Specialized Services
Services for Students with Learning Disabilities
Students with a learning disability are encouraged to register with the Center on Disabilities in order to obtain needed accommodations. In order to receive services, students must submit signed documentation from a qualified professional such as a clinical or educational psychologist, school psychologist, neuropsychologist, learning disabilities specialists or medical doctor with training and experience in the assessment of learning disabilities. Documentation must be current, include the results of a diagnostic interview, an assessment of aptitude, academic achievements and information processing, and a diagnosis with functional limitations.
Registered Cal State Northridge students who are seeking an assessment for the first time should be aware that the process will require about 10 hours for testing and feedback. Generally this is done in weekly sessions lasting 2 hours each. The wait for an assessment can be quite lengthy - up to several months - so we encourage students who may have another disability along with a suspected learning disability, to register on the basis of the known disability. Often times you may be eligible for the same accommodations you would receive with a diagnosis of a learning disability. These accommodations may include:
- Extended time for examinations
- Training in assistive technology
- Alternate format services
- Notetakers
- Readers
- Private rooms for examinations
- Coaching in compensatory strategies
The following criteria are used to prioritize students requesting a learning disabilities assessment:
- History of diagnosed learning disability
- Grade point average of 2.5 or below
- Not already served by the Center on Disabilities
- Referred by a California State University Northridge faculty member
- Student is an undergraduate
Students meeting all of these criteria will be served first, with those meeting four of the factors served next, and so on. Students who meet only one factor will be highly unlikely to receive an assessment until at least the following semester. In general, undergraduate students will be served first. If you feel that you need immediate assistance, you may choose to obtain an assessment from a private practitioner. We can provide you with a list of community referrals if you are interested.
Services for Students with Mental Health Disabilities
Students who have mental health disabilities may find the transition to a four year university particularly challenging. Change of any kind can increase the stress level for most of us, but for those with a mental health disability, it can be overwhelming.
The Center on Disabilities offers a safe environment for students with mental health disabilities to learn how to be more effectively manage their education and their disability. Structured meetings with our Mental Health Specialist and peer support counselors can provide effective tools for improving academic performance as well as tools for reducing disability-related setbacks. It is our belief that the more a student knows about their disability and the more active they are in taking responsibility for managing it, the greater their chances are for success.
The Mental Health Specialist works closely with the University Counseling Center and the Student Health Center. Referrals for services provided by these Centers may be recommended when the student would benefit from a more intensive therapeutic intervention or medication management.
Services for Students Requiring Accessible Formats
Both state and federal laws require that California State University, Northridge operates in a manner which is accessible to all students with disabilities. "Alternate media" or "accessible formats" generally refer to methods of making information accessible to persons who may not be able to access printed material. The most common types of accessible formats are:
- Electronic text
- Large print
- Audio
- Braille
- Tactile graphics
Once a student has registered with the Center on Disabilities, been approved for alternate media as an accommodation, and completed a service agreement, the student is referred to the Assistive Technology Specialist for assessment. The Specialist will determine the medium that will most appropriately meet the needs and abilities of the individual making the request.
Students are first introduced to resources which will allow them to function independently. Students are asked to:
- Learn how to use text to speech and/or speech to text software
- Join Recordings for the Blind and Dyslexic (RFB&D)
- Learn to scan printed material to use with appropriate software
There may be reasons after these steps are taken, that a student will need assistance in formatting all of the required material in an accessible format. For example, a student with low vision may have coordinated receipt of all books from RFB&D, but the professor in one class has daily handouts that require formatting. In these cases, students may utilize assistance from Alternate Media Services. The process begins with a meeting with the coordinator of Alternate Media Services. You will need to bring your class syllabus, books and receipt verifying purchase of the books with you. A schedule for receipt of your formatted class material will be established and you will be asked to fill out the necessary paperwork. Then you will simply stop by the office on the appointed day(s) and pick up your material.
In general, students who require an audio format, are provided with a CD that can be used with text to speech software. The process begins with the coordinator of the Alternate Media Services contacting the publisher of the book to request electronic text for your book. If the publisher does not supply this e-text in a timely manner (or at all), your book will be de-spined, scanned and cleaned to be used with a reading technology.
Students who are blind may hand in their notetaker notes for transcription daily. They will receive their notes as an attachment via email to be read with tech.
Services for Students Requiring a Notetaker
Many students may be eligible to utilize a Notetaker in their classes. In order to obtain Notetaker Services you must be registered with the Center on Disabilities and sign a Services Agreement each semester. You will then need to take the following steps:
- Obtain a Notetaker packet and notetaking paper, plus a Human Resource packet from a counselor for each class in which you wish to obtain the services of a notetaker.
- Approach a classmate and inquire if they would be willing to be your Notetaker. If you don't feel comfortable doing so, ask your professor to make an announcement so interested students can approach you after class. Although you may recruit any enrolled CSUN student, your classmates will require the same notes as you and are more likely to remain as your Notetaker throughout the term.
- In the event that you are unable to find a student Notetaker, or in the event that you do not want to disclose that you need a Notetaker to a fellow student, contact your counselor for assistance. The Center on Disabilities is committed to ensuring that you obtain the Notetaker Services that have been approved for you by this office.
- Tell potential Notetakers they will be paid a stipend of $50 per class for taking notes for the semester.
- Give the Notetaker the paperwork contained in the Notetaker packet and ask them to complete it and return it to the Center on Disabilities. You must also give them the notetaking paper you received from your counselor. Sign the Notetaker Information Sheet and the Verification Sheet for the Notetaker. In order for your Notetaker to be paid, they must bring the complete packet, including Notetaker Information Seet, Notetaker Verification Sheet and Campus Timesheet to the Center on Disabilities. Instructions are front page on this packet.
- Give the Notetaker the paperwork contained in the Human Resources packet and ask them to register with Human Resources. This must be completed as soon as possible. Instructions are front page of this packet.
Questions about Notetaker and Alternate Media Services may be directed to our Alternate Media Coordinator at 818/677-2684.
Computer Assessment and Training Services
If you have a disability that affects learning, vision or physical mobility, you may have functional limitations that interfere with school assignments such as reading, writing reports and conducting research.
We can help you identify technology-based accommodations. You will then have the opportunity to learn to use adaptive technology to determine if it is helpful. As you gain independence in using technology, you will be able to complete your assignments at a variety of campus locations. Below are some of the limitations that may be accommodated through the use of technology.
- I often have to read a section several times before I understand it
- The words and pictures on the computer screen are too small
- I have difficulty organizing my ideas to write a paper
- I lose track of my train-of-thought while typing or spelling words
- I cannot see the computer screen
- The keyboard and mouse are physically very difficult for me to use
We look forward to working with you. To find out more, please contact our Assistive Technology Specialist at 818/677-2684.
Alternative Testing Services
Testing Accommodations are available through the Center on Disabilities (COD) with requested permission from the instructor. Students who have:
- Registered with COD
- Met with their counselor
- Signed a services agreement indicating they are eligible
- Filled out an Alternative Testing Agreement with their counselor
receive alternative testing services. Please keep the following in mind, as you access your services:
Arranging Testing Accommodations- Test accommodations must be requested every semester. At the beginning of the semester after you receive the syllabi for your classes, you should meet with your counselor to request a Faculty/Student Alternative Testing Agreement. One agreement form per class is required.
- Once you have met with your counselor take your agreement/s to each professor. Meet with your professors as soon as possible, preferably during their office hours, to discuss your test accommodations. Your instructor can also proctor the exam, with the accommodations outlined on your Agreement. They are not obligated to allow accommodations without an agreement.
- Make sure your professor completes Section 3 of the Faculty/Student Alternative Testing Agreement. You may only use the accommodations listed by your professor in this section.
- Exams will be administered Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 am and 5:00 pm. All exams are administered in BH 110 unless otherwise arranged. COD will administer late exams on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings until 8:00 pm, by appointment only with 7 days advance notice.
- It is your responsibility to provide your professor with the Faculty/Student Alternative Testing Agreement.
- SIGN UP FOR EXAMS AT LEAST ONE WEEK IN ADVANCE!
- PLEASE NOTE: If the accommodation is not requested in a timely manner, and the form is not signed in a timely manner, the professor and COD are not responsible for scheduling the exam per your request. Instead you may receive test accommodations that do not include all of your preferences or your professor may proctor your exam.
- It is your responsibility to return the accommodation form to COD.
- DO NOT HAVE YOUR PROFESSOR RETURN THE AGREEMENT FORM FOR YOU.
- COD does not guarantee the provision of testing services for incomplete or late requests.
- Students are expected to arrive on time to take their exams. If you
are late, the following alternatives may apply.
- You may take the test using the remaining time.
- You may reschedule the exam in order to receive the full allotted time, with instructor approval.
- CHANGES/CANCELLATIONS to the Faculty/Student Alternative Testing Agreement, e.g. notes permitted, open book, additional time, rescheduling time and/or date of the exam due to illness or an emergency etc. are only permitted with the PROFESSOR APPROVAL. All of the above require notification to both the COD office and your instructor via phone, email, or with an Addendum form signed by your professor. If an exam is cancelled or reschedule by the professeor, please notify the COD.
- If the professor is late dropping off the exam, or if COD is late in obtaining the exam, you will receive all of the time allotted, but simply have a later start time.
- Students must notify COD if they will be more than 15 minutes late. Continual tardiness will be documented and if late more than 3 times during the semester, consequences apply.
- FINAL EXAM accommodation requests must be submitted no later than the date indicated on the Faculty/Student Alternative Testing Agreement. Late forms will be accepted on a case-by-case basis depending on room availability. Final exams are administered during finals week. Please check the Center on Disabilitites exam times.
- When suspected or confirmed cheating, the exam is stopped, documented and reported to the instructor.
- Only testing materials are allowed in the testing rooms. All other belongings,
including but not limited to, coats, purses, backpacks, cell phone, etc.
are secured in lockers or the testing office.
STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO UPHOLD THE INTERGRITY OF THE EXAMINATION PROCESS AND ARE SUBJECT TO PROCEDURES FOR ACADEMIC DISHONESTY AS OUTLINED IN SECTION 41304, STUDENT DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES FOR THE CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY.
STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO UNDERSTAND AND FOLLOW THE ABOVE GUIDELINES. STUDENTS WHO VIOLATE THESE GUIDELINES MAY HAVE SERVICES SUSPENDED.
Questions about alternative testing services should be directed to our Alternative Testing Coordinator at 818/677-2684.
Peer Mentoring Program
The Peer Mentoring Program was developed in response to two very important needs expressed by the students at the Center on Disabilities. Those needs are:
- Structured educational support services that help develop academic and personal skills necessary for success at school and in life.
- A "peer" resource for students who have general questions about being a student at CSUN.
Students can improve both their university experience and performance by using our Peer Mentoring Services. The Mentors are available to assist students in developing a personal plan to improve their academic and personal skills. Mentors can also help students adapt quickly to life at CSUN by showing them how to use a wide range of CSUN resources to get the most out of their time here.
- Depending on students’ needs and interests, individualized one-on-one instruction can be provided in a number of useful areas such as: time management, test preparation, test-taking strategies, researching and writing papers, and basic math, to name just a few.
- Mentors can also demonstrate how to: use the CSUN Web Portal, register for classes, run and understand a DARS report, prepare for a meeting with a professor or advisor, and much more.
Peer Mentors know what it's like to be a student. They've "been there" and want to make it a little easier for others. Peer Mentoring Services are available to students who want to learn their way around CSUN more quickly and efficiently and improve their skills in key areas known to relate to scholastic success. Peer Mentors are trained to listen and can provide individualized assistance that may not be available elsewhere on campus. They are familiar with campus and community resources and can provide referrals for just about anything our students might need including getting involved with social or community groups, or even finding the best place to go for pizza. If they don't have the answer, they'll find someone who does.
The program is particularly helpful for students who are new to CSUN or new to the Center on Disabilities. For more information about the Peer Mentoring Program and how to use these services, please contact our Experiential Learning Specialist or a Peer Mentor at 818/677-2684.