Frequently asked questions
Who will see my medical documentation & where will it be kept?
Your medical documentation will be received in the Office of Disability Services
and will be reviewed by the Director of Disability Services. After your information
is complete and it has been determined that you are eligible for academic
accommodations and/or auxiliary aids, your file will be forwarded to the
counseling department. It will be maintained in a locked filing cabinet at
all times, and will only be viewed by the ODS and your counselor. All documentation
received by the college is strictly confidential and information is released
only with the students written request. (Please note: If you are a tax-dependent
of your parents and you are under the age of 25, they will be authorized
to access your file - FERPA 99.31).
I am nervous about asking an instructor for accommodations. What
can I do?
Who you choose to tell about your disability is up to you. Unless alternate
arrangements have been made, it is assumed that students will discuss their
individual needs with faculty members as needed. If you feel you do need additional
support in approaching an instructor, arrangements can be made, however, a
counselor or staff member will only discuss the need for classroom accommodations
with an instructor (or other individual) when we have been given your prior
written consent.
Who determines what kind of accommodations I am eligible for?
Although we recognize that you are the expert on you own disability, the need
for accommodations and/or aids must be supported by you medical documentation.
Your physician, therapist or counselor should provide the college with specific
recommendations.
Why do I have to give the College and/or instructors advance notice
of my needs?
The College will make its best effort to respond promptly to a student's request
for accommodations, but it is the responsibility of the student to make their
needs known in a timely manner. Some accommodations may take up to 12 weeks
to obtain (i.e. taped textbooks, regularly scheduled interpreters, etc.). Because
of this students are strongly advised to request accommodations as soon as
possible, preferably well before the semester begins.