DISABILITY SERVICES 

Disability Services (DS), a part of Student Services, works with departments throughout the College to assure that the programs and facilities of the College are accessible to every student in the College community. Additionally, (DS) provides reasonable accommodations, so students with disabilities who are otherwise qualified may, as independently as possible meet the demands of College life. The following information is a general description that defines disability and of facilities, programs and accommodations available for students with disabilities.

What is a disability?

 The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defines a person with a disability as a person:

· with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major activities,

· Who has a record of the disability, or

· Who is regarded as having a disability.

Who is eligible for Disability Services?

Any student with a:

·  Learning disability

·  Physical disability

·  Psychological disability

·  or other disability which significantly impacts his/her academic pursuits is eligible to  receive services from the ODS.

The student will be assisted in the determination and facilitation of auxiliary aids and services on an individual basis which assists students with disabilities achieve at their fullest potential.

Current documentation of the disability from an appropriate licensed professional regarding the nature and extent of the disability and the recommended accommodations is required before any accommodations will be made.

What types of accommodations are available?

All accommodations to be utilized by a student will be based on the documented disability and coordination with the ODS.

 Services may include but are not limited to:

· Use of a tape recorder in class

· Note-taker for classes

· Letters to instructors

· Preferential seating

· Parking

· Communication Facilitators

· Testing modifications such as oral exams, extended testing time, taped exams, testing in a distraction free environment, brailed exams and/or enlarged print exams.

 Where to begin?

1) Contact the Office of Disability Services by:

· Calling 337.521.8907, or Going to Room 130 at the Lafayette Campus located at 320 Devalcourt St. 

2) When you speak with the ODS, an appointment will be made with you to register for services and accommodations.

·     Please bring your current documentation of your  disability during this meeting.

Disability Laws in Postsecondary Education 

A student with a disability is entitled by law to equal access to college programs.  There are two laws that protect persons with disabilities in postsecondary education:

·  The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Pub.L.No. 93-112 as amended), and Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 Pub.L.No. 101-336).

Student Appeal and Grievance Protocol

Appealing accommodation(s) determined by ODS

Any student who disagrees with the academic accommodation(s) or other services that have been determined should first speak to the ODS.  The student should express his/her concerns and be prepared to offer alternative solutions. If, after consulting with the ODS, the student is still not satisfied regarding the proposed accommodation(s) or the provision of accommodation(s), the student may file a formal grievance.

SLCC has an obligation to provide reasonable and appropriate accommodations to ensure that otherwise qualified students with disabilities have access to all SLCC functions. However, if SLCC can provide an accommodation that is equally as effective as the one requested, SLCC is not required to provide the requested accommodation.

Grievances with other SLCC Departments or Programs

• It is the practice of ODS that issues concerning accommodation(s) of students with disabilities in academic and other programs activities be resolved between the student requesting the accommodation and the college employee representing the department with in which the academic program or services is located.
• Students should then report the grievance to the ODS.
• ODS will discuss the concerns with the college employee to access if accommodation(s) are being appropriately met.
• The ODS will then follow up with the student to communicate the results of the assessment.

 If the student believes that all efforts to resolve the complaint have proven unsuccessful, he/she may file a formal grievance. In all cases, students must follow SLCC grievance procedures prior to contacting any outside agency (i.e. the Office of Civil Rights or the Department of Justice).

Important Forms and Documents

Accommodation Request Form

Exam Instruction Form

Disability Handbook