Access Assistants for the Classroom
An Access Assistant (AA) is a student employee hired by DAS to assist disabled students to perform tasks that are a required component of their course. AAs do not do the work for the student, but they may manipulate materials, write, or complete other course-related tasks as directed by the student with a disability. AAs will only help carry out course-related procedures that are disability-related. All information about the actual course and lab processes and procedures are the student’s responsibility.
Some examples of tasks performed by the AA:
- Lifting and/or physical manipulation of objects or lab materials
- Describing visual materials or surroundings
- Scribing (filling out required lab worksheets or other written materials)
- Voicing for a student (typically, by reading from a computer screen)
Expectations of DAS Students:
- Request an AA at time of registering for courses with the university. At a minimum, a student needs to provide DAS ten (10) business days to find and hire an AA.
- Meet with the AA and DAS staff either in person or via Zoom to discuss the course, expectations and exchange of contact information (phone numbers, email addresses etc.).
- The student is responsible for full participation in the course.
- If the student is running late or will miss the class, they should contact their AA directly. AAs do not stay in the classroom when the student is not present. If the student does not arrive within 15 minutes of the start of the class, the AA will leave.
- The student must give the AA explicit instructions on how to participate in the lab with the student and their partner(s).
- If the student drops the course, they should cancel the request for an AA in the DAS Student Portal.
- The student is required to let their DAS Advisor know if the AA does not show up for work or if they have any questions or concerns about the AA.
Clarification of AA role:
- AAs will not complete a lab for the student or the lab partner(s).
- AAs are not responsible for non-academic related tasks (i.e. feeding, restroom tasks, assisting with transfers, etc.).
- AAs will not serve as a tutor.
- AAs will not censor the material, add, or omit pertinent details unless directed to do so by the student.
- AAs will not correct errors in the students’ work, including spelling or grammar.
Expectations of AAs:
- Meet with the student and DAS staff either in person or via Zoom to discuss the course, expectations and exchange contact information (phone numbers, email addresses, etc.).
- The AA should introduce themselves to the instructor on the first day they attend class. DAS will notify the instructor that an AA will be attending the course.
- The AA is not a student in the course. They should not participate in the course discussions or engage in the course as though they are a student in the course.
- The AA should not work on their own homework or any other personal tasks while working.
- If the AA is functioning as a reader, scribe, or notetaker, they should write legibly and read at a pace that fits the student’s needs. They should not contribute information or assistance regarding the course topic.
- If also working as a notetaker, AAs should use a computer and email notes to the student as soon as possible and no later than 24 hours. If there are charts, figures, or graphs, the AA should provide descriptions in the notes. If these items need to be converted into tactile graphics, the AA should email the content to the DAS alternative formats team immediately after the class session.
- Perform only those tasks directed by the student specific to the course.
- Do not prompt or guide the student in performing a lab or course related tasks.
- Adhere to proper classroom/lab procedures (including wearing protective gear if required).
- Do not act as a tutor.
- Alert the student if the instructor is calling on them and the student missed the non-verbal cues.
- If the AA cannot attend the class, the AA is required to contact DAS as soon as possible to allow time for DAS to find a substitute. The AA should also communicate with the student that they are not able to attend and have requested a substitute.
- If the student does not arrive to the course after 15 minutes, the AA is free to leave. AA is required to report absences to the designated DAS supervisor.
- The AA should ask the designated DAS supervisor if they have questions about being an AA for a specific student in a specific course.
- Submit timesheets per OSU Business Center requirements. Student timesheets are due on the 15th of the month.
Expectations of Faculty:
- Add the AA as an observer to the course in Canvas
- Work directly with the student and not the AA.
- If there are questions, contact the designated DAS supervisor
Access Assistants for the Library
Students may find that they need assistance in reading, scribing, or retrieving materials while doing course-related library research. Students should connect with their DAS Adviser if this accommodation is needed.
The Valley Library also provides assistance upon request.
Concerns/Complaints about Service Providers
Clear communication between students who receive services through DAS, their service providers (access assistants), and appropriate DAS staff is vital to utilizing the DAS program effectively. For concerns related to a service provider:
- If the student is comfortable/able to meet with the service provider, the student is encouraged to meet with the service provider to discuss concerns directly.
- If the student is not comfortable meeting with the service provider directly or the issue remains unresolved please contact your DAS adviser.
Page updated 1/2026