Accessibility Services

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defines a person with a disability as a person who:

1. has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities;
2. has a record of such an impairment; or
3. is regarded as having such impairment

If you are unsure that you have a disability, but would like to learn more, contact amickelson@scciowa.edu for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Accommodations will vary from person to person based on how their disability affects them. Reasonable accommodations are modifications or adjustments to the tasks, environment, or to the way things are usually done that enable individuals with disabilities to have an equal opportunity to participate in an academic program.

The Accessibility Services Office considers documentation as a written, qualified professional evaluation, which identifies a disability/disabilities that substantially limit a major life area. The documentation should identify the disability/disabilities, its effects on learning and academic performance, and the types of accommodations recommended.  The Accessibility Services staff will consider documentation in written format explaining past accommodations received in similar situations such as Individual Education Program (IEP), Summary of Performance plans (SOP) or 504 Plans.  In cases where the documentation does not support the requested accommodation(s), the Accessibility Services staff may request further substantiating documentation.

Accommodations are effective when you present each instructor with an accommodation letter. Accommodations are not retroactive; if you wait to give the letters to your instructors, be aware that you cannot go back and re-take exams.

No. Once you apply, your information will remain in your Accessibility Services file for five years after you last receive services from the Accessibility Services Office. You will need to submit your class schedule each semester for new academic accommodation letters to provide to your instructors.

The Accessibility Services staff work with faculty to facilitate classroom and testing accommodations. Faculty members are encouraged to modify rather than waive specific requirements, so that all students, as much as possible, get the same academic experiences.  Collaboration across the college can ensure commitment to the success of students with disabilities and can assist  professionals and faculty members to better meet the needs of students with disabilities, and help foster an environment conducive to academic success.