Maintained by drc@ucsc.edu

E-Notes

DRC (Disability Resource Center) Electronic Advising Update December 2008

Welcome! The DRC Electronic Advising Update is designed to keep you informed of important deadlines and to alert you to programs and resources that may be of interest to you. We will try to keep these publications as brief as possible. We hope that you will find it to be a useful tool to keep your quarter running smoothly.

IN THIS ISSUE:

Campus Closure

Tutoring Needs: Feedback requested

Equipment Return

Requesting Services Online

Adaptive Software Programs Available

Scholarship Information

 

Campus Closure
The 2008-2009 Campus Closure begins Wednesday, December 24, 2008 through Thursday, January 1, 2009. However, the DRC will be closed Tuesday December 23rd through Thursday, January 1st, 2009. In the event that any documents, equipment, etc. need to be left for the DRC on the 23rd, please leave them at the Admissions office next door. They will be collected when we return. Instruction begins Winter quarter on Tuesday, January 6th, 2009. All campus offices will reopen Friday, January 2, 2009.

Tutoring Needs for Winter Quarter

In order for Learning Support Services (LSS) to better meet your tutoring needs they are requesting students' input as to what courses tutors will need to be provided. If you anticipate using tutoring services for Winter quarter please reply to drc@ucsc.edu with a list of your classes for which you’d like to have tutors by December 12th. Please list the department and the course number so that we are able to compile the information more efficiently. Thank you for your input!

Return Borrowed Equipment

If you have equipment that is checked out from the DRC make sure to return it before leaving for Winter break unless you have made special arrangements to keep it for Winter quarter.

Request Services Online

Most of you have already completed the DRC Information Sheet for the year. If you have, you may submit your Service Request Form online for Winter quarter. Go to our web site http://drc.ucsc.edu and click on Current DRC Students. Then click on Request Services. Click on Service Request Form (SRF) and you are good to go! Remember that you need to go to your classes at least once and understand the syllabus before submitting an online SRF. Once you have submitted your SRF you may pick up your packet at the DRC after two business days. Please note that you may also choose to stop by our office and submit a Service Request Form in person or meet with your coordinator.

Adaptive Software Programs Available

Do You Use Adaptive Software? Have You Seen the Adaptive Technology Workstations at the ARC?

The following programs are available for student use:

Kurzweil 3000 is a software program that can convert text-to-speech and “read” documents to students struggling with reading. It includes on-screen study tools such as electronic highlighter pens, sticky notes and a dictionary.

Dragon Naturally Speaking is a voice recognition software program that allows the user to create documents with one’s voice, without the need for constant keyboarding.

JAWS uses the latest voice technology to read and navigate the web, read or write email messages, or access information from the data base.

RFB&D software is for playing audio books from Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic. This software also has built-in text to speech technology and does not require a screen reader.

Inspiration relies on the proven strategies of visual learning (mind-mapping) and makes brainstorming a paper or a project easy! Inspiration also provides templates for outlining and planning.

If you have questions about adaptive technology, or are interested in finding out how these adaptive programs might help you, please contact your DRC coordinator.

SCHOLARSHIPS – APPLICATIONS DUE DECEMBER 15

Each year, as a benefit of membership, AHEAD offers members the opportunity to apply for scholarships for students with disabilities at UCSC.

Two categories of scholarships are available this year:

- The AHEAD Scholarship for Students with Disabilities;

- The Texthelp Scholarship for Students with Disabilities.

The deadline for applications to be submitted is December 15, 2008, and complete details including application materials are available online at: http://www.ahead.org/membersarea/scholarships.php These scholarships are made possible through the generous support of the annual AHEAD Silent Auction, and through underwriting from AHEAD Partner Member, Texthelp Systems Inc. We look forward to receiving application packages in the coming month.

Winter Break

From all of the DRC staff we wish you a wonderful and safe winter break!