Student and Faculty Resources

Accommodation Resources for Online Learning

The Office of Disability Services is available to discuss any concerns you may have about the implementation of your accommodations in an online environment. We also encourage you to communicate with your instructors to learn how the course will be designed and managed in an online format. Do not wait to approach your professors. Professors respect when you initiate communication; it shows that you are engaged in the learning process.

Further, we are here to support you with accommodation concerns and questions. To schedule a consultation appointment with Ronda or Jessie, schedule as you normally would via Accommodate, selecting digital/phone as the location. You will be invited to a video Teams call. Simply ‘accept’ or ‘join’ the call to attend the virtual meeting.

Student Meetings

Students already registered with Disability Services can follow the typical procedure to schedule an appointment through our Accommodate website. Students wishing to apply for services can do so on our Accommodations and Support Services page. We will resume in-person meetings when Bellarmine resumes in-person instruction.

During this time, we are still available to meet with prospective students and families. We are scheduling virtual meetings now and throughout the period that the University has suspended face-to-face services. To contact our office, you can reach us via email at Rpurdy@bellarmine.edu or Jvoigt@bellarmine.edu and via phone at 502-272-8490. If we do not answer, please leave a voicemail detailing the best way to reach you so we can return your call promptly.

Student Resources for Online Courses

Online Accommodations FAQ's

Student FAQ's

Can I still use my accommodations as our classes transition to online?
Yes, you still have access to all of your currently approved accommodations. Please reach out to your faculty to communicate your accommodation needs.

How will faculty know that I want to use my testing accommodations?
Students must email instructors three days prior to each test to request to use additional testing time if tests are timed.

Can students use the Testing Center during the time period that face-to-face classes are canceled?
No. The Testing Center will be closed while students are off campus. Do not sign up for any tests through Accommodate until we resume on-campus classes.

Will I still have access to my class note takers?
All note takers have been instructed to continue to take and post notes on Accommodate, except for cases in which instructors are solely providing written online instruction.

What should I do if I have a difficult time participating in on-line classes?
Some students may experience some barriers in accessing information with this online format of teaching. Please contact Disability Services immediately if you experience new issues related to your documented disability.

Student tips for online learning: https://www.northeastern.edu/graduate/blog/tips-for-taking-online-classes/

Faculty FAQ's

Do I still have to provide accommodations for online classes?
Yes, accommodations must be provided for all learning platforms. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, along with its 2008 amendments establish a firm legal basis for the requirement that IT procured, developed and used by postsecondary institutions be accessible to individuals with disabilities.

Faculty can log onto Accommodate and view current student accommodations for each course under the ‘Enrolled Students’ tab.

How will I know if students are requesting to use their testing accommodations since student will not sign up through the Testing Center?
We are recommending faculty communicate via email directly to students. Please send out a statement to your class when giving exam instructions:>/p>

Example statement: “Students who wish to use their approved testing accommodations must email me three days in advance of each exam.”

Can testing time be extended if I have a timed, online test?
Yes, if your exams are timed, students with approved accommodations must continue to have access to their approved amount of extended time. Please contact the Faculty Development Center for assistance in changing allotted testing time for approved students.

Can students use the Testing Center during the time period that face-to-face classes are canceled?
No. The Testing Center will be closed while students are off campus. Do not approve any testing requests through Accommodate until we resume on-campus classes.

What should I do if a student says they cannot participate in an online class because they must limit their screen time?
There are certain health related issues that can be exacerbated by increased screen time. Disability Services will need to reevaluate accommodation options for some students. We will evaluate need on a case-by case basis. Please contact our office if you have a student with concerns about learning on-line.

Additional resources for faculty: