FAQ
Q: If I have a disability, what should I do first if I would like to receive accommodations?
A: Contact the Office of Disability Support Services.
Q: I have a disability, but I don’t want to disclose it because I am afraid of being labeled and stigmatized. What should I do?
A: Visit the Office of Disability Support Services to discuss this matter with the Disability Support Coordinator, who may be able to alleviate your concerns.
Q: I had an IEP in high school. Is that sufficient for me to receive services?
A: No. An IEP alone is not sufficient to determine eligibility. It may be helpful, however, in determining the necessary accommodations. Contact the Disability Support Coordinator to see what documentation you will need.
Q: What is the difference between an IEP and an accommodation plan?
A: There are important differences. An IEP applies to students with disabilities from preschool to grade 12 only. An IEP offers a much wider range of program options, modifications and intensive services than accommodation plans do. An IEP is designed to remediate the identified areas of disability with goals to measure progress while accommodation plans are only required to provide reasonable accommodations that will give students with disabilities equal access to learning. In an IEP, the curriculum and standards can be modified; however, this is not the case with an accommodation plan in college. Once an accommodation plan is put in place, students with disabilities are held to the same standard as all students. For some students coming from high school, the difference can be shocking.
Q: What are some other differences between high school and college for students with disabilities?
A: The major difference is that students with disabilities are expected to self-advocate for themselves at a much higher level than is sometimes necessary in high school. In college, students must have a good understanding of their disability needs and be able to communicate those needs to others. In addition, students must know where and when to get academic support and tutoring and become familiar with how technology can assist them in becoming successful.
Q: I had a 504 plan in high school, not an IEP. Can I still qualify for services?
A: Yes.
Q: How do you determine if I am eligible to receive services?
A: The Disability Support Coordinator reviews the documentation then interviews the student in order to make a final determination on eligibility.
Q: How do you decide what accommodations I qualify for?
A: Based on a review of the documentation and the interview with the student, both the student and the Disability Support Coordinator will discuss what accommodations will be both reasonable and effective.
Q: What are the possible accommodations?
A: See Accommodations.
Q: What should I do if my evaluations are out of date?
A: Evaluations older than four years do not meet the documentation standards required to determine eligibility. It is the responsibility of the student to provide current documentation. See Documentation Requirements. Make an appointment with the Disability Support Coordinator to review your documentation.
Q: What if I have a complaint or a grievance about my accommodations not being met?
Contact the Disabilities Support Coordinator.
Q:What if I feel I am being subjected to harassment or a hostile learning environment due to my disability?
Salem Community College prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability and age in any of its programs or activities. Any complaints or grievances of alleged discrimination should be filed with the Dean of Student Affairs, Donaghay Hall, 460 Hollywood Avenue, Carneys Point, NJ 08069 (856.351.2707).
Q: What if I want to appeal a decision regarding eligibility or an accommodation plan?
A: See Appeal Process.
Q:I don’t have the money to pay for an updated evaluation. What can I do?
A: There are available options. See the Disability Support Coordinator for more information.
Q: I am embarrassed to tell my instructor that I have an accommodation plan. What should I do?
A: Accommodation plans are sent to your instructors as a courtesy so that they are prepared when
you approach them. Many of the faculty have experience working with students who have
accommodation plans and understand this concern.
Q: How long does it take to develop an accommodation plan?
A: Most plans can be developed in 30-60 minutes.
Q: I had an accommodation plan, but did not meet with the Disability Support Coordinator to renew it last semester. Can I get a new plan for this semester?
A: Yes. Contact us to schedule an appointment.