Southeast Tech accessibility services reports 18% increase in registered students, flags AI and accommodation issues

Elizabeth Harder, an accessibility services staff member at Southeast Technical Institute, told the board the office recorded an 18% increase in students receiving accommodations compared with the prior year and outlined outreach and partnership efforts to support the growth.

"I came in last July or January, bright eyed, bushy tailed, and completely thankful that I have wonderful support," Harder said, describing efforts to contact students and parents earlier in the transition from high school to college. She said the office works with admissions, high school counselors and employers to encourage referrals and explained differences between high school modifications and college accommodations such as extended time on tests.

Harder described program growth tied to new campus programs, increased awareness of emotional support animals and post‑COVID openness to discussing mental health needs. She said the office works closely with Vocational Rehabilitation and DakotaLink for assistive technologies and that the professional association AHEAD is monitoring how AI will affect accommodations. "The main goal for me is to make sure the integrity of accommodations does not overshadow or intrude into the AI world," Harder said.

Harder listed campus partnerships including the Academic Resource Center (tutoring) and a new proctoring certification for nursing testing. She also described outreach efforts such as a multi‑campus conference (Catch the Way) and local events with the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts to build awareness.

The board moved to acknowledge the accessibility services update; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.