.clemson.edu/asc.

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)

CAPS provides a variety of services (on a limited basis) including individual and group counseling; testing for learning disabilities and ADHD/ADD; workshops on topics such as assertiveness training, stress management and test anxiety; and a full range of consultative services centering on student adjustment in higher education.

Transportation Services

Clemson Area Transit (CAT)

CAT has accessible buses and routes. Routes are published and can be accessed at www.catbus.com. Occasional curb-to-curb stops can be pre-arranged through Student Disability Services. Students must be able to get to the bus on their own. Maps indicating routes are available in Student Disability Services and at the Union Information Desk.

Parking Services

Students must purchase and display a current Clemson University parking permit and a valid disability access placard in order to park in accessible parking spaces. When these are properly displayed, parking is also permitted in employee, student and timed parking zones. A campus map with information about disability access including the location of curb cuts, accessible parking and elevators is available in the Office of Student Disability Services or the Office of Parking Services.

Persons with temporary mobility impairments (not to exceed four weeks) can obtain a time-limited disability access parking permit from Parking Services. The application for a disability access permit must be accompanied by a written statement from a physician indicating accessible parking is required and the length of time it will be needed. Individuals who need accessible parking for longer than four weeks or who desire to park in off-campus disability accessible spaces must obtain a state permit from the Department of Highways and Public Transportation.