Computerized Note Taker and Virtual Accommodation Guide

Mohawk College recognizes that Computerized Note Takers play an important role in the academic success of students who are Deaf, deafened, or hard of hearing. Mohawk College adheres to the guidelines put in place by the College Committee on Accessibility Issues (CCAI). For more information please see Disability Issues.

What should professors do?

• At the beginning of each semester, allow the student who is Deaf, deafened, or hard of hearing the choice to introduce and explain the role of a Computerized Note Taker in the classroom
• Maintain the same expectations for students who are Deaf, deafened, or hard of hearing that you have for all students
• When addressing a student who is Deaf, deafened, or hard of hearing, speak directly to and facing him/her. The Computerized Note Taker will type what is being said
• Do not say anything in class that you do not want to be typed
• The Computerized note-taking process involves typing verbatim. Monitor class interactions and discussions making sure that everyone speaks clearly and in turn
• Repeat questions originated by students in the class at large, rewording for clarity when necessary
• Computerized Note Takers, will require all materials (course learning plan, access to textbooks, notes, list of videos and their transcripts, etc.) in advance
• The Computerized Note Taker will position themselves close to the student and close to the professor
• Typing verbatim is a mentally and physically strenuous task. As a result, a Computerized Note Taker working alone will require a 10-minute break after every 50 minutes of typing
• To ensure continuous provision of services, please consult with Accessible Learning Services, before any proposed schedule changes
• If the student has not arrived within 20 minutes of the start of the regularly scheduled class, the Computerized Note Taker will leave
• Please ensure that you are familiar with the student’s Accommodation Letter
• Should you require computerized note-taking services for any other student-related situation (e.g., seminars, course trips), please contact Accessible Learning Services in advance
• If concerns arise regarding computerized note taking services, please speak with the Computerized Note Taker and consult Accessible Learning Services

Accessibility Facilitator

• Accessible Learning Services puts in place virtual accommodations for a student when they received documentation from a regulated health professional stating that due to the functional limitations of the student, they require to attend their on-campus classes virtually
• When virtual accommodations are put in place the student is paired with an Accessibility Facilitator, who is a Mohawk College part-time employee who will attend their classes for the student and stream them into the class via zoom
• Professors will be notified via the Accommodation Letter that the student has virtual accommodations
• If the student has questions or needs to comment on a discussion the Accessibility Facilitator will do so on behalf of the student
• If the student does not attend the zoom link for the class the Accessibility Facilitator will wait 20 minutes and then leave if they do not log on
• The Accessibility Facilitator will be streaming the class live but will not be recording the lecture
• Accessible Learning Services will provide the Accessibility Facilitator access to the MyCanvas course as an observer if there are any changes to the schedule of the course
• The Accessibility Facilitator may need to calibrate the camera in order to track the professor so that the student sees what is being presented. The Accessibility Facilitator will connect with the professor to determine the best way to calibrate the camera (e.g., before class starts, during class, during transitions)
• If calibrating the camera will cause a disruption to the flow of the course, the Accessibility Facilitator will disable the tracking feature of the camera and manually track the professor to ensure the student can see what is being presented