Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, individuals with disabilities are guaranteed certain protections and equal rights to access programs and services. In order to access these rights, an individual must present documentation of his/her disability. This documentation must be provided by a licensed or certified professional (medical doctor, psychiatrist, neurologist, etc.) and must contain evidence to support the need for accommodations in the learning environment. The student and the ADA Student Coordinator will then meet in order to address the needs and the reasonable accommodations that can be provided to the student. The ADA Student Coordinator will provide letters to the student and the student will deliver them to their instructors. Such accommodations may include but are not limited to:

• Extended test taking time
• Distraction reduced environment
• Use of a calculator
• Oral testing
• Note takers and readers
• Tape recording lectures

Initiating Services and Accommodations

Students will not receive accommodations until all proper documentation, which clearly describes the disability, has been received and evaluated by the ADA Student Coordinator (see Documentation Standards). Documentation should also be submitted on letterhead stationary from the appropriate licensed professional. No diagnosis on a prescription pad will be accepted. Students must come to the Student Services ADA Office each semester to receive accommodations.

Important Note: You should immediately alert the ADA Coordinator and/or instructor if you are having difficulties with any accommodation, service or class.