Learn about AU's Testing and Disability Services
By Timberly Fernandez | Staff writer
Testing and Disability Services is a service for Augusta University students who have a disability. These services provide students accommodations who may just need extra help with in-class lectures, assignments or tests.
“We have two Testing Centers that provide a space for students to utilize during exams,” said Director Rebecca Berger. “TDS provides classroom accommodations that may include alternative formats of textbooks, assistive technology for note taking, the ability to record lectures, assistive lab equipment, etc.”
The disability office can also provide housing accommodations to those who live on campus. The TDS office also has a standardized testing center that is open to all AU students and the public.
Jasmine White, a junior, is a disability student at AU. The accommodations that she has received are classroom and housing accommodations. Her accommodations include priority seating, priority room selection, private testing room and extra time on tests.
“These accommodations have helped me with my overall college experience. I get the extra help I need, and I do not feel behind,” White said.
Some students may feel nervous or hesitate to reach out to TDS, but White reached out and noted how things were handled in a timely manner.
“My accommodations have helped me in college. College is hard enough and if I did not have that extra help, I don’t know what I would do,” White said.
Berger is an advocate for pushing students to get the help they need and to not be ashamed by it.
“We are trying to be in more locations and events for prospective and current students,” Berger said, “This exposure lets students know TDS is here and what benefits we may be able to provide.”
Berger believes that it is hard to reach students with disabilities because some college applications do not ask if they have a disability. AU’s TDS office strives to help students outside of the classroom as well. They offer services such as career readiness and job development.
The office of Testing and Disability Services is in Galloway Hall on the Summerville Campus and inside Greenblatt Library on the Health Science campus. Students can come into the office for more information on how to receive services or they can go to the TDS website and fill out a “New Client Intake” form to register for accommodations.
Students must have valid documentation and be approved by USG BOG documentation criteria. Students can call 706-737-1469 for more information.
Contact Timberly Fernandez at tifernandez@augusta.edu.
