Note-Taking and Scribe Services Overview There are several different ways that a note-taking accommodation might be implemented. Which option will be determined on a case-by-case basis according to a student's disability-related need. Examples of note-taking accommodation options include: Student uses a note-taking device to capture audio-based lecture/discussion in class; Disability Services works with course instructors to find volunteer note-takers; Course instructors provide an outline of lecture notes when available. Scribe services are needed when a student is unable to write or type or perform manual tasks required for a class, usually due to a physical disability. Disability Services hires scribes to attend classes, tests, and, when necessary, peer tutoring sessions. Note-taking Devices Digital recorder Audacity Livescribe pen Audacity is a free, open source, cross-platform software program available for download onto your laptop that allows you to record and edit sounds. Audacity is available for Windows®, Mac®, GNU/Linux®; and other operating systems. A Livescribe Pen is a pen with built-in audio recording capability that pairs with special computer dot matrix notebooks to record everything you hear, say and write, while linking your audio recordings to your notes. You can save recorded lecture notes and your accompanying pencasts (notes written in the special computer dot matrix notebook) directly to your computer by uploading your notes to Livescribe’s Echo Desktop software. You can replay audio directly from the accompanying computer dot matrix notebook paper by tapping on your notes or you can play back interactive notes from your Mac or Windows computer once you have uploaded your notes into the Echo Desktop software. Note-takers This accommodation is for students whose disability prevents them from being able to take effective notes. Examples of disabilities that might affect note-taking include hearing loss, learning disability, or brain injury. There are a few options for how a note-taking volunteer is recruited: The student elects to recruit a volunteer note-taker in their class on their own. The student notifies Disability Services of the volunteer note-taker’s name and contact information and directs the note-taker to check in with Disability Services. The class professor makes an announcement at the start of class for the need of a volunteer note-taker for the semester. The professor does not disclose for whom the note-taking services are needed in the announcement, but does typically privately introduce the note-taker and student so they can work out the logistics of the notes-sharing. If a student desires complete anonymity, they should inform their instructor. Disability Services can make arrangements with the note-taker and student for drop off/pick up of notes in the Wellness Center. Disability Services works with the class professor to recruit a volunteer note-taker. Volunteer note-takers are given a stipend ($50 gift card to the book store) at the end of the semester. Responsibilities of the Student Meet with the note-taker to work out the logistical details of the note-sharing. If student desires anonymity, discuss that with your instructor when you give them your Accommodation Agreement and communicate that information to the Coordinator of Disability Services so drop off/pick up arrangements can be made with the note-taker. Notify Disability Services immediately, or if possible, in advance, of any schedule changes so that Disability Services can assist with finding a note-taker who can accommodate the new schedule. Notify Disability Services of any problems or concerns about the note-sharing arrangement as soon as they arise. Responsibilities of the Note-Taker Meet with the Coordinator of Disability Services to work out the logistics of note-sharing, if necessary. Attend every class on time. In the event of an absence, try to obtain the notes for that class from another student and share those with the student receiving copies of your notes. Take in-depth notes. If taking notes by hand, write neatly. Take notes on all lecture, PowerPoint, video, guest speaker, class discussion, and any presentation information during class. Share notes by using a carbon-less notepad provided by Disability Services, by photocopying notes in the Wellness Center (or at a copier convenient to the classroom), or by emailing notes taken on a laptop. Communicate to Disability Services any problems or concerns throughout the semester. Maintain confidentiality and professionalism. Note-takers who share their notes for the entire semester will receive a $50 gift card to the bookstore at the end of the semester; shorter lengths of time will be prorated. Note-takers who are not satisfying the job requirements may be dismissed at any point without compensation. Scribes For students whose disabilities prevent them from writing in-class assignments or performing in-class hands-on activities, Disability Services will provide an in-class scribe. The duties of the scribe are to write (by hand or computer) verbatim what the student with the disability dictates. Scribes should be fluent in English and be familiar with the necessary formats, but they are not responsible for proofreading papers. The student with the disability is expected to direct the scribe what to write and where to place the information, for example in a formula or works cited list. Scribes are not allowed to tutor, prompt or correct the student with the disability. Scribes are paid an hourly rate by the Disability Services office. Responsibilities of the Student Meet with the scribe to exchange contact information (e.g. email, cell phone, phone, text, etc.) in the event that the student will be absent from class. Notify the scribe and Disability Services in advance if the student will be absent from class. Understand that the scribe is only responsible for writing exactly what the student tells the scribe to write, and will not make self-corrections to dictation errors made by the student. Notify Disability Services immediately, or if possible, in advance, of any schedule changes so that Disability Services can begin the process of finding a scribe who can accommodate the new schedule. Responsibilities of the Scribe Attend every class on time. Notify Disability Services and the student in advance if the scribe will not be able to attend a class. Read, write and comprehend through attentive listening. Write legibly by hand or accurately type into a computer the student's dictation and class lecture notes. Maintain confidentiality and professionalism.