ODS provides note-taking accommodations and assistance in a variety of ways. The student’s accommodation letter will specify the type of note-taking accommodation they are eligible to receive. The most common example is “exemption from technology ban.”
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act stipulates that instructors and institutions “may not impose upon handicapped students other rules, such as the prohibition of tape recorders in classrooms…that have the effect of limiting the participation of handicapped students in the recipient’s education program or activity.”
- If indicated on a student’s accommodation letter, instructors must permit use of technology for note-taking to ensure equal access.
- Do not require students who use devices to sit in specific areas, as this can stigmatize them and restrict equal participation.
- Generally, the need for access via recording takes precedence over confidentiality concerns. Alabama’s single-consent recording law allows recording in many contexts, with or without notice.
- Faculty who choose to ban technology in the classroom are encouraged to add language to their syllabus: “I prefer a technology-free classroom. If you have a compelling reason to use a device, please provide a written explanation. No request is needed for disability-related accommodations.”