Accessibility Compliance

At Lees-McRae College, we are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible learning environment where students with disabilities have equal access to educational programs, services, activities, and opportunities.

Accessibility Services works collaboratively with students, faculty, and staff to coordinate reasonable accommodations in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and other applicable laws.

Whether you are a prospective student, current student, or family member seeking information, we are here to help you understand and navigate the accommodation process. Students who wish to request accommodations are encouraged to contact Accessibility Services as early as possible so there is adequate time to review their request and, when appropriate, coordinate approved accommodations.

Requesting Accommodations

Students seeking accommodations should contact Accessibility Services and provide information regarding their disability and accommodation needs.

Accommodation requests are reviewed on an individualized, case-by-case basis. Students may be asked to provide appropriate documentation from a qualified professional that describes the disability, current functional limitations, and need for the requested accommodation. An IEP or Section 504 Plan may also provide helpful information regarding a student's history of accommodations and support needs.

If additional information or documentation is needed to evaluate a request, Accessibility Services will work with the student to identify what information is necessary.

Approved accommodations are determined through an individualized review of the student's request, available documentation and information, current functional limitations, and the essential requirements of the applicable course, program, service, or activity.

Reasonable accommodations are intended to provide equal access. Accommodations do not fundamentally alter essential academic or technical requirements or the nature of a College program, service, or activity.

Students are encouraged to begin the accommodation process as early as possible. Accommodations are implemented after they have been approved and communicated through the College's established accommodation process.

 

Types of Accommodations

Depending on a student's individual disability-related needs, Accessibility Services may coordinate reasonable accommodations in areas including:

  • Academic accommodations

  • Testing accommodations

  • Accessible course materials

  • Housing accommodations

  • Other disability-related access needs

 

Service Animals and Assistance Animals

Lees-McRae College recognizes that students with disabilities may use service animals as defined by applicable law. Students may also request disability-related housing accommodations involving assistance animals, including Emotional Support Animals (ESAs), when appropriate.

Because different legal requirements may apply to service animals and assistance animals in College housing, students with questions or requests are encouraged to contact Accessibility Services for guidance regarding the appropriate process.

 

Student Responsibility and Self-Advocacy

The transition from high school to college brings important changes in the accommodation process. At the postsecondary level, students are responsible for identifying themselves to Accessibility Services and requesting accommodations.

Our goal is to help students understand the accommodation process, advocate for their needs, develop independence, and access the resources necessary to participate fully in their college experience.

Students are encouraged to communicate with Accessibility Services whenever they have questions about their accommodations or believe an approved accommodation is not effectively addressing an access barrier.

 

Additional Student Support Services

In addition to disability-related accommodations, the Burton Center for Student Success offers services designed to support the academic success of all students.

Services may include:

  • One-on-one student support meetings focused on organization, time management, study strategies, executive functioning, and academic success

  • Subject-specific tutoring in a variety of courses, including mathematics and writing

  • Academic coaching and assistance with developing effective learning strategies

  • Assistance with developing weekly academic plans and breaking larger assignments into manageable steps

  • Support with self-advocacy and communicating effectively with faculty

  • Referrals to additional campus resources when appropriate

If you are unsure which services may be helpful, we encourage you to contact us. We are happy to discuss available resources and help connect you with appropriate support.

 

Contact Us

Eric Watters

Tamara N. Buckley, M.Ed. (S)
 Director of Accessibility Services, Academic Advisor and Instructor

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Dr. Pam Vesely
Vice President of Academic Affairs & Executive Director of Accessibility Compliance