Requesting Services

SUBMISSION OF DOCUMENTATION IS NOT EQUIVALENT TO REQUESTING SERVICES AND DOES NOT NECESSARILY GUARANTEE SERVICE THROUGH OAS.  IT IS THE STUDENT'S RESPONSIBILITY TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE OAS COORDINATOR.

It is each student's right to choose to self identify via the OAS Office. To request OAS services, the student must, in a timely manner, provide disability documentation and meet with the OAS Coordinator. Disability documentation is helpful in assisting OAS in determining if a student is eligible for protection from discrimination (Rehabilitation Act, ADA) and the development of appropriate accommodations ensuring accessibility. The OAS Coordinator will consider this information along with supplemental interview(s) with the student to determine:

1. If a disability exists;
2. Student is protected from discrimination by 504/ADA (documentation must establish a substantial limitation to a major life activity which then impacts negatively upon the academic setting applied to each course);
3. If requested accommodations are needed;
4. If so, developing appropriate and reasonable accommodations considering course/program requirements.  The College is not obligated to provide the specific accommodation requested by the student but to provide an appropriate and reasonable accommodation. By requiring documentation, the College attempts to ensure the integrity of the accommodation process and a climate of trust and respect.

IT IS ADVISED THAT DISABILITY DOCUMENTATION BE FORWARDED AND AN APPOINTMENT BE SCHEDULED SIX TO EIGHT WEEKS PRIOR TO THE DATE OF REQUESTED START OF ACCOMMODATION(S).

The student has the responsibility of providing documentation reflecting clear evidence of the existence of a disability indicating the current impact which substantially limits major life activities and scheduling an appointment with the OAS Coordinator. The OAS Coordinator, upon receipt of the documentation and interview with the student, will develop an OAS File. This information is not incorporated in the admissions file. The release of any disability information is governed by federal/state regulations regarding privacy of information. In keeping with the spirit and intent of the law, information regarding the disability is confidential and is shared on a need-to-know basis. 

Disability documentation and input from the student and professionals knowledgeable about the student's situation will be reviewed by the OAS Coordinator. This collaborative effort will assist the OAS Coordinator in determining appropriate and reasonable accommodations which assure equal access. Fundamental goals/essential standards of the course(s)/program(s) must be considered in review of these potential accommodations. Faculty input may be necessary in finalization of accommodations. Accommodations and services will vary dependent upon individual needs. If the OAS Coordinator determines that the student has provided insufficient documentation, it is the student's responsibility to provide needed supplemental disability information.  The College is not responsible for any fees incurred. Documentation must be complete and appropriate.  Occasionally, documentation is insufficient to pass a conclusive review. Sometimes a clarification from the documentation provider is needed or a new disability assessment will be necessary. The College will attempt to ensure a good-faith effort in providing reasonable accommodations. Provisional services may occasionally be provided (to be determined by the OAS Coordinator) and generally will not exceed one semester.

For further information or to schedule an appointment, contact Pam Bova, OAS Coordinator 636-922-8247, or via MO RELAY. E-mail: pbova@stchas.edu

Once disability documentation is complete and on file with OAS, it is the student's responsibility to request services EACH semester. Discussion and finalization of accommodations is only accomplished via an appointment with the OAS Coordinator. Accommodations are arranged for only one semester at a time. They are NOT retroactive. An Accommodations Request Form will be completed and signed by the student. This form will include requested accommodations and classes. The OAS Coordinator is responsible for initially approving or denying the accommodations. In some instances, faculty may need to assist in determining if a requested accommodation is reasonable. Faculty Notification Forms are completed for those courses impacted and requiring faculty notification.

Faculty Notification Forms can be completed usually as early as the first week of classes. Accommodations will be listed.  It is the student's responsibility to take these to the instructor(s). Both student and instructor signatures are required. If faculty have any suggestions or questions regarding the accommodations, they should contact the OAS Coordinator. Faculty are encouraged to follow the recommended accommodations as outlined by OAS until the dispute is resolved. Any changes would be discussed with the student.

Students make the choice of receiving OAS services. Once services/accommodations are implemented, the student may discontinue their use at any time. Students who are not satisfied with their accommodation plan and believe they are being discriminated against based on the disability, may file a grievance. Copies of the grievance procedure are available through the OAS Coordinator, 133 SC, and Director of Student Development, Administration Building Room 1204, (636) 922-8238. The procedure can be found under "Conflict Resolution".

Faculty are encouraged to collaborate with the student and OAS in devising the most appropriate accommodations allowing equal access to the coursework without lessening the course/program integrity.

STUDENTS SHOULD NOTIFY THE OAS COORDINATOR IMMEDIATELY OF ANY DIFFICULTIES ENCOUNTERED WITH ARRANGED ACCOMMODATIONS.

RECORDS MANAGEMENT

Students should bring disability documentation only to the OAS office, due to its confidential nature.

OAS files are retained for a period of three years of inactivity (defined as receiving no services/no contact with the OAS Office). At that point, the entire record may be shredded.

The Office of Accessibility Services recognizes the sensitive nature of the documentation. If institutional personnel have a legitimate education interest in the file content, the OAS Coordinator may share pertinent information without getting prior consent from the student. Confidentiality is not maintained in the case of child abuse or suicidal or homicidal intent. Any actions or verbalizations/indications of intent to harm will be referred to campus security.

DOCUMENTATION GUIDELINES

Documentation must clearly show that the student has a specific physical or cognitive impairment - functional limitations requiring reasonable accommodations. The label or diagnosis is not sufficient to document the need for reasonable accommodations. Documentation prepared by a family member is inappropriate.

The following guidelines are to assist the student/professionals in the provision of appropriate documentation.

• Clear statements of the disability, onset and current diagnosis, temporary or permanent, how the impairment limits major life activities necessitating reasonable accommodations.
• Documentation must be as current as possible (age of acceptable documentation depends upon the condition, student's status, relevance of information to current requested accommodations.)
  
  Recommended diagnostic Taxonomies:

  Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
  State Rehabilitation Services
  Diagnostic Statistical Manual
  Int'l Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems of the World Health Org.

• A summary of assessment procedures, diagnostic tests, evaluation instruments utilized with dates administered and a narrative summary of results should be included. On academic assessments, standard scores of percentile and adult norms should be included. Testing must conform to current professional practices in the field.
• Description of present functioning: symptoms, present treatment(s), medication(s) and side effects experienced by the student, assistive devices or services currently used, progression of disability and need for follow-up or re-evaluation.
• Credentials of the diagnosing professionals (non-relatives).

  It is preferred that the medical documentation be on letterhead with signature and include name, address, phone, and license number of professional. The College reserves the right to maintain copies of all the disability documentation that is submitted to the Office of Accessibility Services.

  Documentation for Physical/Psychiatric/Hearing/Vision/Chronic Health Issues
  Documentation for Learning Disabilities Evaluations

  Documentation is confidential and should be sent to:
  
  Office of Accessibility Services/133 SC
  Pam Bova, Coordinator
  St. Charles Community College
  4601 Mid Rivers Mall Drive
  Cottleville, MO 63376

  OAS does not provide the following:

  • Tutoring/supplemental learning services
  • Attendant care aids
  • Services or equipment for personal use or study
  • Diagnostic testing