Learner Support Services
Office of DisAbility Services
Mission Statement
The primary mission of the Office of DisAbility Services
is to ensure equal access to educational opportunities for students with
disabilities at NWACC. Furthermore, the Office of DisAbility Services
continually strives to improve and incorporate comprehensive services
to eliminate physical, programmatic, and attitudinal barriers incumbent
with disabilities not only for students but also for faculty, staff and
guests on our campus. In addition, the Office of DisAbility Services seeks
to strengthen our partnership with community agencies within the catchment
area of Northwest Arkansas in order to develop and disseminate innovative
models and exemplary practices that promote leadership and cultural awareness
in the arenas of postsecondary education, rehabilitation, and student
services.
Philosophy
The Office of DisAbility Services is committed to providing
equal opportunities to individuals with disabilities. NorthWest Arkansas
Community College endorses and is subject to both the Americans with Disabilities
Act and section 504 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act. Through established
procedures, students with disabilities are provided services that assist
in minimizing academic barriers by maximizing educational and programmatic
access. These services are not intended to give students an unfair advantage
but to provide an equal learning environment for all NWACC students.
Who is Eligible for Services?
Services are available to any admitted and enrolled student
who has a documented disability. Individuals eligible
for services include those with mobility, orthopedic, hearing, vision,
or speech impairments, as well as, those with other health-related disabilities,
traumatic brain injuries, learning disabilities, or psychiatric disabilities.
Application Process
In order to establish eligibility to receive services via
the ODS, individuals must complete a three-step process.
Step 1 is to complete the application/intake
materials specific for ODS.
Step 2 is the submission
of documentation to substantiate the disability. Acceptable documentation
is medical, psychoeducational, or psychological records or correspondence
clearly diagnosing or delineating the disability and signed by a licensed
professional. After a review of the application and disability documentation,
eligibility determination is made by the Coordinator of DisAbility services.
Step 3 is a meeting with the Coordinator
of DisAbilities to discuss and determine appropriate accommodations
for eligible individuals. Factors involved in the determination of appropriate
accommodations include the functional limitations inherent with the disability,
academic requirements of the coursework, and preferences of the student.
Possible Academic Accommodations
The following are examples of the types of academic
accommodation afforded eligible students:
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Student volunteer notetakers
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Permission to audio tape lectures
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Preferential classroom seating
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Special testing conditions
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Extended time for written assignments
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Consultation on use and acquisition of auxiliary aids
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Sign language interpreter services
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For further information contact
Amy Robertson-Gann
Global Communities, Student Center, 225G
Phone: (479) 619-2660
email: arobertsongann@nwacc.edu
Strict confidentiality is maintained for all information and records accrued by the
Office
of DisAbility Services.
For questions or comments, please contact arobertsongann@nwacc.edu
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