Accessibility Services

Accessibility Services (formerly the Disability Resource Center or DRC) assists students with documented physical, mental, learning, visual, speech, or hearing disabilities.

Contact Us

Accessibility Services Office - Main Campus

Accessibility Services Office (still labeled "DRC")
Second Floor, Student Services Center
SSC Room 209 
900 University SE

Mailing Address:
525 Buena Vista SE 
Albuquerque, NM 87106-4096

Phone: 
Voice: (505) 224-3259 
Toll-free: (888) 453-1304 
Fax: (505) 224-3261

Regular Hours:

  • Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Closed during CNM Holidays 

About Accessibility Services

Accessibility Service's mission is to work in partnership with students who have disabilities. We provide accommodations that promote an accessible educational environment at CNM. Our goal is to empower students and ensure that students with disabilities have equal access to educational opportunities by minimizing barriers such as physical, psychological, and academic. We support student academic success through the use of auxiliary aids, accommodations, and disability services.

Available Resources

Here are some examples of the services provided by Accessibility Services, depending on disability:

  • Coordination with community support agencies
  • Extended time testing and alternative testing formats
  • Reader Writers and access to notetaking software
  • Signed language interpreters
  • Adaptive equipment such as FM transmitters, smartpens, & video magnifiers
  • Instructional materials in alternative formats such as Braille 
  • Classroom accommodations such as adaptive furniture

Accessibility Services Requests 

Accessibility Services can support most student requests through email, phone, or video appointment. For in person services (e.g., equipment pickup/return, in person testing), please schedule a time to drop by. To request a meeting, you can contact your Accessibility Services Academic Coach directly at their email address or contact Accessibility Services at (505) 224-3259 or [email protected] and we will forward your question to the appropriate Accessibility Services team member.

 

To send your Student Accommodation Statement (SAS) to your instructors

You can send your SAS to your instructors automatically using Accommodate. For more information on how to send your SAS to your instructors, please reach out to us at (505) 224-3259 or [email protected]

If you need help with accommodations for your class and would like to talk to your Accessibility Services coach
  • You can reach out to your Accessibility Services Academic Coach directly, or use the [email protected] email. You can also contact Accessibility Services ([email protected] or (505) 224-3259 to set up a meeting with them. 
How to use accommodations in online classes 

Discuss your SAS and which accommodations you will need with each instructor. They can work collaboratively with you and your Accessibility Services Academic Coach to make sure that you have access to the course materials and activities. If you experience specific barriers, please notify your Accessibility Services Academic Coach so they can assist you. 

How to schedule an accommodated test or quiz

You can schedule your test entirely online:

  1. Go to Accommodate 
  2. Click "Student"
  3. Click "Testing Room" on the left side
  4. Click on the "New Booking Request" on the bottom
    • Choose your course from drop-down menu                     
    • Choose the exam from drop-down menu 
    • Choose the date and time you wish to test. Don't worry about end date and time.
  5. Click "Availability" 
  6. Availability shows up on the right side.
  7. Click the time slot you prefer. It will take you to the “Confirm Exam Booking” window.
  8. Confirm that booking details are correct
  9. Scroll down. Confirm your accommodations. Note: please indicate here if you prefer to test at a campus other than Main.
  10. Click on Submit Request 

Once your request is approved by Accessibility Services, you will receive a confirmation email.

If you experience different disability-related barriers than before and you want new accommodations

If you are not currently registered with Accessibility Services, please submit a First Time Request for Accessibility Services to begin the process of requesting accommodations for classes. You can also contact us at [email protected]

If you already use Accessibility Services resources, please contact your Accessibility Services Academic Coach to update your Student Accommodation Statement (SAS). You can contact your Accessibility Services Academic Coach directly at their email address, or using  [email protected]. You can also call Accessibility Services at (505) 224-3259. 

How to request a reader/writer for an online class

Often students find that the barriers to information access and notetaking they experience in face-to-face classes do not exist in an online course. The materials may have deeper written explanations and audio/visual content may be paused or replayed for a student to take notes at a pace that works for them. If you experience a barrier to information access in an online class, email your Accessibility Services Academic Coach to work with them on the barriers you are experiencing and how we can overcome those. If through this interactive process, you and the Accessibility Services Academic Coach determine that you require a reader/writer for information access in your online course, the Accessibility Services Academic Coach will assist you with submitting the request for that accommodation. You can contact your Accessibility Services Academic Coach at their email address, or using  [email protected]. You can also call Accessibility Services at (505) 224-3259. 

How to request a Signed Language Interpreter

If this is a one-time request (e.g., meeting with a coach, instructor’s office hours, online tutoring session), please fill out the One-Time Interpreter Request Form at least five days prior to your meeting. The Accessibility Services Manager will assign an interpreter to your request.

If your meeting is online, the interpreter will need a link to join your meeting. Please include the link in the comment section of the form.

If you need language access in your online course (e.g., live or recorded lectures, synchronous group activities) ongoing, please email [email protected] with a copy of your schedule.

How to submit requests for books or Brailled materials

You can submit your book requests entirely via email.

Please note: for Braille material, please submit your request with as much advance notice as possible. Extra time is very helpful in making sure we get you your Braille material. 

Send an email to [email protected] from your CNM email account including the following:

  • What you are requesting, for which classes, and for which semester in the body of the email.
    • eg., “I request alternative format textbooks for all classes for Fall 2023,” or “I request Brailled textbooks for ENGL 1120 for Fall 2023."
  • (Optional) Textbook receipts/proof of purchase. This step can also wait until you are notified to pick up your books. You do not have to buy your books from the CNM bookstore.

When your books are ready, we will reach out to you via your CNM email and the phone number you included in your request. We will give you a link to download your textbooks or instruction on picking up physical materials.

If you are unable to complete any part of the request, contact Accessibility Services at (505) 224-3259 or [email protected].

How to submit requests for adaptive furniture online

You can submit your furniture request entirely via email.

  • Send an email to [email protected] 
  • Make sure you're sending it from your CNM email account
  • Including the following:
    • What you are requesting and for which classes in the body of the email.
      • eg., "I request an ergonomic chair with arms" or "I request a height-adjustable table set to XX inches".
      • Please be as specific as you can with your request
    • The semester for which you're requesting furniture

When your furniture has been placed, we will reach out to you via your CNM email and let you know. 

If you are unable to complete any part of the request, contact Accessibility Services at (505) 224-3259 or [email protected].

 

First Time Request for CNM Accessibility Services

Accessibility Services Responsibilities

Accessibility Services has the responsibility to administer, maintain, and supervise support services for students with disabilities in accordance with state and federal laws. 

Accessibility Services has the responsibility to:

  • Provide reasonable accommodations.
  • Accept appropriate documentation of a disability from a qualified professional.
  • Maintain confidentiality about students' disability information 

Accessibility Services is not responsible for:

  • Providing formal assessments to determine disability.
  • Reducing or altering essential requirements of a course or program or department's academic standards.
  • Providing personal attendants, personal assistive devices, or service animals.
  • Sending Student Accommodation Statements to instructors.

Accessibility Services Forms

Accessibility services are provided at all campuses, although our office is located solely on Main Campus. Feel free to contact us for assistance.

Non-Discrimination Notice

Accessibility Services welcomes everyone at CNM. Read more information about CNM's non-discrimination notice from the Dean of Students.