Center for Access and Accommodative Services (CAAS)

The Center for Access and Accommodative Services (CAAS) goal is to provide campus accessibility and accommodations that foster the development of students' abilities, preparing them to work to their fullest potential to obtain their academic and career goals.

All services are determined based on individual need and submitted documentation.

Confidentiality
Documentation and records submitted to the CAAS office to determine a student’s eligibility for accommodations are kept confidential and within the CAAS office. Records or information on services are not disclosed without the student’s written permission.

Placement Exam
Placement exams are not timed; therefore, students are encouraged to take their time and try to obtain the highest score possible.

Students seeking the accommodation of using a calculator for the placement exam must apply for the accommodation following the directions listed for New Students. CAAS staff may not be able to review and approve request the day of the placement exam.


Students New to CAAS

Students requesting accommodations need to self-identify with CAAS and provide appropriate documentation of their disability. Accommodations are not retroactive, so it is important to apply and activate your accommodations prior to the semester starting.

Step 1: Complete the online application and submit documentation
Students applying for accommodations for the first time need to complete an initial application for accommodations through AIM.

NOTE: Students must use their Triton email and password to use AIM. If a student does not have a Triton email, they should email caas@triton.edu for assistance.

Students are able to upload their disability documentation as part of the application. Acceptable documentation comes in the form of: 

  1. Documentation that the individual has had an individualized education program (IEP) in accordance with Section 614(d) of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) 
  2. Documentation that the individual has received services or accommodations provided to the individual under a Section 504 plan and provided to the individual pursuant to Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 
  3. Documentation of a plan or record of service for the individual from a private school, a local educational agency, a State educational agency, or an institution of higher education 
  4. A record or evaluation from a relevant licensed professional finding that the individual has a disability. The CAAS Medical Disability Form or CAAS Psychiatric Disability Form can be completed and submitted by the licensed professional 
  5. A plan or record of disability from another institution of higher education
  6. Documentation of a disability due to military service in the uniformed services 

NOTE: Documentation of a medical condition and/or disability must be prepared by a licensed health care professional (psychologist, psychiatrist, therapist, social worker, medical doctor, etc.) who is not a family member. 

Step 2: Intake and Activation Meeting 
After the initial application and documentation has been submitted and reviewed by the staffing team, the student will be contacted to schedule their intake meeting. This meeting can take 45-60 minutes. In this meeting the approved accommodations will be reviewed along with any documentation required for activating accommodations. During this meeting the student will complete training on their rights and responsibilities of using accommodations at Triton College. 

Step 3: Using Accommodations 
Instructors for the courses the student listed on the Request for Services will receive an email notifying them of the student’s approved accommodations. The student will need to inform their instructors that they wish to use their approved accommodations. Students should not provide disability documentation to instructors.

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Returning Students with Approved Accommodations

Returning students can access AIM in their student portal on the Student Academic Resources card. Students will need to complete their request for services for the semester in AIM in order for their instructors to be notified of their approved accommodations. Student’s schedule will be available in AIM approximately 48 hours of course registration. Accommodations are not retroactive, so students are encouraged to submit their request prior to classes starting.

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Services for All Enrolled Students

CAAS offers software to all faculty, staff, and enrolled students at Triton College to use to enhance learning. The software is offered free of charge. 

Text to Speech Software 
Text-to-speech software will read the text of documents and web pages aloud. Most have different voice options to choose from, and allow you to customize the speed and pitch of the voice. You can also highlight the word currently being read, allowing users to follow along visually.

Text-to-speech software can be beneficial for those whose learning style is better suited for auditory learners, those who struggle with reading comprehension or English language learners, and those who have low vision or experience eye strain from reading from a computer screen.

To access Kurzweil, please complete the following steps: 

  1. Go to www.kurzweil3000.com
  2. Choose the “Log in with Microsoft” option 
  3. Use your Triton College credentials and complete any authenticator process as required. 
  4. You are all set; a link to the “getting started “and other guides/videos will be sent to your Triton email. 

Scanners are available in the Library for individuals to use to scan any printed materials. 

The Kurzweil account will remain active as long as an individual continues to attend Triton College. Students must have the approved accommodation of tests read aloud to use Kurzweil for exams. 

Audio Recording Software 
Also known as speech-to-text, audio recording software transcribes what a user says into text on their computer, allowing users to “type” without using a keyboard.

Audio recording software can be beneficial for individuals with reduced or no mobility in their upper extremities, for individuals who have difficulty with focus or sustaining attention, and for those who find it easier to convey their thoughts aloud.

Triton offers Otter.ai for faculty, staff, and enrolled students to record lectures or meetings. Individuals must submit the application and agreement each semester they want to use Otter.ai software. Individuals can contact CAAS to obtain the application and agreement form.

For any difficulties or training with the listed software, please contact Jason Smetters at jasonsmetters@triton.edu.

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Other Services

Please contact CAAS staff about services and policies related to:

  • Campus Accessibility
  • Sign Language Interpreting (including campus events)
  • Service Animals
  • Personal Attendants
  • Alternate Format for Text Materials
  • Voice-to-Text Services

Skill Enhancement and Employee Development (S.E.E.D.) Program
Click HERE for more information about this program.

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Resources for High School Staff

CAAS staff are available to meet with students during their final semester of high school to complete the CAAS process for those students who need to apply for accommodations at Triton College. Students who plan to enroll at Triton College will be guided through the accommodation application process. Students are encouraged to meet with CAAS staff by November 1st for spring courses and by April 1st for courses starting in summer or fall. CAAS staff can only speak to academic accommodations. For questions about financial aid, class selection, and more, please see the appropriate department. 

Students must have completed a Triton College application prior to applying for accommodations. Students should contact the CAAS representative assigned to their high school for next steps in the application process.  

High school staff can contact the CAAS representative assigned to their school if they have questions or wish to have the CAAS representative visit their school.

High SchoolsCAAS RepresentativePhone NumberEmail
East Leyden, West Leyden, LASEC,  Ridgewood  Danielle Flores 708-456-0300,
Ext. 3853
danielleflores@triton.edu
Elmwood Park, Proviso East, Proviso West, Proviso Math and Science Academy, PAEC  Nina Vo 708-456-0300,
Ext. 3763
ninavo@triton.edu
Oak Park and River Forest, Riverside Brookfield, LADSE Dominique Dial 708-456-0300,
Ext. 3854
dominiquedial@triton.edu

If you are interested in CAAS staff presenting at a parent night or resource fair, please contact Dominique Dial at dominiquedial@triton.edu with your request.  

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Resources

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Contact Us

(708) 456-0300, Ext. 3917
FAX:
 (708) 456-0991
Email: caas@triton.edu

OFFICE HOURS:
Monday - Thursday: 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Saturday: CLOSED
Sunday: CLOSED

Evening hours available upon request

Last Name
Begins With
CAAS RepresentativePhone NumberEmail
A - L Danielle Flores 708-456-0300,
Ext. 3853
danielleflores@triton.edu
M - Z Nina Vo 708-456-0300,
Ext. 3763
ninavo@triton.edu
All students enrolled in Early College Programs, Health Career Programs
and Students Requiring ASL Interpreting
Dominique Dial 708-456-0300,
Ext. 3854
dominiquedial@triton.edu

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CAAS Staff 

Dominique Dial Headshot
Dominique Dial, C.R.C., C.V.E.
Director, Center for Access and Accommodative Services
(708) 456-0300, Ext. 3854
dominiquedial@triton.edu

Danielle Flores Headshot
Danielle Flores
Coordinator, Center for Access and Accommodative Services

(708) 456-0300, Ext. 3853
danielleflores@triton.edu

Nina Vo Headshot
Nina Vo

Coordinator, Center for Access and Accommodative Services
(708) 456-0300, Ext. 3763
ninavo@triton.edu

Maria Vigil Headshot
Maria Vigil
Program Assistant

(708) 456-0300, Ext. 3917
mariavigil@triton.edu

Jason Smetters Headshot
Jason Smetters

Technical Assistant
(708) 456-0300, Ext. 3303
jasonsmetters@triton.edu

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