I. Policy

Central Piedmont Community College will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals to participate in an academic activity safely and effectively as required by the regulations of Section 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

II. Definitions

A. Qualified Individual

An individual who meets the skill, experience, education, other academic-related requirements of a position or activity, and, who, with or without reasonable accommodation, can perform the essential functions of the course of study or participate in associated activities. An individual who poses a significant health or safety risk to him/herself or others will not be "qualified" if reasonable modification to the College's policies, practices, or procedures will not eliminate that risk.

B. Person with a Disability

An individual who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; has a record or history of a physical or mental impairment; or is regarded as having a substantially limiting physical or mental impairment.

C. Reasonable Accommodation and Auxiliary Aids

A reasonable accommodation for students is any modification or adjustment to a facility or an academic program of study, course, or activity that provides an equal opportunity to participate in such academic program of study, course, or activity.

III. Regulations

Disability and Access Services works to ensure students with disabilities have equal access to College courses, programs, services, and activities. Students are responsible for knowing and following College policies and procedures. Students who request accommodations and/or adjustments due to a disability are also responsible for following the policies and procedures of the Office of Disability Services. The following serve as guidance for student and College rights and responsibilities:

A. Student Rights and Responsibilities

1. Rights

The student can expect:

a. Reasonable accommodations according to disability, based on the information provided on a disclosure form requesting accommodations, and supporting documentation.

b. Equitable access to educational opportunities and activities provided by the College.

c. Equitable and fair treatment.

d. Confidentiality in matters of their documentation and educational record.

e. Self-determination of who will receive student released disability-related materials and information within and outside the university.

f. Opportunity to file a grievance with Disability and Access Services, and receive a prompt and equitable resolution in accordance with the Grievance Procedure.

g. All other rights and privileges available to other students.

2. Responsibilities

The student’s responsibilities include:

a. Requesting in writing accommodations and auxiliary aids in a timely manner from the Disability and Access Services.

b. Demonstrating appropriate and responsible levels of self-help in obtaining and arranging for accommodations or auxiliary aids.

c. Obtaining and providing to Disability and Access Services appropriate documentation. This includes participating in additional evaluations if documentation is insufficient to determine eligibility, or if requested accommodations are not supported in the submitted documentation.

d. Collaborating with Disability and Access Services staff to determine reasonable accommodations.

e. Requesting and picking up Documentation of Accommodation (DOA) forms from Disability and Access Services, meeting with instructors to share Documentation of Accommodations, and providing any additional information the student deems appropriate.

f. Actively participating in the interactive process to ensure reasonable accommodations by communicating in a timely manner about accommodation requests, difficulties ,or concerns.

g. Self-advocating for access and self-monitoring their progress.

h. Keeping documentation, disclosure, and contact information up-to-date with Disability and Access Services and/or the Office of the Registrar.

i. Making disclosure of a disability, impairment, condition, or limitation to an individual instructor, program, department, or any entity is not considered an official notification to the College, nor an official request for reasonable accommodations.

B. College Rights and Responsibilities

1. Rights

The College may:

a. Require students to meet with staff members.

b. Require appropriate supporting documentation of a disability.

c. Deny requested accommodations based on the timeliness and reasonableness of the request; the adequacy or inadequacy of the documentation on file at the time of the request; or when the requested accommodation is deemed to fundamentally alter a College course, program, service, or activity.

2. Responsibilities

The College will:

a. Work with students to determine necessary accommodations on a case-by-case basis.

b. Respond to students' requests for services and recommending reasonable accommodations.

c. Ensure that appropriate accommodations and aids or services are available to the student in a timely manner.

d. Bear the cost of any accommodation that does not result in fundamental alteration in program requirements, does not pose undo financial burden on the College, and is not considered a personal aid/aid, device, or service.

e. Assist students in developing self-advocacy skills.

f. Act as a mediator and advocating for students when appropriate.

g. Maintain student confidentiality.

h. Refer students to appropriate campus or community resources and/or supports.

Related Policies and Procedures

• Policy 2.15 Service Animals on Campus
• Accommodations Requests for Persons with Disabilities Procedures
• Service Animals on Campus Guidelines and Procedures

Changes

Changes approved by the Board of Trustees on May 6, 2020

Changes approved by Cabinet on April 29, 2013