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Services and Accommodations

STAR provides a number of services and accommodations for eligible students. Visit the Resource Room in J-2009 to access many of these services.

Services Provided by STAR

Tutoring

Our professional Educational Accommodations Specialists provide one-on-one or group tutoring in content areas - by appointment - or on a drop-in and study basis in our Resource Room.

Learning Disabilities Support

Our professional Educational Accommodations Specialists can recommend software or hardware to support your education in the classroom.

Orientation Programs

Our staff will provide an orientation program as an introduction to Joliet Junior College's facilities and services and the procedures necessary to access STAR services. Orientations are scheduled the week prior to the start of classes and attendance is REQUIRED of all new students.

Referrals to Community Service Agencies

Services can be applied for from the Office of Rehabilitation Services (ORS), 1617 West Jefferson Street, Joliet, Illinois, 60435. Phone: (815) 730-4200.

Accommodations Provided by STAR

Notetakers

A notetaker is another student in the same class who volunteers to take notes using carbonless (NCR) paper, and gives a copy to a student who is unable to take notes. A notetaker that registers with STAR is paid a small stipend by the college.

Brailed Materials

Materials essential to classroom participation can be brailed on a priority basis.

Testing Accommodations

If you qualify, testing accommodations such as extended time, test reading or test scribing can be provided.

Variable-Speed Tape Recorders

These recorders provide a back-up system for taking notes in class. They can be checked out from our secretary and must be returned.

Hands free, voice activated computer software

Dragon Naturally Speaking is available on our computers. The Preferred edition is a voice recognition program that assists in creating letters, reports, essays, and mails, simply by speaking aloud. It can be used to edit and control applications like Microsoft Word, Excel, and Internet Explorer.

Word Prediction software

Word Q is a software tool used along with standard writing software. It suggests words for the user to use and provides spoken feedback to help the user find mistakes. Students with learning disabilities or who have problems writing and editing can benefit from using Word Q.

Magnification Software

The ZoomTextXtra software can make a computer screen easier to read by making the print and icons larger. It also can read the text displayed on the screen to you. The reading of text is kept private through the use of headphones.

Full page Optelec video magnifiers and hand-held magnifiers

Available are stand alone or hand-held devices that magnify the print of the text to make it easier to read. The Optelec device can also change contrast colors for easier reading.

Taped textbooks

If you qualify, textbooks on tape, if available, can be ordered for your classes.

Software that reads printed material

Kurzweil 3000 is a scan and read program that enhances reading, writing, and learning. This reinforcing software will read scanned text aloud to students. The speed of reading is adjustable as is the "voice" utilized by the computer. Materials scanned in can be saved on a diskette or a flash drive for use on any computer that has the program available. This program is presently available at various sites on Main and North campuses.

Hearing Impaired Interpretation

Interpreters for the hearing impaired are available with early planning.

Furniture

Desks to accommodate wheelchairs are available, or a desk and chair can be placed in a classroom to accommodate a student with physical disabilities.