[nabs] notetakers and college policy

[Zack Olson]

Ashley,

To me, it sounds basically like the form says that they don't want the reader/scribe doing your homework for you or doing anything a personal assistant might do.  I can't imagine why asking you reader/scribe for human guide assistance would violate any agreement you sign, because you can pretty much ask anyone for human guide assistance, whether that person is a reader/scribe or not.

I've never had to have a reader, because personally I find it extremely cumbersome to take tests or do assignments by having them read to me.  It's just awkward and slow.  Anyway, as far as note-takers go, I've had two and they pretty much just take down the notes and give them to me afterward.  You may be able to have the notes converted from print to typed format by your disability support office, but I've never had to utilize such a service, so I'm not entirely sure.  Depending on what class you're taking, it might be smart to ask the professor if they can provide a copy of their lecture notes. It might not have all the information you want, but it could help to suppliment the notes you get from your note-taker.

You have my sympathies, as I am used to things being done on short notice by my disability support office. Generally, I just try to go around them and deal directly with professors.  I hope you can get things resolved.

Happy holidays and good luck.


From: Ashley Bramlett 
Sent: Thursday, December 22, 2011 9:50 PM
To: National Alliance of Blind Students. Discussion list for NABS 
Subject: [nabs] notetakers and college policy


Hi all,

I know most schools provide notetakers for students upon request. Services vary but generally notetakers or scribes are paid from the school and they help take notes in class for a student with a disability. In my case, the community college provides reader/scribes for students 1:1 basis. They serve as readers on tests as well. Students cannot use jaws in the testing center because it was out of date and failed to work properly on their vista and windows 7 computers.

Anyway, what is your experience with them? What is your school policy, if any?
I’m just a part time student for a certificate; I already have my BA degree. I would be working, but no jobs are really available.

Prior to this semester, I requested scribes in advance; maybe four-six weeks ahead of time after I knew my semester schedule.
I usually got them with no paperwork. In fact I did not know my scribe’s name til like the last minute before school began.

This year something happens that I don’t like. The counselor is requiring me to sign a form wich is a reader/scribe agreement  before she’ll grant this accomodation. I cannot believe this is thrown at me just at the holiday and school starts second week of january. To add to that, I cannot discuss this policy and its meaning til I get an appointment with her and that cannot happen til jan 4 because the school re opens jan 3.
In other words, I won’t have a scribe at the beginning of the semester just because of not signing some stupid form.
I will not sign it til I understand what it really means.
I want the scribe more for the reading of the board and handouts than notes actually. English has group work wich requires reading handouts or other papers.
or for personal attendant care.What disturbs me is this because I need my notes typed and the care statement makes me think that scribes cannot be a guide without violating the agreement.
It said
“Reader/scribe services may not be used for personal study, tutoring, typing and personal attendant care.”

I’ve had my scribes walk with me to the restroom or somewhere during class break if we have one. 
I know my way, generally, but I just find it faster  to walk with them and they asked if they could help me; and besides if I want a snack, they need to read the vending machine labels anyway. Wonder if this restricts them from doing this? I really hope not because walking and following a voice slows us both down. 


So what does your school do?

Ashley


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