Access Services

Access & Testing Services assists in providing equal access for otherwise qualified students with disabilities to all curricular and co-curricular opportunities offered by the institution. In support of our college's mission, Access Services works diligently to support access to quality educational opportunities within a supportive learning environment and to promote success through community partnerships, responsive programs, and a commitment to improvement.

Students will understand:

1. The interactive process for requesting accommodations
2. Their responsibilities in the accommodation process, including initiating a request for access and how to continue receiving accommodations
3. How to request assistance when needed to utilize accommodations or work out any issues

Accommodation Request Process:   

• Student Request: Submit via the UACCB Request for Accommodations Form or contact Access & Testing Services directly at 870-612-2056 or 870-612-2013 or access@uaccb.edu .  

• Make a request in person: You can begin the request process at the Access & Testing Services Office in the Main Classroom Building.

• Provide Disability Documentation: Must include a clear diagnosis, student’s name, professional credentials, and how the disability affects functioning. Acceptable documents include IEPs, 504 plans, or a Summary of Performance.  

• Interactive Process: A meeting is scheduled between Access Services and the student to discuss needs and complete paperwork.  

• Notification: Accommodation Letters are sent via DocuSign to students and instructors.  

• Continued Communication: Students must notify Access Services if classes change to update accommodation letters and if they enroll the following semester.  

Types of Accommodations  

Accommodations are determinedindividually through collaboration with Access & Testing Services. Examplesinclude but are not limited to:  

• Lecture Access: Audio recordings, screen reader-accessible content, instructor or peer notes, transcription, or sign language services.  

• Academic Aids: Use of tools like calculators, computers, spell checkers, and text-to-speech devices.  

• Assistive Technology: Screen readers and magnifiers.  

• Interpreters/Transcriptionists: Available upon request; early registration recommended.  

• Parking: Handicap-accessible spaces are marked and available.  

• Mobility Access: Wheelchair users should report access issues.  

• Testing Accommodations: Options include extended time, quiet environments, assistive technology, scribes, and spell checkers.    

Limits: Personal services (e.g., caregiving, transportation)are not provided. Accommodations from high school are not automaticallytransferred.  Students must self-identify and follow the procedureto make a request for accommodations.  

Process for a Concurrent Student to Request Accommodations

Definition: Concurrent students are enrolled in high school and college classes at the same time.

NOTE:  All high school students will complete a Concurrent Student Enrollment Form, even if not requesting accommodations. This form is provided by your counselor or career coach. Check the box to request accommodations. It does not guarantee accommodations. Continue with the rest of the steps below.

STEP 1: Complete the Request for Accommodations Form online

Complete the UACCB Request for Accommodations Form online.

Submit it to the Access & Testing Services Office online. If an alternate format, such as a paper copy is needed, contact Access & Testing Services.

STEP 2: Complete a Concurrent Form – Consent to Release Information

This is required in order for the high school to release the disability documentation. It also allows UACCB staff to communicate with each other regarding the student in order to arrange accommodations. If you are under the age of 18, a parent signature is also needed. This form is available from the Access & Testing Services Office.

STEP 3: Documentation of Disability

Provide documents that explain the disability and/or health condition to the Access & Testing Services Office. These can be emailed to access@uaccb.edu or taken to UACCB, Access & Testing Services, room 232 Main Classroom Building, 2005 White Drive, Batesville, AR 72501.

Concurrent students’ IEP/504 Plans apply at the high school level and are considered in the decision-making college access process, but are not automatically applied at the college level. The Student Request for Accommodations Form has some documentation guidance. Also review the Documentation Guidance section of this handbook.

STEP 4: Schedule and meet with the Access & Testing Services Specialist

Discuss accommodation or access needs. Call 870-612-2056 or email access@uaccb.edu for an appointment. Your high school counselor may coordinate a meeting via Zoom or Microsoft Teams with the Access & Testing Services Office.

You can skip the meeting if you only need one or more of the following and are approved based on the documentation you provided. If you need help arranging the details of your accommodations do not skip this meeting.

1. Extended time on tests and quizzes (150 – 200% of regular time)
2. Distraction Reduced testing environment
3. Permission to record lectures

We will email you an Accommodation Letter and instructions for requesting testing accommodations. Sign the letter and return it to our office via Docusign. If you prefer to arrange your accommodated tests or recording of lectures with your instructor, you will not need to meet with Access Services unless you want to do so or need assistance.

NOTE: If you are eligible for testing accommodations and ride a bus to and from UACCB to attend class, you will need to discuss testing accommodations with the Access & Testing Services Specialist.

STEP 5: Receive and review your Accommodation Letter

Based on the information received in the registration meeting and the supporting documentation provided, Access & Testing Services completes the Accommodation Letter and emails it to the student and his or her instructors via DocuSign. Check your email for this.

STEP 6: Faculty should sign the letter and return it to Access & Testing Services via Docusign

You should keep a copy for your records. The Access & Testing Services can print a copy for you, upon request.

STEP 7: Students and faculty discuss the Accommodation Letter if needed

NOTE: The student keeps the Access & Testing Services Office up-to-date with any changes, and discusses any need to change or update accommodations; if changes are made, new Accommodation Letters can be requested. If schedule changes are made, request a new letter.

All students must request new Accommodation Letters each semester/registration period. If you have new classes, you need to request a new letter!

• Lectures that are recorded as part of an accommodation may not be shared with other people without the consent of the lecturer; this includes, but is not limited to letting another student listen to the lecture, putting the lecture online, giving another student a copy of the lecture, etc.
• Permission to allow the recording is not a transfer of any copyrights in the recording. The recording may not be reproduced or uploaded to publicly accessible web environments.
• Recordings, course materials, and lecture notes may not be exchanged or distributed for commercial purposes, for compensation, or for any other purpose other than individual study.

Students can sign a form agreeing to use the recordings in a proper and legal manner.

Who is eligible?
Potential students* and enrolled students who have met with UACCB Access & Testing Services and are eligible for testing accommodations will receive an Accommodation Letter detailing the arrangements. Potential students* include those who need an accommodated Accuplacer.

Scheduling
Eligible students should schedule tests to occur on the same day and time they will be given in class. Adjustments to start or finish times may be necessary to accommodate the testing accommodations. If an alternate day is required, students should discuss this with their instructor or seek assistance from the Access Office.

Provide the test

Each instructor should receive a Faculty Accommodation Letter from the Access & Testing Services Office confirming the student's eligibility for testing accommodations before implementing them.

Instructors must deliver the quiz or test to the proctor at least three business days in advance of the exam or as soon as the exam is announced in class. Some flexibility might be needed in scheduling due to room reservations or oral test recording.

Never send an exam with the student to the Testing Center.

Ideally, the instructor will administer the test to allow the student access to the instructor to ask questions. If the instructor cannot provide a requested accommodation, she or he should send the test to the Testing Center via the email testing@uaccb.edu and include the following information in the email:

• Student's name and course
• Date and regular time of the exam
• Due date to take the test (if applicable)
• Regular amount of time student is allowed for the exam
• Specify ALL exam accommodations listed on the accommodation letter
• Specify any items allowed during testing (e.g. textbook, note cards, notes, calculator, etc.)
• Provide instructor's email or mobile number for student questions during the exam
• Indicate how the test should be returned to the instructor (pick up, mailbox, or scanned and emailed)

While there is a general process for test provision and scheduling, additional communication between the Testing Center, student, and instructor may be necessary to coordinate accommodations.

Online exams
All test accommodations apply to online courses. If unsure how to accommodate an online quiz or test, please contact us or your academic dean for guidance. The UACCB Center for Teaching & Excellence may also assist.

Tardiness
The test proctor will wait 15 minutes beyond the scheduled time. After that, the untaken test may be returned to the instructor. Make-up tests should be approved by the instructor.

Student check-in
Students must present a current student photo ID or Driver's License.The Testing Center provides lockers to secure personal belongings.Visitors, including children, are not permitted in the Testing Center.

Please contact Access & Testing Services at 870-612-2056 or 870-612-2013 or email access@uaccb.edu, if you have any questions. The Testing Center's email is testing@uaccb.edu.

Alternative formats of texts and classroom materials may be provided as an accommodation for students with disabilities. If alternative texts are required, students should be aware of the following:

• Students must purchase their own textbooks and provide proof of purchase before receiving the requested alternative texts.
• If students change their schedule after requesting alternative texts, they must inform the Access & Testing Services Office and provide a receipt for the new text.
• Requests for alternative textbooks will be processed in the order they are received by the Access & Testing Services Office.
• Notification to students that items are ready for pick up will be made by phone and/or email by the Access & Testing Services Office.
• If assistive technology is needed to use alternative formats, you will need to sign an assistive technology loan agreement.
• Assistive technology cannot be checked out by minors without an adult’s signature on the loan agreement.

If alternative formats of classroom materials (handouts, worksheets, etc.) are needed, students should request this during the accommodation request process. Faculty members should either make them available or contact the Access & Testing Services Specialist to discuss options.

Assistive Technology is loaned to students with disabilities to ensure appropriate accommodations are available for the classroom. The following is an excerpt from an Assistive Technology Loan agreement. This is an example of what a student signs to borrow assistive technology.

I agree to use this equipment solely for the benefit of my education at the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville (UACCB). I will return the equipment and all accessories provided by Access & Testing Services to the UACCB Access & Testing Services office on or before _________ or on the day I withdraw from UACCB if I withdraw from classes before the date listed in this agreement.

Further, I acknowledge that I am responsible for this equipment. I will exercise extreme care with this equipment including securing the equipment whether in use or not, on or off campus. I understand that I am responsible for any damage to the equipment and if I knowingly harm the equipment or let harm occur, I will be subject to actual replacement costs of the equipment (approximately $xxx). Additionally, I understand that I may be billed the replacement costs of the equipment, and the charges will be placed on my UACCB student account if I fail to return the equipment in its original condition (excluding ordinary wear and any repairs covered by warranty) or fail to immediately report to Access & Testing Services any damage having occurred to the equipment. For the purpose of this agreement, damage to the equipment is defined as damage to the equipment, equipment case, or equipment cords that result in a loss of value in the equipment. This may be cosmetic or functional.

If the equipment is stolen, I will report the theft to Access & Testing Services at the time the theft occurred and provide Access & Testing Services with a police report documenting the theft of the equipment. I acknowledge that I will also be billed for the replacement costs of the equipment if I fail to report the theft of the equipment in a timely manner and fail to provide a police report.

I understand that Access & Testing Services reserves the right to place a hold on my account, preventing me from registering for future classes and obtaining my transcripts if I fail to return the equipment or pay the replacement costs. I may also lose the privilege the borrow equipment in the future.

NOTE: Students under the age of 18 must have an adult sign this statement of responsibility. This includes concurrent students.

UACCB intends to provide the broadest possible access to service animals in all of its public areas. UACCB is also committed to ensuring that individuals with disabilities requiring the use of a service animal can fully participate in classes, services, and activities on the UACCB campus.

The Department of Justice defines service animals as “dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities.” The work or tasks must be directly related to the individual's disability such as guiding a person with impaired vision, alerting a person who is Deaf, deaf, hard of hearing, pulling a wheelchair, alerting or protecting a person having a seizure, or reminding a person with a mental illness to take a prescribed medication. (Miniature horses may be considered a service animal as defined by the U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division.)

Dogs that are not trained to perform tasks that mitigate the effects of a disability, including dogs that are used purely for emotion support, comfort, therapeutic benefit, or companionship, are not service animals under the ADA.

Inquiries Regarding Service Animals

When it is not obvious what service an animal provides, only limited inquiries are allowed. Staff may ask two questions: 1) Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability? 2) What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?

Staff cannot ask about the person's disability, require medical documentation, require a special identification or training documentation, or ask that the dog demonstrate a task.

Responsibilities of the Handler

Service animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered, unless these devices interfere with the service animal's work or the individual's disability prevents using these devices. If this is the case, the individual must maintain control of the animal through voice, signal, or other effective controls.

The handler of the service animal is also responsible for:

• Ensuring the animal is clean and in good health including being up-to-date on all immunizations and vaccinations required of service animals by laws and/or current city ordinances.
• Properly disposing of the animal's waste, or if unable to properly dispose of the animal's waste without assistance, coordinating with college staff for the proper disposal of waste
• Any harm or damage that the animal causes to persons or property

Exclusions of Service Animals

A person with a disability may be asked to remove a service animal from the premises if the dog is out of control and the handler does not take effective action to control the dog or the dog is not housebroken; if the animal's behavior, such as barking, is disruptive to the other participants within the facility; or if the animal poses a direct threat to the health and safety of others.

The University of Arkansas at Batesville (UACCB) is committed to providing an environment that emphasizes the dignity and worth of every member of its community and that is free from harassment and discrimination based upon race, color, religion, national origin, service in the uniformed services (as defined in state and federal law), veteran status, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, pregnancy, physical or mental disability or genetic information. Such an environment is necessary to a healthy learning, working and living atmosphere. Accordingly, all acts of discrimination, harassment, retaliation and sexual misconduct as defined by Policy are prohibited.

The University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville (UACCB) has adopted an internal grievance procedure to allow for prompt and equitable resolution of complaints alleging any action prohibited by Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Title II states, in part, that “no otherwise qualified disabled individual shall, solely by reason of such disability, be excluded from the participation, be denied the benefits for, or be subjected to discrimination in programs or activities sponsored by a public entity.”

Individuals who wish to resolve a complaint informally may contact the Access & Testing Services Specialist before filing a formal grievance. The person should first discuss his/her complaint with the person perceived responsible for the action, interpretation, or application of the regulations leading to the problem.

Formal grievances should be addressed, in writing to: Director of Access & Testing Services, University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville, P.O. Box 3350, Batesville, AR 72503, who has been designated to coordinate ADA compliance for students.

• The grievance must be in writing and include the complainant's name, address, and phone number, and briefly describe the alleged violation of the regulations.
• A grievance must be filed within 30 days of the event or action giving rise to the student's grievance(s).
• Upon receipt of the grievance, the Director of Access & Testing Services will conduct an investigation, as may be appropriate. The investigation will be informal, but thorough, allowing all parties an opportunity to submit evidence related to the complaint.
• A written description regarding the validity of the claim and a description of the resolution shall be issued by the Director of Access & Testing Services and a copy mailed to the complainant no later than thirty calendar days after the claim is filed.
• The ADA Coordinator shall maintain the files and records of UACCB relating to the complaints filed.
• The complainant may request a reconsideration of the case (an appeal) in instances where he or she is dissatisfied with the resolution. The request for consideration should be filed with the Provost within ten working days of receiving the resolution.
• Use of this grievance procedure is not a prerequisite to the pursuit of other remedies, such as the filing of an ADA complaint with the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR) (Dallas regional office).

• Job Accommodation Network
• U.S. Government Website on Disability Programs and Services
• Arkansas Rehabilitation Services
• National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
• National Domestic Violence Hotline
• The Battered Women's Justice Project
• Human Rights Campaign

• 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433)
• 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)
• Military Veteran Suicide Hotline
  • 1-800-273-TALK (Press 1)
• Suicide Hotline in Spanish
  • 1-800-273-TALK (Press 2)