Skip to main content
The Office of Equal Opportunity 
Disability Resource Office

Text Access

Text access is translating auditory information into text, to be read on a computer or another display device. This text provides access to verbal communication and auditory information for students who cannot hear. This text may be a summary, a condensed version, or almost word for word. This academic adjustment is the text that is read during class not a verbatim transcript. Text Access can be live or remote. When live, a DRO provider with a laptop computer sits near the student in the classroom and processes what is being said for the student to read. When remote, the student brings equipment to the classroom and reads the text generated by a provider who is off site. Note taking provisions may be arranged to supplement the text. Responsibilities are as follows:

Instructor

  • If live, allow the assigned text provider to attend the course meetings.
  • Provide all needed course information and materials.
  • Confirm required events outside the usual classroom schedule i.e. field trips, etc.

Student

  • Provide class schedule and syllabus to the DRO well in advance of the semester.
  • For remote access, come to the DRO for training on the use of the equipment. Bring the equipment to all class meetings in good working order and have frequent and ongoing communication with DRO.
  • Contact the DRO immediately if and when:
    • You drop the course. Make sure you have informed your instructor as well.
    • There is any change in course meeting times, places, or other essential information.
    • You will not be attending class. It is not sufficient for you to inform your provider when this occurs.  If you are late, the provider will wait 15 minutes and then leave. Repeated failure to report your absences to the DRO could result in loss of services.
    • Your provider does not report to class. Make sure that you carry a back-up method such as note taking paper, recorder, etc.
    • You experience other problems. Report problems immediately to the instructor and email disability@ncsu.edu.
    • You need the text access provider to report for an additional course meeting like a field trip. Notify the DRO two weeks in advance of required events outside the usual classroom schedule. Requests may be accepted with less notice, but text access cannot be guaranteed.
  • Contact your text access provider immediately if and when the course meeting times, locations, or other essential information has changed. Make sure your provider has a copy of the course syllabus.

DRO

  • Schedule and pay providers for regular class meeting times.
  • When requested, schedule and fund other required course meetings when given at least two weeks of advanced notice.
  • Provide equipment for use in the classroom.