Obtaining and Coordinating Services

The Office of Student Accommodations and Resources is the designated office of the College that coordinates services for students with disabilities. Accommodations and services to be provided to a student are determined from information gathered during the intake interview by an advisor, from information provided by a referring instructor, and/or by the documentation provided by the student.

Obtaining and coordinating disability services

Star obtains and files disability documentation, certifies eligibility for services, and coordinates the planning and provision of auxiliary aids as well as facilitating adjustments in academic rules, policies and procedures. The professional staff of Star is available to provide JJC students, faculty, and staff with disability related consultation and to assist them in obtaining: textual, verbal and graphical information transcription to an accessible format, exam accommodations, interpreter services, note taking assistance, registration, assistive computer or communication technology services.

Communicating information in a timely, accurate and accessible manner

The College is required to make textual, verbal, and/or graphical information available to students with disabilities in a timely, accurate and accessible fashion. Generally, information must be accurately communicated to students with disabilities in an accessible format (Braille, enlarged print, electronic format, audio tape, etc.) at the same time that it is made available to all other students. To achieve this goal, it is essential that ALL printed course materials (textbooks, course packs, reserve readings, etc.) be identified well in advance of the start of class so that they can be converted to accessible alternative formats prior to the start of school.

Information technology accessibility requirements

The information technologies used in class must be accessible to students with disabilities whenever it is technically feasible to do so. Star can assist departments in obtaining assistive technology which will allow students with disabilities access to computer technology.

Promoting private self-disclosure

It is a good idea to invite students to privately self-disclose their need for disability related adjustments and auxiliary aids. A verbal accessibility statement should be made on the first day of class, and a similar written statement should be included in the course syllabus (see below). Such a verbal statement might simply state, "To insure that disability related concerns are properly addressed from the beginning, students with disabilities who require assistance to participate in this class are asked to see me as soon as possible". Please note that students cannot be required to disclose that they have a disability; however, those with known disabilities who choose not to self-disclose accept responsibility for the consequences of that action. The identity of students with disabilities which are not obvious should not be disclosed directly or indirectly in class, and the accommodation arrangements of individual students with disabilities should not be discussed in class.

Procedure changes for Instructor Notification of Disabilities

Effective August 9, 2001: Star is no longer notifying instructors about students with documented disabilities who need classroom accommodations. General notifications by mail no longer occur.

As of the Fall semester 2001, students entitled to receive accommodations are sent an "official" letter (title: Instructor Notification of a Section 504/ADA Accommodation) from Star identifying the specific accommodation(s) that the student qualifies for. It will be the student's responsibility to contact you during the first week of class and make an appointment with you, the instructor, to discuss their needs. Students will be instructed to show you their official letter if they wish to use accommodations in your class. You may make a copy of the letter for your records.

The letter the students show you will verify that the student is registered with Star, has provided appropriate documentation, and qualifies for the listed accommodations. The notification will be authenticated by the embossed seal. Please ask the student to show you the Instructor Notification of a Section 504/ADA Accommodation letter for verification. You are required to provide ONLY those accommodations that are listed in the letter.

This system will ensure that:

1. Students talk to their instructor about the need for classroom accommodations
2. The correct instructor receives notification
3. Students have flexibility and only need to notify the instructors about their disability in the classes in which they really want or need accommodations

Instructors will receive a memo, e-mail, or phone call from Star if there is a student with a severe disability that will need significant accommodations. For example, if a blind student is enrolled in your class, we will notify you and request a copy of your syllabus about four weeks prior to class.

You will also receive notice prior to the beginning of the semester if we need to discuss adaptive equipment or adaptive software with you. We hope this new system will promote communication between you and your students and encourage students to be responsible and develop self-advocacy.

Sample statements for inclusion in a course syllabus

Please include in your syllabus a statement inviting students to disclose their disability. Reasonable accommodations must be done on a case by case basis within the specific context, discipline, evaluation methods, and goals for your class.

• A statement on your syllabus will help to establish a safe environment for students to disclose their disability.
• Providing notice on your syllabus establishes a clear process for requesting reasonable class accommodations.
• By placing a statement on your syllabus and making a verbal announcement in class, you encourage the students to identify their needs early in the semester.

A syllabus statement should include the following points:

1. An invitation to students who have documented disabilities to meet in a confidential environment to review course requirements and discuss their needs for accommodations.
2. A requirement that students arrange for accommodations in a timely manner.
3. A statement that you rely on Star (the Student Accommodations and Resources department) to verify a disability and the need for a particular accommodation.

Examples of notice statements you might wish to use as a model are as follows:

1. Anyone who believes that he or she may need an accommodation because of a documented disability should contact me for an appointment as soon as possible. When we meet, we can discuss the course format and potential and appropriate accommodations. I rely on the Student Accommodations and Resources department (Star) for assistance in verifying the need for an accommodation and to develop an accommodation plan. I encourage you to contact Star in room J2025, extension 2230, if you have not already done so.
2. Students with a documented disability, including a learning disability, who would like to discuss accommodations such as testing accommodations or taping my class lectures should contact me for an appointment during the first two weeks of the semester. When we meet, we can discuss your needs and potential accommodations. I rely on the Student Accommodations and Resources department (Star) to verify the need for accommodations. I encourage you to contact Star in room J2025, extension 2230, if you have not already done so.