If your textbooks or other course materials need to be presented in a different format such as digital, print, or Braille, please work with our office to support your request.  Students with physical print texts that need to be in a form capable of being read by text-to-speech technology, will have access to these texts within a special course shell in D2L.

Blind or Low-Vision students are also encouraged to work with State Services for the Blind for additional services they may need.

If you need an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter, the university will provide one for you in academic settings.

To make sure an interpreter is available, let us know as soon as possible. Request ASL interpreting for your courses after priority registration, but no later than 2 weeks prior to the start of the semester.

Once you’re enrolled for the next semester, send your schedule to Accessibility Services right away. As a deaf student, you’ll have priority registration each semester. Make the most of this opportunity and register early, then send us your schedule as soon as you can.

We’ll arrange in-person interpreting or video relay, depending on the course. You’ll be informed which option is best for you.

If you want an ASL interpreter for a BSU-sponsored event, such as a theatre production, conference, meeting or presentation, let us know at least two weeks in advance. This gives us enough time to find a qualified ASL interpreter for you.

If you are seeking housing accommodations, submit the application for accessibility services. Accessibility Services will then send you the proper documentation to complete and Housing & Residential Life will work with you to address your needs.

In lecture-based classes, students may request to record lectures for their personal study use after class. Students with disabilities who struggle with taking notes in real-time can benefit from this additional aid for processing information and learning. Students are encouraged to provide their own audio recording device as devices available for rent are limited.

In cases where a student is incapable of crafting notes from class lectures, a note taker may be an appropriate accommodation. Class attendance is still expected and students will receive notes within 48 hours of class periods.

Students with disabilities can request preferential seating in the classroom to support their learning experience. This may include a seat close to the instructor or the board, or near an exit door, depending on the student’s needs. The instructor should be notified of the request and work with the student to accommodate their needs.

Priority registration may be available to students who need special consideration of class schedules and locations to help manage their disability.

Scribes may be available for students writing quizzes or exams who cannot otherwise write or type.

Sometimes the classroom setting is the barrier for taking tests or quizzes. Eligible students may request to take their tests or quizzes in a more privately proctored space such as the testing center.

Bemidji State University offers travel abroad opportunities for enrolled students. However, accessibility may be limited in some countries without civil rights ordinances.

Contact Accessibility Services and the head of the desired travel program in advance to assess accessibility. Terrain in some countries may make tour places inaccessible.