To become eligible for services through the Office of Disability Support Services, documentation is required to:
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verify that a disability exists that substantially limits a major life activity; and
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provide information that will help determine the reasonable accommodations needed to remove the barriers to learning for the identified disability.
The documentation must meet these standards and requirements:
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The type or degree of documentation required depends on the nature of the disability. The Disability Support Coordinator spells these out clearly after the initial meeting with the student.
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In order to determine eligibility and accommodations, multiple factors are considered. These may include information from medical, learning, or psychological evaluations; test scores; past academic history; interview with the student; and medical diagnoses.
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The Disability Support Coordinator will specify the type of information required in an evaluation to verify the disability, determine how it is “substantially limiting,” and what accommodations are needed as a result. This will vary depending on the nature of the disability.
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It is the student’s responsibility to supply the necessary documentation. Evaluations from high school, the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation or other public agencies, or from other licensed or certified professionals/doctors are typically the main sources for documentation at Salem Community College. The Disability Support Coordinator assists students in this process.
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Evaluations and/or medical diagnoses for students with a history of the disability generally will be accepted if they are within a four-year time frame. A new or temporary condition requires current documentation.
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Throughout the entire process, students will be interactive participants.
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An accommodation plan will be developed once eligibility and accommodations are determined. A signed copy will go to the student to show his/her instructors and a copy will be placed into the student’s file in the Disability Support Office.
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Accommodation plans will be renewed and reaffirmed by signature each semester.
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Documentation can be shared with staff and professionals on a “need-to-know basis.” Otherwise, the information gathered on each student is held in strict confidence. A Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) release form must be signed by any student 18 years or older to share or release information with parents.
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If a student is found to be ineligible for services or there is disagreement as to accommodations, the student will receive a letter indicating the reasons for the decision. The student has the right to appeal the decision to the ADA Coordinator.
