Office of Accessibility Services

MISSION

St. Charles Community College is committed to providing accessibility and reasonable accommodations to its programs/courses for persons defined as having a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act, Title II and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504. The provision of reasonable accommodations and services is based upon the current impact of the individual's disability on his/her academic performance. As such, it is in the student's best interest to provide updated and appropriate documentation in a timely manner to the Office of Accessibility Services (OAS). Students are encouraged to use OAS services.

Reasonable accommodations are changes in the academic setting that permit qualified students with disabilities to achieve an equal footing with other students. This relates to non-essential elements of any activity program or course. An accommodation can be denied if it reduces academic standards (fundamental alteration), involves an undue hardship, or is a personal service.

St. Charles Community College is committed to non-discrimination based on disability in every aspect of its academic programming. The Office of Accessibility Services was established to ensure equal access (not to assure success) within this educational setting. The OAS Office is responsible for reviewing requests for accommodations and making decisions regarding equal access issues.

The OAS Office in cooperation with the SCC academic environment (administration, staff, faculty, students) is responsible for implementation of equal access.

PURPOSE OF ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

The Procedures Manual is subject to change. It serves as a guideline to be used by students, administration and faculty, and may be changed at any time with or without notice.

Office of Accessibility Services Procedures are designed to assist faculty, staff, and students with written institutional procedures for assuring equal access. Disability-related accommodations provided by the institution are sanctioned only through the Office of Accessibility Services. The administrative procedures provide an orderly approach to assuring equal access/compliance with ADA and 504.  Information regarding the OAS is available on the College Web site, course schedule booklet, college catalog, and student handbook.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The College views the provision of reasonable accommodations as a collaborative effort involving administrators, faculty, staff, and students.

1) OAS

1. Determine eligibility.
2. Identify appropriate accommodations (academic, auxiliary aids, etc.).
3. Develop accommodations plan and complete faculty notification forms with student.
4. Work with faculty and staff to ensure delivery of accommodations (arranging testing, use of auxiliary aids in classrooms, classroom/technology modification, etc.).
5. Maintain detailed confidential records that document the plan for the provision of selected accommodations.
6. Assist in course registration each semester.
7. Assist students in development of self-advocacy and independence.
8. Development and revision of OAS policies/guidelines.
9. Provide disability representation on campus committees.

1. Meet with OAS coordinator (self identify), provide appropriate documentation in timely manner.  It is recommended that students provide documentation at least eight weeks prior to the start of the semester for which they are requesting services. Students should schedule an appointment with the OAS coordinator during the first few weeks of classes so that accommodations can be finalized.
2. Deliver faculty notification forms to faculty as soon as possible once completed.
3. Follow guidelines regarding use of accommodations/OAS.
4. Consult with the OAS coordinator (in a timely manner) regarding any problems encountered during the semester.
5. Attend all classes.
6. Organize time.
7. Follow course syllabi.

1. Adopt teaching practices and evaluation methods which promote equal access, via the classroom or distance learning.
2. Collaborate with the OAS to provide accommodations.
3. Contact the OAS coordinator with any questions or problems.
4. Treat all matters related to students with disabilities in a confidential manner.
5. Consult with the OAS coordinator if a disagreement between a student and faculty member regarding an accommodation is not resolved.
6. May request a written agreement before allowing the student to tape record the lecture/class.
7. Do not provide academic adjustments under the guise of a disability unless a faculty notification form has been processed by the OAS.
8. Use film/video with captioning.
9. Select all course materials (texts, supplemental reading, videos, slides, films, etc.) with accessibility considered.

4) Staff/Administration

1. Cooperate with OAS by assisting with classroom, building, and technology modifications.
2. Support/implement universal design.