You didn't say anything about your college- whether it's a large university or a small liberal arts school- but whatever type of school it is, the first thing you want to do is find a contact person for addressing your needs in general. My school doesn't have a department for persons with disabilities, but I contact the Dean of Students when there's a service I need.

If you want a note taker, the next thing you'll want to do is hire someone to take notes for you. The school should be responsible for this (especially the payment)- talk to your contact person about finding someone for each of the classes where you need a notetaker.

The third thing that's important is that you TALK to your professors. Before a semester has started, or at the beginning of a semester, schedule a meeting with your new professors so that they understand how to accomodate your needs. If you use an auditory listening device (i.e. with a microphone), teach them how to use it. You mentioned that you particularly had trouble with listening to music- can you hear the music clearly if you're listening to it on your own sound systems? if so, ask to take the music home/to your dorm room with you. Is the music a problem, period? See if there's a way to get around the requirements, such as designing your own major- or bending the requirements of a fine arts major.

I hope I haven't been too redundant- but it sounds like you really need to talk to your professors. Learn to self-advocate; it's a major pain to stick up for yourself sometimes, (especially if you're shy or the type not to make waves), but incredibly important.

Good luck!
Katie

http://home.wlu.edu/~fitzerj/collegeadvice.html

Hope it is helpful.

-Paula

I had to take a minute to quickly explain "I know where you're coming from". Yes, I listened to lectures through a FM system and used the same system, modified slightly, to to hear clients in my office or on the phone.

Now to your problem. Is this music course a "core" requirement? If it is can it be waived ( due to reasons of disability) or substituted with another course which could replace it. I am hoping your fine arts degree is not in music but in art, literature, or theather. Please don't take my next statement wrong but are you "otherwise qualified" to participate in that major? Your "advisor" should be your best source. It might be advisable to set down and have a "heart-to-heart" talk about what is ahead. I would hate to see you invest three years of your life and many $$$$ to be called into the department's chair and told that there is no way you are going to graduate from that department. This happens more than you think and is very discouraging to the student to have all their hopes and dreams dashed in a five minute meeting. I have been part of way too many of them. I try my best to be "real" with my students. I try to prepare them for what is ahead and what they are expected to accomplish. Remember, your are not in high school any more. You have to complete all the course requirements with or without the disability. That is the way the law is written. You may use any "reasonable accommodation" that you are entitled to accomplish this end. Lean on the disability services office! Talk to them and explain your situation. Be resourceful, do some homework on the internet.

I am not one to leave you hanging. If you have to take that second music course, wait until you have access to an FM system. That maybe the edge you need to get through that course. The College "should" provide you one. A good one to do what you need is about $700.00. If you have hearing aids with a "T" switches, order a neck cord with it. I have helped several students that way in tough listen courses.

If you need more details, contact me directly. I can provide you information but I cannot advocate for you at your college. It is a professional courtesy and respecting other professionals departments.
I wish you well with this and your future endevors.
George E. Irwin