How to Fulfill ADA Requirements by Providing a Notetaker

The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), Title III, Section 36, is a law that requires all public institutions to provide auxiliary aids and services such as notetakers to persons with disabilities. The ruling is intended to ensure that persons with disabilities have the same access to services as everyone else. Many educational institutions provide notetakers for students who have a visual impairment, a learning disability or are physically unable to write. Deaf people usually require notetakers if they need to watch a sign language interpreter in class. Notes can be written by hand or via a laptop computer.

Instructions

    • 1

      Require disabled students to identify themselves to the educational institution as persons with disability that require notetaking services. Some educational institutions require documentation that prove a diagnosis of their disabilities, explains their limitations and recommends accommodations such as notetakers. Encourage the students to apply as soon as possible so that the services can be set up on time. If possible, establish a deadline, such as three weeks before classes begin.

    • 2

      Identify which department is in charge of recruiting and overseeing the provision of notetaking services. In colleges and universities, this service may be provided by the department of Disability Services. Provide the name, phone number and email address of the contact person who deals with service provision and any issues that may arise to the student.

    • 3

      Ask disabled students if they want their notetakers to know who they are. Some students do not want to be identified as having a disability. If the students approves the disclosure, introduce them to their notetakers.

    • 4

      Establish a procedure for recruiting, hiring and providing notetakers. Some educational institutions recruit students in the same classes as the disabled persons to provide this service in either volunteer or paid positions.

    • 5

      Determine how the notes will be distributed. They can be handed to the person with a disability right after the class. If confidentiality is an issue, arrange for the notes to be picked up from the Disability Services office or another convenient location. Establish a procedure for changing notes into other formats such as Braille, if needed.

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