We want you to know that the DS office is here to assist you with accommodation updates and anything else you may need during this transition to online learning. Please feel free to email us or call the department at 330-941-1372 if you have any questions or concerns. We want you to finish the semester strong, so do not hesitate to contact us for support.
Virtual Instruction FAQ
Q: Is Disability Services Office (DS) open?
Yes, DS is still open Monday – Thurs, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. All drop-ins and student appointments will be conducted via phone or virtually until further notice. Exam Services will not be proctoring exams while virtual instruction is in place at Youngstown State University. If you have a question or concern, please either call the office (Phone: 330-941-1372) or email us.
Q: What happens now that exams are online? How do I get extended time for an online exam?
DS will not be proctoring exams while the University’s instruction remains online only. Please communicate with your instructors to discuss your exam accommodations in their courses.
Some instructors may opt for alternative assessments (e.g. essays, untimed exams) which would not require exam accommodations. If your instructor is creating online timed exams, please notify your instructor if you will need extended time. Academic departments are responsible for setting up extended testing time in Blackboard, Connect or any other exam platform.
If you are not registered with DS, please call us at 330-941-1372 so we can discuss your needs and the process for receiving accommodations.
DS is available to instructors and students to consult about unique circumstances.
Q: I currently have a volunteer note-taker assigned in my in-person class. Now that class is online, will I still receive a copy of the notes?
Once you have learned from your instructor on how they will adapt the course for virtual instruction, please let your note-taker and DS know if you would like to continue receiving notes. You may find that you no longer need a note-taker due to the course design changes. For example, lectures that are prerecorded videos can be watched at your own pace. On the other hand, some instructors may still opt for scheduled class meetings with real-time communication using Webex or Collaborate. Regardless of your decision to continue receiving notes, all established note-takers will receive compensation for their notes.
Q: Does this affect Attendance Accommodations?
Attendance accommodations will still be available, though structure of the accommodation DS reasonable modifications to the may be needed with the shift to online instruction. Please contact your instructors to discuss any additional barriers presented by changes to the course format. Let know if you need any assistance right away.
Q: With the switch to all-virtual instruction, I anticipate barriers and would like to request new accommodations. What are my next steps?
If you are currently registered with DS, please contact us right away via email or call 330-941-1372.
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