Disabled Student Development GA
The
Office of Disabled Student Development (DSD) provides access and opportunity for students with disabilities so that they might strive to achieve their full potential. DSD seeks to find a balance point between the legal rights of students with disabilities and the institutional standards of Ball State University. In serving as the "clearinghouse" for student disability-related issues at Ball State, DSD determines the eligibility to receive accommodations and then works cooperatively with the student, faculty member or other staff to assign appropriate and reasonable accommodations. DSD facilitates such services as:
- providing access to print in alternative formats, i.e. e-texts, audio, and Braille
- notetakers for students with a disability that inhibits the ability to take notes
- sign language interpreters
- information on attendant care and referrals of attendants
- testing accommodations and classroom adaptations
- letters for teachers, when requested, regarding classroom and testing accommodations
- a lab devoted solely to adapted computer technology
- priority class scheduling
- keys to elevators and accessible parking and transportation
- adapted, accessible housing
- adapted physical education and recreation programs
- information about (and a liaison with) Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation Services
DSD's graduate assistant works with the office staff in facilitating these services. It is expected that after proper training, the graduate assistant will assist the director or assistant director in meeting with current students, pre-admission students and their parents, or others who visit the DSD office. Other projects, such as the writing and editing of DSD's semi-annual newsletter, modifying and improving the office's website, and coordinating the annual student satisfaction survey are the responsibility of the graduate assistant.