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.
GENERAL INFORMATION
WHAT IS A DISABILITY?
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.
WHAT IS A REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION?
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.
FAQS FOR STUDENTS
IS MY DISABILITY INFORMATION SHARED WITH MY PROFESSORS?
Information related to a student’s disability is not shared with instructors. A Notice of Academic Accommodations is emailed to your faculty each quarter. You will also be emailed a copy. This notice focuses on accommodations and does not share disability-specific information. It is up to students to decide what information beyond accommodations they do or do not feel comfortable sharing. A student should never be required to share disability-specific information with their instructors.
DO I NEED TO APPLY FOR ACCOMMODATIONS EACH QUARTER?
Students do not need to apply for accommodations each quarter.
WHAT IF I NEED ADDITIONAL ACCOMMODATIONS?
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.
WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYING FOR DOCUMENTATION TO VERIFY MY DISABILITY?
The student is responsible. Please review the
Documentation Guidelines. If you have questions about where to obtain the necessary documentation, please contact a DSS counselor.
IF I HAVE RECEIVED ACCOMMODATIONS AT A DIFFERENT COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY, WILL I AUTOMATICALLY RECEIVE THE SAME ACCOMMODATIONS AT MCC?
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's policies.
WHAT ACCOMMODATIONS ARE REQUIRED IF A STUDENT DISCLOSES A DISABILITY AFTER THE FACT (E.G., AFTER FAILING AN EXAM OR ASSIGNMENT?)
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.
IF I REGISTER WITH DSS, WILL IT SHOW UP ON MY ACADEMIC RECORD?
Registering with DSS does not appear on your academic record because disability-specific information is confidential.
CAN MY PARENTS BE INVOLVED IN THIS PROCESS?
Family members 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.
SHOULD I SELF-IDENTIFY THAT I HAVE A DISABILITY DURING THE ADMISSION PROCESS?
Disclosing a disability during the admission process is voluntary. MCC will not discriminate against you due to your status as an individual with a disability.
SHOULD I TELL MY ACADEMIC ADVISOR ABOUT MY 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.
ARE STUDENTS REQUIRED TO IDENTIFY THEIR DISABILITY OR PROVIDE COPIES OF DISABILITY DOCUMENTATIONS TO FACULTY AND STAFF?
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.
WHAT IF I DISAGREE WITH AN ACCOMMODATION DECISION THAT HAS BEEN MADE BY A DSS COUNSELOR?
If you disagree with an accommodation decision made by DSS, please contact the Dean of Student Advocacy and Accountability (Julie Langholdt,
jlangholdt@mccneb.edu, 531-622-2202) to discuss your concern.
I'M HAVING ISSUES WITH AN EXAM ACCOMMODATION BEING PROCTORED BY AN INSTRUCTOR. WHAT DO I DO?
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.
THE STRUCTURE OF MY CLASS INCLUDES BOTH QUIZZES AND EXAMS. FOR WHAT TESTS WILL I NEED TO RECEIVE THE EXAM ACCOMMODATIONS?
Instructors should provide exam accommodations for all quizzes and exams.
I NEED A SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETER OR SPEECH-TO-TEXT SERVICE FOR MY COURSES. WHAT DO I DO?
Once the student has registered with DSS, they will work with you for speech-to-text or interpreting services for your courses.