Applying for Accessibility Resources

The Student Accessibility Resources (SAR) Office views disabilities as an aspect of diversity that is integral to society and to our SHC community. We are committed to advocating for the full inclusion of students with disabilities in all curricular and co-curricular opportunities as mandated by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act. We work collaboratively with students, faculty, and staff to provide reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities.  We acknowledge that classroom and campus accessibility needs and considerations are expanding as more classes and campus experiences incorporate online and technological components. We are available to discuss any course or campus barriers that may be preventing access to education and an equitable campus experience for our students. It is important to note that accommodations are not RETROACTIVE, therefore we encourage students to apply for services as early and soon as possible.  It is also important to note that it is the student’s responsibility to request disability-related services and accommodations through the Student Accessibility Resources office.

Students interested in applying for accommodations should complete the three steps listed below:

1. Complete & Submit the Accessibility Application

2. Submit Appropriate and Relevant Documentation

• Students should be sure that:
  
  • The professional’s diagnosis, evaluation, recommendations and other information should be typed on the professional’s letterhead, which include the name, title, dates of treatment, signature, license number and/or certification number.
    
  • The professional providing the documentation must have the necessary qualifications to diagnose and treat the student for the specific disability.
    
  • The diagnosis of the disability must be clearly stated, explained, and specific.
    
  • Documentation must be no more than three to five years old. Some exceptions may apply for students with physical disabilities.
    
    
    • Documentation prepared by professionals must provide a diagnosis of the medical/mental health condition, explain any functional limitations the condition will impose for the student in an academic setting and provide recommendations for reasonable accommodations.

• Please NOTE: IEP’s, 504 Plans, and Doctor’s prescription notepads are not acceptable but can be used for supplemental information only.
  
• A student is responsible for providing documentation that supports their request for academic adjustments. It is important that the documentation clearly establishes that the student has a disability as defined by federal regulations and that the documentation clearly supports the individual’s request for accommodations.
  
• SAR will require additional or new documentation if the original documentation presented is outdated, vague, or incomplete.

• 3. Schedule an Intake Appointment with Student Accessibility Resources (SAR) Staff
  
  • Appointments can be made via email (accessibility@shc.edu)
    
  • Students taking online courses can schedule an appointment via phone or email to discuss necessary accommodations.

REQUESTING ACCOMMODATIONS EACH SUBSEQUENT SEMESTER

1. 1. Complete a Semester Accommodations Request Form at the beginning of each semester.  If the form is completed prior to the start of the semester, students and appropriate Campus Partners (i.e. professor, Residence Life staff, etc.) will receive letters prior to the first day of class stating that the approved accommodations are active for that semester.  If the form is completed after the semester begins, the office has at least 7 days to process and distribute letters to students/Campus Partners.
   
2. Meet with the appropriate Campus Partner to discuss the accommodations that have been granted for the semester by the Student Accessibility Resources (SAR) Office.  Campus Partners are not obligated to provide accommodations retroactively.
   

REQUESTING TESTING ACCOMMODATIONS

• Students MUST complete all other accommodations requirements prior to a testing accommodation request being fulfilled.
  
• Discuss testing accommodations arrangements with the professor. If the professor is able to provide testing accommodations, it is not necessary to notify CASA any further.
  
• If the student would like to use testing accommodations, the student should submit a Testing Accommodations Form at least 1 week prior to the test they would like to use their accommodations for. Someone will communicate further as it relates to the location, day and time of the exam/test/quiz.
  
• To ensure accommodations can be met, final exams should be scheduled at least 2 weeks before the last day of class.
  
• Students are expected to arrive at least 5 minutes prior to their testing appointment time. Students who arrive late will not be given additional time for their exam. The professor will be notified of the time the student arrived for the test, and the student may have to make arrangements with the professor to reschedule the test.
  
• Students are expected to adhere to academic honesty standards while taking their exams/quiz/test. Students are permitted to bring only the materials listed on the Testing Accommodations form into the testing room with them unless otherwise noted. If a student is suspected of academic dishonesty by a staff member, the professor will be notified immediately and testing will end.
  
• If for any reason it is necessary to reschedule a testing appointment, students should contact casa@shc.edu at least 3 business days prior to their originally scheduled appointment to make arrangements.

In the event of an emergency the day of the test appointment, the student will need to contact casa@shc.edu and their professor to reschedule their appointment.