Initial Process for Requesting Academic Accommodations

Students requesting accommodations and/or services on the basis of a disability must first submit documentation of the disability which meets the college requirements outlined below.

The second part of the process involves an individualized review of the documentation by the Director or Assistant Director of the Learning Support Center (LSC). A meeting with the student to discuss the documentation, history of accommodations and preferences regarding accommodations and services is a critical part of this review.

In the following semesters, after the student determines which accommodations/services to request for each class she only needs to submit a Request for Accommodations Form. Copies of a confirmation letter are then sent from the Director of the LSC to the identified faculty. A copy is also sent to the student.

Why must the information be current?

The quality and completeness of the disability documentation provides the staff of the LSC with information to both determine the student's eligibility for accommodations and plan appropriate academic accommodations and services. College academic requirements can require a different scope of services than the student received in high school. Courses will provide different challenges. As a result, information that is current is crucial to appropriate planning.

Disability documentation for specific disabilities

Information on documentation of specific disabilities can be obtained by selecting from the following list. Professionals providing the report must have appropriate credentials for diagnosis and treatment of the disability.

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
  • A copy of a diagnostic report from within the last three years which states the DSM diagnosis, symptoms and functional limitations, instruments and procedures used to make the diagnosis and the dosage, type and frequency of medication is required. While a complete Psychological evaluation is preferred and can be of optimal assistance in planning, you may also have the professional most familiar with your disability complete the following form.
  • Form for Verification of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
    
    
• Medical Disability
  • Statement of diagnosis, functional limitations, impact of the disability in an academic setting, medications, side effects, duration and stability of symptoms is required.
  • Form for Verification of Medical Disability
    
    
• Deaf or Hard of Hearing
  • A copy of your most recent audiological examination including diagnosis with etiology, degree, type, functional limitations, and configuration of loss is required.
    
    
• Learning Disability
  • A copy of a comprehensive psycho-educational test battery administered within the last three years, with a statement of diagnosis, academic limitations resulting from the disability, a copy of all test scores used to establish the disability, comprehensive reports from school or examiner which includes interpretive summary and recommendations for accommodations/services.
    
    
• Mobility Impairment
  • Diagnosis of mobility impairment and a statement of functional limitations, names of any medications, dosages and possible side effects is required
    
    
• Physical Disability
  • Diagnosis of physical impairment and a statement of functional limitations and expected impact on residential/academic life, any medications and side effects is required.
  • Form for Verification of Phyiscal Disability
    
    
• Psychiatric Disability
  • A DSM diagnosis from a psychologist or psychiatrist stating diagnosis, characteristics of the disability, functional limitations, projected duration and medication is required. Verification may have to be provided on a yearly basis.
  • Form for Verification of Psychiatric Disability
    
    
• Visual Impairment
  • A copy of your most recent eye examination including diagnosis, visual acuity and functional limitations is required.
    
    
• For other disabilities not listed above please contact the Learning Support Center at (517) 629-0825.

Confidentiality

Disability documentation is considered confidential information and does not become part of the student's academic record. A student must authorize in writing sharing information with other campus staff or faculty. The documentation material can not be copied or provided to a third party. A copy can be provided for the student on request.