Welcome to the Disability Support Services (DSS) Student Center! This center was designed to help you with essential information about the Disability Support Services application process, supports, and helpful resources available. Our goal is to ensure that you are able to access courses and facilities at OTC by minimizing barriers. We will provide ongoing support during your time at OTC as you pursue your educational goals!
Please plan to contact your DSS Accessibility Coordinator in advance of each enrollment semester so that we may ensure we have up-to-date information and accommodation letters ready for you. Contact your Accessibility Coordinator directly at their email or the DSS front desk at disabilityservices@otc.edu.
If it has been more than one year since you last attended OTC, please click below to go to the accommodations process and begin again with a new application and follow the intake process.
It is the student’s choice to disclose their disability or enrollment with Disability Support Services to their instructors.
Presenting your Accommodation Letter is necessary to utilize accommodations in the classroom and for out-of-class testing. It is recommended students confidentially discuss their Accommodation Letter with their instructors so an open line of communication can be established.
Knowing what is expected of you and what you need from your instructor can set the basis of a great class experience together. Ask for help when you know you are struggling, don’t wait until you fall behind to ask for help. Attend every class and keep up on assignments. Take advantage of the TLC for tutoring if needed. You are welcome in the DSS office at any time and your Accessibility Coordinator is here to help.
Disability? In College? Advice on Talking to Professors (from a Professor) Article Explaining your disability can get you more effective help from professors.
Your psychological well–being affects every aspect of your life, including how well you do in class. If you are struggling with your mental health and you’d like to talk to your professor about it, set up an office hours appointment with them, ask if you can make up any missed assignments you may have, and keep checking in with your instructor throughout the term. It may seem intimidating, but you can have an open and honest chat about mental health.
Sources
activeminds.org
Learning how to study effectively is an important skill for those entering the college environment.
Know which study methods work for you. By knowing your own personal strengths and weaknesses, you will be more able to explain your accommodation needs. Knowing your learning style and limitations will help you anticipate and plan for potential barriers.
It will also help you be a better student (how to learn, how to study, how to complete class work, how to interact with peers, instructor, environment, what programs and courses fit your preferences and abilities).
Find and use a study method you feel comfortable with. Some people prefer using key cards, others prefer color-coding notes, some people prefer recording themselves, and others prefer visuals or diagrams. What strategies work best for you?
Top 10 Lists for Study Success – learn doable steps that you can take to help you in time management, note-taking, reading, and test preparation.
Study Tips: Smart Studying for Neuro-divergent Students (on the spectrum)
Need help writing a speech? OTC Speech Communication Center is dedicated to providing a friendly, stress-free environment where students can develop their public speaking and communication skills. They can help you choose a topic, research it, organize your content, and rehearse your presentation.
OTC also offers its students and the surrounding community free tutoring services through the Carol Jones Writing Center. We help students of all skill levels improve their writing. From generating brainstorming ideas to learning how to cite properly, we’re here to help you with any step of the writing process.
Through the Speckman Tutoring & Learning Center OTC provides free walk-in, face-to-face, one-on-one, text, and online tutoring. Students can receive assistance for such courses as accounting, economics, computer programming, world languages, math, science, academic coaching and more.
College is a full-time job. You should plan 2-3 hours of study for every credit hour in class. For example, for a 12-hour schedule you should plan to spend 36 hours (minimum) to studying and homework.
Create a study plan. The way we use our time (or waste it) is largely a matter of habit patterns. One of the best techniques for developing more efficient habits for the use of time is to prepare a time schedule. People who have a well-designed schedule achieve a greater amount of success.
Combine long and short-range planning. You can make a general schedule for an entire semester and then create a more specific plan for several days at a time.
How are you going to make your schedule to fit it all in? Create a Study Plan Resource
Time Management: Downloadable PDF with loads of study tips: How to get the MOST out of NOW
More info on knowing and managing your stress is available at intelligent.com.
More helpful information about Five Coping Strategies for Stress & Anxiety in College Students.
Stress! is a PowerPoint presentation to help you avoid the Stress Wipeout!
Here are some helpful test-taking strategies:
Self-advocacy means speaking or acting for yourself. You decide what is best for you and take charge of getting what you want or need. It is you standing up for your rights as a person. The Division of Developmental Disabilities believes that all of the people served can benefit from learning and using self-advocacy skills.
Knowing your protected rights will help you when advocating for yourself. If you feel that your rights have been violated while at OTC, please follow the grievance procedure when filing a complaint.