Notetaking Aid

The Notetaking Aid accommodation represents multiple options for support, so students can have access to learning in a way that effectively meets their needs within the class.  Students may utilize technology (to type notes, audio record lectures, etc.), request certain resources (slides, a previous students notes, etc.) directly from faculty or request an in-class peer notetaker through SAS.  Some classes may have universally available resources that potentially meet a students need.

• Disabilities that impact a student’s ability to write or manipulate a keyboard.
• Disabilities that impact writing or spelling.
• Disabilities that impact encoding of visual information.
• Students who must simultaneously pay attention to an instructor or other students while also monitoring other assistive technology or communication access services.
• Disabilities that affect executive function, processing, or energy levels so that a student might miss information conveyed during portions of a class period.

The Notetaking Aid accommodation is considered on an individualized and interactive basis, allowing an intentional and critical analysis for how a student might access information presented during class sessions. Notetaking options may need to change course-to-course depending on the class, impacts of the disability, or if there are concerns around fundamental alterations that would significantly compromise the integrity of the course or specific assignment.

Considerations may include:

• Are students required to take notes following a specific technical standard? (i.e. objectively stated requirements for clinical settings)
• Does the act of taking notes constitute a significant loss of education experience for other students in the class? (i.e. recording of sensitive or protected information that would prevent class engagement/discussion)
• How are limitations around notetaking, that apply to all students, communicated?

If an instructor believes this accommodation would fundamentally alter a course requirement, they should inform SAS and the student of their concern. The instructor should consult with SAS to determine the reasonability of the request, specifics for usage, or limitations within the specific context of the class.

All resources recommended or provided to students through SAS are thoroughly vetted for functionality, accessibility, and data security.

There are many different ways the Notetaking Aid accommodation can be implemented. Effective implementation depends on the structure and content of classes, as well as student needs.

• Notetaking access may include access to incidental information, such as what homework is assigned, what topics will be covered on exams, or additional instructions for assignments.
• Resources that a student may bring, like technology to type or record, should not be prohibited unless it would result in an alteration to a fundamental requirement.
• A student seeking resources from a faculty member, like slides, TA notes, etc., should be provided when available upon request by the student to the faculty.
• A student may also request additional technology or a peer notetaker for a specific class by contacting SAS directly.
• Some students may request an adjustment to the timing for when resources are provided (such as presentation materials before the start of class)
• Audio recordings are for personal usage during the time period of the class or academic program. Recordings cannot be shared and should be deleted upon completion of the program. Violation may result in a conduct referral. Video recording of a class is generally not permitted.
• Students utilizing technology for notetaking must still meet classroom standards around noise, distraction, and professionalism. Students should not be utilizing technology for purposes unrelated to the accommodation. (i.e. listening to music, watching videos, engaging in social media, etc.)