Using Accommodations

Note for students with learning disabilities: People with learning disabilities simply learn differently, since the disability has nothing to do with intelligence. Accommodations could be important if you have a learning disability, as they adjust for different learning styles and abilities. Maine Maritime Academy will expect you to perform to the same standards as other students once you have learned new material.

Asking for Accommodation

• Accessibility Services only shares information about you with authorized Academy personnel on a need-to-know basis.
• When you request an accommodation, the Accessibility Services director will meet with you and review your documentation. An approved request results in an accommodation letter.
• You do not need to tell anyone other than the Accessibility Services about your disability.
• To receive an accommodation, give your instructor a copy of the accommodation letter.
• You may decide not to use one or more of your accommodations for a particular class, test, or other activity.
• You will need to renew your letter each semester.

Strategies for Success

• Give a copy of the accommodation letter to your instructor early in the semester.
• Meet with your instructor to discuss how you learn best.
• If you have an extended time accommodation, remind your instructor (by email or in person) a few days before taking an exam in the testing center.
• Schedule at the testing center at least two working days before an exam by contacting: exams@mma.edu or 207-326-2511
• Use your instructors’ office hours for extra help. They are posted on the instructor’s door and at: mainemaritime.edu/about-mma/campus-directory/. Search for instructor’s name and then click “more info”.
• If an accommodation is not helpful, you may need a different one. See the Accessibility Service director to discuss this.
• Tutors are usually available to all students in the Math/Physics Center, the Writing Center, the Navigation Lab, the Cad Lab, and at the Buoy House/Center for Student Success. Find tutor schedules and more information at: tutoring.mma.edu
• Private tutoring is available for most courses. Ask at the Accessibility Services office about this free service, or use this form: tutor request link.
• Many digital texts are available with text-to-voice options (for example, through the MMA Bookstore or www.vitalsource.com). Accessibility Services will prepare alternative text from a printed textbook if no commercially available options exist and you have a reading disability. See the policy on this at accessibility.mma.edu

Accessibility Services Office and Personnel

• Accessibility Services and MMA’s testing center are on the second floor of the Center for Student Success/Buoy House:
  54 Pleasant Street / 207-326-2511 / exams@mma.edu / accessibility.mma.edu
• Sally Chadbourne, Accessibility Services Coordinator; Center for Student Success/Buoy House – First Floor; 207-326-2489; sally.chadbourne@mma.edu