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Students with disabilities have priority use of workstations marked for accessible features in public computer labs. When a student with a disability needs an accessible workstation the student at the accessible workstation will be asked to move to another available workstation. If the case where there are no other workstations currently available in the lab, students with disabilities must wait until an computer becomes available. When another computer computer becomes available the able bodied student needs to move to accomodate the student with a disability.
As a lab consultant, you may be asked to help facilitiate the transfer of an able bodied student from a computer with accessibility features to another available workstation when a student with a disability needs the accessible workstation. If the student with a disability does not have an obvious disability (wheelchir user, white cane, etc...), you can request to see their letter of accommodation provided by DRES to students with disabilities. This letter outlines the types of accommodations that the student needs to participate in the educational activites of the university. Probably the most difficult time to move an able bodied student is when the lab is very busy. It is important to make sure that students standing in line behind the student with a disability understand that the student with a disability will be using the accessible workstation and that the student at the accessible workstation will be moving to the one vacated. Otherwise, students standing in line may try to use the vacated workstation during the time delay of the able bodied student switching workstations. Lab consultants should also notify the student at the accessible workstation when the student with a disability is close to the front of the line so that they are prepared to move.
If you need to use the accessible workstations in the public computer lab make sure you have your accomodation letter with you. In general there are three situations you may encounter when arriving at a public lab. If no one is using the accessible computer, you can just use it without any other considerations. If some one is using the the accessible computer and there are other people
If you don't have an obvious disability it the accessible This will make it easier for the lab consultant if you need to ask another student to move to allow you to use the accessible computers. If the accessible workstations are free, you may use them without talking to the lab consultant first. If there are empty computers in the lab but all of the accessible workstations are in use, show your accomodation letter to the lab consultant and ask him/her to have the person using the accessible workstation move to another computer. If there are no empty computers in the lab and you have to wait in line, show your accomodation letter to the lab consultant and let him/her know that when your turn comes, you require the use of an accessible workstation. This will allow him/her to notify the students at the accessible workstations in advance that as computers become available they will need to move. This early notification will make it easier for the student to move when another computer becomes available.
Students with disabilities have priority for accessible workstations in public computer labs. If there are other computers available, please do not use the accessible workstations. If a lab consultant asks you to move to another computer to accomodate a student with a disability, please be understanding. The consultant will try to give you as much advance warning as possible in the case of a crowded lab, but if there are a lot of computers available, you may be asked to switch on very short notice.
Use of alternative reading rooms is restricted to students with disabilities who are:
As a lab consultant, a student may ask you to give him/her access to an alternative reading room. Please be aware that these rooms are reserved for students with disabilities only. You should check the student's accomodation letter to make sure that he/she is allowed access to these rooms. Most labs require students to check out keys to the alternative reading rooms. If this is the case in your lab, make sure to follow the correct procedure for key check-out. This is important because it allows DRES to track how the alternative reading rooms are being used and continue to provide appropriate services for students on campus who have disabilities.
The alternative reading rooms are reserved for students with disabilities. If you plan to use one of these rooms, make sure to bring your accomodation letter with you. Lab consultants have been asked not to provide access to students without accomodation letters, so you may be denied access if you do not have yours with you, even if your disability is visible. You may also have to check out a key, so be sure to carry your UIUC identification card. If you plan to use the alternative reading rooms, make sure you have been trained to use all of the equipment. Report any problems immediately so that DRES can keep everything in the reading rooms in good working condition.
The alternative reading rooms are reserved for students with disabilities. If you do not need the equipment available there, please do not request access. The lab consultants will not be able to let you in. If you think you need to use the alternative reading rooms, register with DRES and obtain an accomodation letter.
Contact us at infotechaccess@server.rehab.uiuic.edu