Accessibility Compliance
The Office of Accessibility Compliance helps students receive equal opportunities to participate in and benefit from the college community. To ensure the best learning environments, we offer individual accommodations, support services, collaborative services, resources, and advocacy.
Accessibility Categories Served
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Chronic Health Illness
- Hard of Hearing
- Learning Disabilities
- Mobility Impairment
- Psychological/Psychiatric Disability
- Visual Impairment
- Traumatic Brain Injury
Examples of Accommodations
- Access to Professor Notes/PowerPoints
- Recorded Lectures
- Tests Read Aloud
- Note Takers
- Priority Seating in the Classroom
- Separate Setting/Extended Time for Tests
- Tutoring Services
American Disabilities Act
Under the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1973, all colleges and universities receiving federal financial assistance are legally bound to prohibit discrimination in the recruitment, admissions, and educational process of students with disabilities.
Students with documented disabilities are entitled to receive reasonable accommodations that will enable them to participate in and have the opportunity to benefit from educational programs and activities at Lees-McRae College.
Definition
A person with a disability is an individual with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. An individual is considered to be a person with a disability if they...
- have a disability
- have a history of disability
- are recognized by others as having a disability.
Services Provided
Counseling
The Office of Accessibility Compliance collaborates with the student in the planning, implementation, and accommodating of appropriate services to develop an individualized accommodation plan.
Exam Scheduling
The Office of Accessibility Compliance coordinates the procurement and the scheduling/proctoring of exams when taken at the Office of Accessibility Services with accommodations.
Interpreting and Transcription Services
The Office of Accessibility Compliance supports students in the use of assistive technology within budgetary constraints.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Are instructors required to alter test format or course standards for a student with a disability?
All students, regardless of disability, are expected to be evaluated in the same manner and complete all course/degree requirements/standards. The Office of Accessibility Compliance determines and coordinates reasonable accommodations to ensure the exams are accessible to students with disabilities. -
If an individual discloses a disability midway through the semester, will accommodations be given retroactively?
Instructors/supervisors are not required to make accommodations before individuals complete registration with Accessibility Compliance. Individuals must show and discuss their Accommodation Plan to instructors/supervisors in advance in order to gain access to the approved accommodations. -
Will disclosure of a disability and registration with Accessibility Services become part of my permanent record/transcript?
No. Disability-related information is confidential medical information kept on file with the Office of Accessibility Compliance and not shared with any third party (including, but not limited to, subsequent universities or employers) without written consent of the individual. -
Where do I go if I need academic assistance such as tutoring, counseling, etc.?
All students attending Lees-McRae are eligible to use academic resources through the Burton Center for Student Success and through Counseling and Wellness Services in the Student Affairs office. -
Will individuals who have been diagnosed with a condition/disorder or who have a history of accommodations (via high school 504 plan or IEP) automatically receive accommodations?
A diagnosis alone does not qualify an individual for reasonable accommodations. A history of previously utilized accommodations will be considered. However, appropriate documentation that meets Lees-McRae guidelines, explains current impact of disability, and supports the request for any reasonable accommodations must be provided.
Resources
Providing services for students with disabilities is a component of the Division of Student Success. Any student with a documented disability is assisted in obtaining reasonable accommodations for instructional activities. Accessibility Compliance also serves as a resource for faculty and staff who need information about working with students with disabilities. Accessibility Compliance can provide referrals to community resources as well.
Procedure
Students with disabilities are entitled to an equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from programs and services offered at Lees-McRae College. To ensure this, students with disabilities at the college should adhere to the following procedure:
- Identify themselves to the Office of Accessibility Compliance and register as a student with a disability;
- Provide adult documentation (completed on or after the student's 16th birthday) from a doctor or
- Other licensed professional identifying the disability and recommended academic accommodations;
- Meet with the Accessibility Coordinator and actively participate in the development of an academic accommodation plan;
- Meet with your instructors at the beginning of each term to discuss how to best implement the accommodation plan;
- Stay in contact with the Accessibility Coordinator during the semester to ensure the coordination of accommodations is both appropriate and effective.
- Consult with your advisor immediately if problems arise with you accommodations.
Other
Experience indicates that students who actively pursue needed accommodations and services increase their chances of success in college.
Students with disabilities are strongly encouraged to identify themselves to the Office of Accessibility Compliance and to provide current documentation, so they can take full advantage of available resources. Accessibility Compliance treats all student information with the utmost confidentiality. No information will be released without the student's written consent.
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