Accessible Learning Center (ALC) Currently Registered ALC Students

Requesting Accommodations

Academic accommodations must be renewed each semester for every course to take effect. Follow the steps outlined to renew accommodations.

Important Notes:

  • If you add or change a course, request accommodations for the new course in the AIM portal. Courses may take up to 48 hours to appear after registration.
  • Accommodations are effective once your instructor receives the Faculty Notification Letter. Request accommodations early in the semester.
  • Discuss accommodations with instructors privately or by email.
  • Your Eligibility Letter will be sent to your NCF email and is also available in the AIM portal under My Eligibility.

Residential accommodations need to be renewed once a year after completing the housing application and paying the housing deposit. Visit the residential accommodations page for more details.

For ALC students wanting to adjust accommodations: Email [email protected] for review. We will contact you if an additional appointment is needed.

Note Taking Accommodations

The note taking accommodation provides ALC students with accessible course notes through either the use of note taking software for example our free GLEAN subscription or a peer note-taking system. The ALC Office facilitates the pairing of registered ALC students with a qualified note taker in their course if available.

If you have been approved by an ALC staff member to receive note taking services this would have been identified during your intake session, and also on your accommodation eligibility letter which was emailed to you.

Note taking services are for in person lecture based courses. Students should first attend class, access resources provided by their instructor (notes, PowerPoints, etc) and determine if the accommodation is still needed.

Option 1: Note Taking Software

Our more convenient and widely used note taking service comes in the form of note taking software which is provided to eligible ALC students during the intake session. A note taking software eligibility allows students to use a mobile device in the classroom to record lectures for academic purposes. The software used can capture audio, and also translate the audio in text serving both purposes. Contact the ALC office for a demonstration or more information regarding the different types of software available.

Option 2: Livescribe Pen

The Livescribe smartpen is an assistive technology aid that facilitates the note-taking and learning process. Recording classroom discussions and taking fewer notes allows a student to spend more time listening and learning. How a Livescribe Symphony Pen works.

Option 3: Peer Note Taker

This option of note taking service is available only if a peer in the class in which you are requesting this service has agreed to provide their notes. If needed for the course ALC staff will work with faculty to identify a peer note taker. A peer note taker can be a voluntary or paid position. If a peer note taker seeks compensation they must first be approved by the ALC office.

All students, whether registered with the ALC or not, wanting to register as a student note taker should fill out the following registration form to indicate interest as a potential note taker:
Note Taker Registration Form.

Differences between high school and college disability services begin upon enrollment at college.  It is the student’s responsibility to self identity to the Accessible Learning Center office in the event they would like to establish reasonable accommodations.  The student is responsible for their accommodations.  In the ALC office, we look forward to working with you to navigate reasonable accommodations for access.

Some key differences between high school and college:

  • Applicable laws in high school are through I.D.E.A and the applicable laws for colleges are the ADA, Section 504, and the ADA Amendments Act.
    • I.D.E.A. promotes success while ADA, 504 and the ADA Amendments Act promotes access.
  • The high school must coordinate all aspects of the services, unlike college, where a student must contact the ALC to coordinate services.
    • At the college level, this looks like a student communicating with the ALC to coordinate testing in a different location.  Self advocacy is key!

More Information

ALC Consent for Release of Information Form

Accessibility Considerations for Events

The Accessible Learning Center strives to meet each student’s individual needs by offering services designed to support their participation in all programs and activities offered at New College of Florida. In the event a student desires to appeal the decision that is outlined in their eligibility letter, the student should first discuss this with the Director of the Accessible Learning Center (ALC). If the student wants to further appeal a decision, they must follow the appeal process below. 

  1. The student must provide the following information to the New College of Florida Dean of Students:
    • A signed and dated personal statement including date of denial by the Director of Accessible Learning Center (ALC), specific accommodation(s) denied, and rationale for the student’s request based on the disability.
    • Disability documentation submitted to the ALC.
    • Eligibility Letter issued by the ALC.
    • Any other relevant information pertaining to the student’s request.
  1. The Dean of Students will submit the student’s appeal request to an Accommodation Appeal Committee.
  2. The Accommodation Appeal Committee will review the student’s packet within ten (10) working days of receipt of the appeal. If an investigation is warranted it will be conducted in a timely manner to obtain further information. A written determination will be sent to the student within five (5) working days after the completion of the investigation, but no more than fifteen (15) working days after receipt of the student appeal packet. A copy will be maintained in the ALC student record.
  3. The decision of the Accommodation Appeal Committee is final.
  1. Division of Blind Services: The Division of Blind Services (DBS) supports blind and visually impaired Floridians in leading independent, productive lives. It provides services such as employment support, access to the Braille and Talking Books Library, and the Business Enterprise Program, empowering individuals to achieve their goals.
  2. Center for Autism Related Disabilities: The Center for Autism & Related Disabilities (CARD) offers support and resources for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and related disabilities.
  3. Johnson Scholarship: The Johnson Scholarship Foundation offers need-based scholarships to Florida residents with disabilities who are undergraduate students at one of the 12 state universities.
  4. Vocational Rehabilitation: Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) helps individuals with disabilities find and maintain employment by providing accommodations, financial support, and tailored programs to enhance independence and career success.