What are my rights and responsibilities when working with students with disabilities?

An instructor has the legal obligation to uphold the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act to ensure equal access and prevention of discrimination for students with disabilities. Instructors have the right to verify a student's request for accommodations by seeing the Accommodation Agreement and to ask the student about specific accommodations. Instructors do not have the right to refuse to provide an accommodation or to review a student's documentation including diagnostic data. Instructors have a responsibility to work with the ODS in providing reasonable accommodations, keep all records and communications with students confidential, and to refer a student to the ODS who requests accommodations but does not have an Accommodation Agreement or is not currently registered with the ODS.  Instructors has a right to work with the ODS in determining whether or not an accommodation is "reasonable" in their course.

What are students with disabilities' rights and responsibilities?

Students with disabilities have the right to equal access to courses, programs, activities, services, and facilities offered at Greenfield Community College. Students who qualify and have an Accommodation Agreement are also entitled to reasonable accommodations. Students have a right to confidentiality regarding all information about the student's disability. Students are responsible for providing appropriate documentation of their disability and to register with the ODS if they would like to receive accommodations. If students wish to receive accommodations for a particular class, students are responsible for informing the instructor and delivering the Accommodations Agreement that specifies their approved accommodations, and to participate in the discussions about how their needs can be met.

How are reasonable accommodations for a student determined?

Reasonable accommodations for a student are determined through a collaborative process between the student and the ODS. Once a student has submitted documentation to the ODS, the ODS reviews the documentation and meets with the student to identify appropriate accommodations based upon the substantial limitations of the student and the essential elements of the course.

Can I refer a student to Disability Services if I suspect they have a substantially limiting disability?

Yes. If you think that a student may have a substantially limiting disability, you should refer the student to the ODS.

What if a student with a disability is disruptive in class?

A student with a disability is accountable to the student code of conduct just as all students attending Greenfield Community College. If you think that there is a disability-related reason for the student's behavior, please contact the ODS for guidance.