Disability Guidelines

Guideline to follow to recieve services through disability student programs and services (DSPS)

Important Note: It is the student's responsibility to arrange for certain services which are outside the scope of the Disability Services Center. These services include but are not limited to: attendant care, mobility training and sources of financial aid.

• Submit appropriate student forms to Disabled Student Programs and Services (DSPS) by the appropriate deadlines (e.g., application, disability verification form, consent of release, instructor permission form, FERPA release, student rights acknowledgement, etc.).
• Review DSPS website for accommodations, services, policies and procedures.
• Contact DSPS to schedule an appointment with the Faculty Coordinator/LD Specialist or the DSPS Counselor to review DSPS guidelines for appropriate documentation and qualifying criteria.
• Submit current professional documentation of disability with a Disabilities Verification Form. Pick up forms at DSPS office or on the DSPS Forms Page.
• If qualifying criteria is met, schedule an appointment to register with DSPS and to discuss appropriate accommodations and services. The Special Programs front desk will contact you to schedule a registration appointment once the necessary documentation has been reviewed and accepted.
• Meet with the Faculty Coordinator and/or DSPS counselor to establish a Student Educational Contract and Educational Plan.
• Schedule an appointment with your rehabilitation counselor, if necessary. Keep your counselor fully informed of dates, costs, and other college requirements.
• If you are eligible for campus transportation, complete a Tram Request Form on the DSPS Mobility Assistance website.
• If you are eligible for testing accommodations, complete a Test Accommodation Request Form for each test to be taken. These forms can be found at the DSPS/EOPS Front Office. Submit forms by designated deadlines (at least 48 hours in advance) in order to receive accommodations.
• Meet regularly with DSPS staff member to maintain open lines of communication and to ensure provision of accommodations.
• Watch for DSPS announcements and policy and procedures updates on the Columbia College DSPS website.

Rights & Responsibilities

Students with disabilities have...

Columbia College has the...

academic Accomodation Plan (AAP) Development

Subsequent to the receipt of appropriate documentation, an AAP will be developed based on the following criteria:

• Does the student have a disability? "Disability" is defined in the Americans with Disability Act of 1990 (ADA) and ADAA (2008) as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. A physical impairment is a physiological condition, cosmetic disfigurement, or anatomical loss that affects one or more of the basic body systems/functions (e.g., neurological, musculoskeletal, respiratory, cardiovascular, digestive, bowel, bladder, etc.). A mental impairment is a "mental or psychological disorder such as intellectual disability, organic brain syndrome, emotional or mental illness, and specific learning disabilities."
• Does the disability substantially limit a major life activity? (e.g., walking, seeing, speaking, hearing, breathing, learning, performing manual tasks, caring for oneself, working, sitting, standing, bending, lifting, reaching, thinking, concentrating, communicating and sleeping). Is the student "otherwise qualified" for the course, program, or activity?
• Did the student initiate a request for an academic adjustment, auxiliary aid, or service? Did the request for an academic adjustment, auxiliary aid, and/or service follow established DSPS policy and procedure?
• Is the request reasonable and readily achievable? Does it result in a financial or administrative burden on the college?
• Does the requested academic adjustment, auxiliary aid and/or service fundamentally alter a course curriculum or course of study so significantly that it alters the required objectives or content of the curriculum?

You have the right to appeal should DSPS not approve an accommodation or later suspend an authorization.

Alternate Media Policy

Eligibility

• Students with disabilities who require alternate media to access course materials and other educational materials are eligible to request and receive alternate media services.
• Eligibility for this service is determined by the DSPS Counselors and is based in part on the professional documentation provided by the student. 

All services are free to students enrolled in DSPS.

Requesting Alternate Media

• Students who require alternate media should contact their DSPS counselor to discuss their needs.
• The DSPS counselor will work with the student to determine the appropriate alternate media format(s) and to make arrangements for the student to receive the alternate media.
• Requests should be submitted as soon as the student registers for classes.    

Receiving Alternate Media

• A copy of the syllabi for the courses should be provided to ensure timely delivery of materials.
• Every effort will be made to complete the request in a timely manner.
• The Alternate Media Access Specialist will notify the student of the projected completion date.   

Format

• Preference will be given to the format specified by the student, but the recommendation of DSPS professionals will determine the specific media format for each academic course.
• Requests for materials in alternative format will be considered on a case-by-case basis.  

Guidelines

• Students must not copy or reproduce any material provided by Alternate Media Production, nor allow anyone else to do so, as this is a copyright violation.  
• Misuse of this material may result in disciplinary action by Columbia College.  
• Qualified students will be provided with special alternative formats for materials required for academic use. These electronic files are copyrighted and exclusively for use by persons with disabilities and may not be reproduced or distributed.