Changes directed at better serving students have been implemented in the Arkansas Tech University Office of Disability Services for the fall 2016 semester.
A new software program, known as AIM, will enable students to communicate with the Office of Disability Services through a student portal. The service will allow students to initiate requests for services, schedule appointments for accommodated testing and notify faculty of approved accommodations via e-mail.
“We’re pleased to offer this new opportunity to our students,” said Liz Davis-Means, director of disability services at Arkansas Tech. “One of our primary roles at Tech is to model for others how to reduce and eliminate barriers for people with disabilities. This software enables students to reach out to us privately and begin exploring how we might be able to assist them with their educational experience. The first step in the process requires the student to self-disclose and let someone know they need help. This is often difficult for our students and we believe the software will go a long way toward eliminating this barrier.”
Davis-Means went on to say that the Office of Disability Services continues to value and encourage personal interaction with students, and that the option to renew accommodations through the AIM portal is designed to make the process more efficient for their students. Welcome meetings will continue with new students, who will then have the option of using AIM to renew their academic adjustments.
Returning students have received notifications concerning how they may renew their accommodation plans. Davis-Means said she has been pleased by the response so far and that plans are in development to add a portal for faculty use during the spring 2017 semester.
Informational sessions about the AIM portal for faculty and students will be scheduled and announced during the fall 2016 semester.
“In addition to improving the student’s experience with our office, we’re also reducing our carbon footprint,” said Davis-Means. “All records are now stored electronically. Students may upload and email copies of their documentation directly to the portal. Eliminating the practice of printing and distributing hard copy notification letters will also allow us to significantly reduce expenses for paper and printing supplies.”
Visit www.atu.edu/disabilities to learn more.
