Student Accessibility
STUDENT ACCESSIBILITY for Disabilities
Student Accessibility is an important element for student success at the New School of Biblical Theology (NSBT). NSBT takes seriously its responsibility to identify and maintain standards that are fundamental to providing a quality online, academic program, primarily at the master’s level, while ensuring the rights of all individuals with disabilities. A disability is an impairment that limits substantially the academic, emotional, and/or mental activities of the NSBT student. Students with a diagnosed disability may be entitled to accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Even with accommodations, students are required to meet all course and program requirements.
WHAT ARE TYPICAL disability ACCOMMODATIONS?
Typical accommodations may include:
Extended time on tests
Reduced distraction environment for tests
Availability of text to speech textbooks and tests
Others according to individual need
HOW DO I GET disability ACCOMMODATIONS?
Submit Request using the Student Disabled Accommodation Form
2. Submit professional documentation verifying the need for requested disability accommodations
3. Have in-take interview with the Academic Dean, Dr. Randall Pannell (dean@nsbt,org), or the Dean’s designee. Please email to
schedule the virtual in-take interview.
4. Receive confirmation of accommodations from the Office of the Academic Dean.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ACCOMMODATIONS
How long will it take to receive accommodations?
Students should expect a minimum for two (2) weeks after the documentation has been received and the intake interview has been held.
To whom do I contact for services?
Contact the Office of the Academic Dean (dean@nsbt.org).
What should I know about the intake meeting?
The student should be prepared to discuss their (i) History of accommodations and (ii) The impact of their disability in the academic environment. This information with the documentation will serve to determine reasonable accommodations for the student. Because each student and disability are unique, appropriate accommodations will not be determined before the in-take meeting occurs.
Am I going to receive the same accommodations that I have received before at another institution?
It depends on the documentation and the functional limitation/impact of the disability on a major life activity.
How far in advance should I request an in-take meeting?
You may begin this process prior to enrolling in NSBT. After being accepted by NSBT, you should complete the process, if possible, at least two (2) weeks before the next session begins to help ensure that your accommodations are in place at the beginning of classes. Accommodations cannot be retroactive.
Does NSBT accept the same accommodations given to me by another higher education institution?
The criteria for receiving accommodations at NSBT are based on appropriate documentation verifying a student’s needs for accommodations. Also, accommodations provided at one institution do not obligate another institution to accommodate or accommodate in the same way.
After registering with NSBT Student Accessibility, am I automatically registered for as long as I am enrolled?
Students are required to request services each session.
DOCUMENTATION
What kind of required documentation is appropriate? The student should submit documentation by a licensed health provider (physician, psychologist, psychiatrist, or counselor). Documentation must:
1. Establish that the student has a disability
2. Provide a rationale for authorizing reasonable accommodations
3. Recommend appropriate accommodations. The purpose of accommodations is to allow equal access for the student with a
disability. Documentation written on prescription pads are not accepted. Documentation should be current within 3-5 years depending upon the stability of the disability.
What happens if my documentation is not appropriate?
You will be required to provide appropriate documentation at your own expense. It is not the institution’s responsibility to identify or assess individuals with disabilities.
Where would I obtain appropriate documentation for NSBT?
Appropriate documentation depends on the type of disability; for medical conditions—a medical doctor; for psychiatric conditions—a psychiatrist, therapist, clinical psychologist, or social worker; for specific learning disabilities—a psycho-educational evaluation is appropriate from a school psychologist, a clinical Neuro-psychologist, or possibly Vocational Rehabilitation.
Is my Individualized Education Program (IEP) appropriate documentation?
An IEP is a document that is developed to assist special education students in a K-12 public school setting. The information it contains is frequently insufficient for the higher education setting.
Does NSBT offer diagnostic testing?
At this time, NSBT does not offer diagnostic testing for disabilities. Students are responsible for scheduling and payment for this evaluation. Given the online nature of NSBT academic programs, referrals for testing by NSBT in the student’s area of residence are likely to be difficult for NSBT to arrange.
SERVICES
Are there special education programs at NSBT designed for students with disabilities?
No. NSBT provides reasonable accommodations to allow equal access in accordance with the law. Individuals must meet the technical and academic standards of the institution, program, or course of study.
Transitional courses in reading and writing, are not presently available to help students function at the graduate education level.
Is NSBT responsible for providing a tutor?
Given the nature of NSBT’s graduate academic programs (at present, master’s degrees) NSBT does not provide tutoring services.
Will NSBT assist me with my medication, wake-up calls, or other personal services?
No, NSBT does not provide such services.
Can my parents or advisor automatically register me in the courses that I need?
Students are responsible for their own registering in classes.