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Disability Support Services (DSS) is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to ensure that students have access to their education -- and to working with instructors to make sure this process is as transparent, responsive, and supportive as possible.
The Americans with Disabilities Act defines disability as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. This includes persons who have a record of such impairment and those who do not have a disability but are regarded as having a disability. The degree of impairment must substantially limit a major life activity (e.g., walking, seeing, hearing, breathing, learning, reading, concentrating, thinking, and communicating.) Some examples include specific learning disabilities, visual impairments, and psychological conditions.
A reasonable accommodation is support that lowers or removes a barrier caused by a disability or disabling health condition. An accommodation is a means to provide equal access to an individual who is experiencing a substantial limitation in one or more major life activities. For example, a student who experiences processing delays in reading and writing may need more time on time-constrained assignments, like an in-class exam. Accommodations are a means to provide access, but do not guarantee success. It’s up to the student to use their skills and strategies to be successful.
Yes, students do not need to apply for accommodations every quarter.
Students can request changes to their accommodations at any time. To request additional accommodations, students can reach out to their DSS counselor to discuss whether or not an accommodation can be added and if additional documentation is needed.
Students are responsible for payment. Disability documentation is used to verify a student's request for accommodations. DSS documentation guidelines are based on the recommendations of the Association of Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD). If requested, third party documentation must be prepared, dated and signed by an appropriate professional, such as a medical doctor, psychologist or other qualified diagnostician. Documentation from external sources may include educational or medical records, reports and assessments created by health care providers, school psychologists, teachers or the educational system. This information is inclusive of documents that reflect education and accommodation history, such as Individual Education Program (IEP), Summary of Performance (SOP) and teacher observations.
Any cost incurred in obtaining additional documentation when the original records are inadequate is the responsibility of the student. In general, it is not acceptable for such documentation to include a diagnosis or testing performed by a member of the student's family.
If the original documentation is incomplete or inadequate to determine the extent of the disability or reasonable accommodation, Metropolitan Community College has the discretion to require additional documentation. If you have questions about where to obtain the necessary documentation, please contact a DSS counselor.
A student may not receive the same accommodations they had at a previous institution. Documentation is reviewed and decisions are made independently from other institutions because colleges and universities have different processes and accommodations they provide. It can be helpful for students to provide documentation of previous accommodations used with their application to DSS. This allows DSS to determine accommodations that may be similar if they are eligible based on MCC policies.
To use academic accommodations, students registered with DSS are responsible for having a conversation with their instructors regarding their use of accommodations for each class. Accommodations cannot be applied retroactively.
Registering with DSS does not appear on your academic record because disability-specific information is confidential.
Family or members of the student’s support system can absolutely be a part of the accommodations process if a student would like. Before someone else can be a part of the accommodations process with students, students will need to complete a consent form that grants permission. Students can contact their DSS counselor directly to request a consent form.
Disclosing a disability is voluntary. MCC will not discriminate against you due to your status as an individual with a disability.
Students can choose whether they would like to disclose their disability to their Academic Advisor/Success Navigator, as well as other offices on campus. It is not required for students to share disability-specific information.
No. Students are not required nor should they be asked to disclose the nature of their disability. Additionally, students should not be asked to provide faculty and staff with copies of their disability documentation.
If you disagree with an accommodation decision made by DSS, please contact Hollie Knake, Associate Vice President for Student Affairs to discuss your concern.
If a student is having issues receiving accommodations from their instructor, they should contact their DSS counselor. The DSS Counselor can work with students and instructors to ensure that accommodations are being provided.
Instructors should provide exam accommodations for all quizzes, tests or exams.
Once registered with DSS, your counselor will work with provide speech-to-text or interpreting services for your courses.