Student Rights & Responsibilities
Documentation of Disability
All students seeking assistance from the Disabilities Support Services Office must disclose the presence of a specific disability to the DSSO. Before receiving requested accommodations, students are required to submit medical or other diagnostic documentation of their disability and/or limitations. In cases where existing documentation is incomplete, students will be required to participate in additional evaluation of limitations as needed.
Requests for an interpreter or real-time captioning services must be made at least 60 days before the start of classes.
Untimely requests may result in delay, substitution or denial of accommodation. If a request is submitted late, the DSSO staff will make every reasonable effort to accommodate the request.
Requests for Accommodations from Instructors or Other Offices
In general, students are encouraged to make timely and appropriate disclosures and to engage in appropriate and responsible levels of self-help in obtaining and arranging for accommodations. Because each disability presents unique needs and course requirements may vary, students must discuss requested course accommodations with their instructors for each semester.
Students or participants in university programs or activities may be required by certain instructors or speakers to sign an agreement not to release tape recordings or transcriptions of lectures to anybody else.
Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies
For those auxiliary services that are likely to be funded by vocational rehabilitation counselors, the college may require that the student apply to that agency. DSSO staff may provide assistance with this request.
How to File Appeals
Questions or concerns related to reasonable accommodations not resolved with individual DSSO staff shall first be discussed informally with the director of Disability Support Services or with the associate dean of students or dean of students. The student may formally appeal matters not resolved to the ADA coordinator and/or the Affirmative Action Office. Formal appeals include a written statement regarding the nature of the complaint, results of the informal meetings and requested resolution. All formal appeals will be promptly investigated and a decision will be rendered within 30 working days of the date of receipt.
All materials relating to individual cases shall be held and maintained in confidence. These materials shall not be maintained any longer than the student graduates or does not take classes with the college for one calendar year.
Mission of the Office of Disability Support Services
