Students with Disabilities

The O'Neill Center for Academic Development: Resources for Disabilities is set up to handle requests for academic accommodations for students with documented disabilities. They work within the framework set up by the Americans with Disability Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Students with documented disabilities, as well as those who suspect they might have a disability, can receive services. Without documentation, services can only be provided for a limited time, while the student is in the process of obtaining documentation.

An accommodation is defined as any alteration in the usual manner of teaching, demonstration, or evaluation of a course objective to eliminate or reduce a disability-related barrier. Receiving accommodations implies the student has a documented disability and falls under the protected population as defined by the law. It also implies that she has followed the route set up by the college to access these services.

The office personnel meet with the students who qualify for services to work out an accommodation plan each semester. This plan is based on the needs stated by her/his documentation, the unique requirements of the course she/he is taking, and her/his history of what has worked for her/him. Adjustments to this plan can be made at any point in the semester. Once the plan is agreed upon and the student gives permission to disclose this information, the student is given a letter stating she/he is a student with documented disability and what accommodations are appropriate. The letter will not disclose the nature of the disability. The student is encouraged to discuss her/his needs and learning style with the instructor.

If a student requests an accommodation directly from the instructor, she/he should be referred back to the Center of Resources for Disabilities to follow through with the above process. This policy has been set up to protect the student, faculty/staff, and the college.

Certainly there are students who ask for assistance concerning testing and extensions who do not have a disability. These alterations are between the instructor and the student. However, for legal reasons these alterations should be referred to as “arrangements” or “academic support,” not “accommodations.”

If you have any questions, please contact the Center of Resources for Disabilities at (651) 690-6563.