Disability Services

Understanding College Accessibility

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973ā€”as well as Ā鶹APP’s moral standard of respect and empathy for all experiencesā€”the Office of Accessibility Services is committed to working with students who have disabilities throughout their college journey.

However, according to law, accessibility service coverage requirements in college are different from what is required of high school institutions. Letā€™s look at these two academic spaces to compare and contrast what they provide so you understand what’s expected of youĀ at Ā鶹APPā€”and what you can expect from us.

Know your rights and responsibilities for disability accessibility services

  • The student is responsible for letting the college know about their disability if they want accommodations provided. This is done through the Student Accessibility Office, where students provide documentation of their disabilities.
  • The Accessibility Services Director determines if the disabilities interfere with a major life function, such as learning, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing and others. Reasonable accommodations, as determined by the Director, must be provided for all students who have a disability which affects a major life function.
  • Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 states that any institutions receiving public funds must not discriminate on the basis of a disability. Accommodations will be similar, but may not be the same as accommodations provided in high school. Accommodations cannot require faculty to fundamentally alter the nature of their course content.
  • Psychoeducational testing is provided through the schools. Schools are responsible for identifying and testing individuals who may qualify for specialized services or ā€œspecial education.ā€
  • Multidisciplinary teams assess students and provide services. These teams are responsible for yearly Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meetings, reevaluationsĀ and monitoring student progress through goals and objectives.
  • Under the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA), eligible students must have one or more of the 13 specific disability categories. Once identified, it is required that the student will have anĀ IEP.

Helpful Links

These links may be helpful tools for students with disabilities andĀ their families as you begin your college journey. Together we can help all students reach their full potential and facilitate an environment where their important contributions can thrive.

Questions or concerns?