[nabs-l] school is not accommodating

[Amy Sabo]

	Dear Ashley,
I'm sorry that you are having difficulties with your situations and problems at a community college. I too had some of these same problems myself when I began my college experience way back in 2000 where I began at a community college in Michigan. And, here's what I had to do in dealing with all of these problems relating to yours.

As to the mobility situation on your campus I didn't have any o and m training even though I had asked the mi commission for some I didn't receive any at all. So, what I did was try to learn as much on my own by asking many questions and, also asking other students for sighted assistance and, then I knew where to go. I also had my parents or a sighted friend who was in one of my classes show me around the campus. So, those are 2 ideas on getting around your community college independtally. As for your it class I would get a laptop. I had a voicenote when I was at my community college which was helpful but, it didn't do everything that I needed for my classes so, a laptop is sooo much beneficial in working on the job and, also for college. And, you can have your own copy of jfw on it and, you don't have to rely on the dss office or the school's version or wait for their licenses of it for the keys. You said that you don't want to lug a large laptop around campus well, I used a roller bag for it and, it worked out fine or put it in a laptop bag for a backpack or messenger bag which is available for purchase all major stores. Or, you can purchase a netbook which is smaller than a laptop and, it works great with jfw. My sister has one as a matter of fact it's her second one to be certain of that!

As for the school's web site not being accessible with jfw have you advised the dss office of this? If yes or no then send a friendly email of your concerns and frustrations to the webmaster of the school's web site.

As for the cd for the textbook or other materials that you are using what format is it in? as for all of the it books try to get them in a accessible format on your own or get the dss office to assist you? When I began at my community college this happened to me and, I had to scan my books on my own or have a reader or a family member be my reader for me.

Besides rfbd there's other resources like bookshare or nls to name a few.

So, there are many resources and ideas that I have given to you. I hope that you can use them to your advantage. Take care and good luck!




Hugs,
amy

-----Original Message-----
From: nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Ashley Bramlett
Sent: Friday, January 20, 2012 12:14 PM
To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list
Subject: [nabs-l] school is not accomodating

Hi all,

Just want to vent. My school doesn’t seem very accomodating and they’re the largest community college in the commonwealth. Yo They got over five campuses and you can read about at www.nvcc.edu.

I’m just taking further classes to get a writing certificate and figured extra knowledge will enhance my resume as I look for work. No one’s hiring so it will be a whwile; might as well learn more.

First, my disability service office, DSO, does not scan any texts. I am still waiting for electronic text; fortunately, a family member can read meanwhile til I find a reader at school. If the publisher won’t give us the e-book, they likely never will; I mean its been two weeks!

Second, I am taking that It class as I mentioned before. The instructor wanted jaws installed in her office because she needs to show me the steps. Hmm. Maybe I need a laptop. But I hate the idea of lugging the thing around!
They tell us they don’t have enough licenses; um how absurd. They need lots of them. what if another blind student needs jaws in a classroom lab?

Third, they cannot braille tests; at least they will outsource to get it brailled though; just seems like a large school would be able to braille tests!

Fourth, this new building which holds the student service stuff and counseling center is very open few halls, few landmarks. I bet its not ADA compliant. I don’t know though. Its certainly confusing for a blind traveler. Sighted people get lost until they’ve been there a lot since its not laid out well.

Not to mention the inaccessible website and CD for the IT class too. Publishers need to get with the program!

Ashley
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