Information for Note Takers
Assistance with note-taking is an accommodation that may benefit students who need to focus their attention and concentration on listening, or who find taking notes difficult due to a physical, visual, learning, or hearing limitation. There are a variety of options for students to consider for note-taking assistance, including the use of technological devices (ex., digital recorders and LiveScribe smart pens). Some students, however, may request a student to take notes for them.
Your role as a note taker is very important to ensuring that the student has equal access to the course content. Note takers should possess the ability to focus and take comprehensive and well-structured notes. In addition, it is essential that note takers maintain confidentiality at all times. Additional expectations for note takers are outlined in the Code of Ethics.
Note taker Process and Timeline:
STEP 1: Register with the Disability Support Services (DSS) office and pick up note taker packet.
STEP 2: Complete and return "Note taker and Student Agreement Form" to the DSS office. This form must be filed with DSS before note taking services can be initiated, and compensation can be provided.
STEP 3: Complete a 1-hour, online note taker training through the Described and Captioned Media Program (DCMP) and provide DSS with a copy of your "Verification of Training Completion Certificate".
STEP 4: Complete "Attendance Verification" form at each class and return to DSS at the end of the semester.
STEP 5: Review "Tips for Successful Note Takers" and "Responsibilities" forms found in your packet.
To complete the note taker training:
- Go to: https://dcmp.org/learn/501-online-notetaker-training-module;
- Click on “Go to Online Notetaker Training Module”;
- Register with DCMP by clicking on the yellow text box that says “Apply for a Free Membership”;
- Go to your email account and validate email address; and
- Click on eLearning Modules on training website
Note: All of the above steps MUST be completed for compensation eligibility. If compensation is provided, it will be made in the form of a one-time stipend (one stipend per note taker/per class) where all requirements above were met.
For questions or more information on the note taking procedure, please call (815) 921-2371.