Accommodations and Services
Disability Support Services may recommend the following accommodations and services.  DSS recommends specific accommodations based upon documentation received and individual class requirements.  The following examples of common accommodation requests may not be appropriate in all situations.  Furthermore, these examples are not an exhaustive listing of all possible accommodations that may be implemented in the classroom setting.

Priority Registration –DSS provides all registered students with priority registration.   The student is responsible for regular advisement through individual College advisors.  After consultation with an academic advisor, students must have their registration form approved by DSS.  The student is responsible for presenting the registration form to the appropriate data entry location.

Testing Accommodations - Testing accommodations may include extended time, reduced-distraction testing situations, taped or orally administered tests, alternate test formats, readers, and/or scribes.  Testing accommodations are provided within each department, if possible.  Students should discuss testing accommodations with their instructors at the beginning of each term.  DSS proctors examinations for students that need to use assistive technology or whose instructor is unable to provide test proctoring.  Students are obligated to comply with DSS test proctoring guidelines to ensure smooth delivery of services and maintain integrity of faculty examinations.

Alternate Formats for Assignments – In many cases, assignments may be submitted in formats other than those stated in course requirements.

Tape Recording and/or Notetakers - Students may be permitted to tape record class lectures and/or may request peer notetakers.  DSS will assist in providing NCR (No Carbon Required) paper for notetakers, and/or arranging for peer notetakers.

Academic Classroom Aids – In many cases, students may be permitted to use calculators, dictionaries, word processors, spell checkers, and/or grammar checkers for in-class and out-of-class work.

Adaptive Computer Technology –  The College offers assistance with document readers and other adaptive computer technology.

Academic Assistance – Academic assistance may be provided through notetakers, scribes, readers, and/or sign language interpreters.  However, federal law does not require the College to provide services that place an undue administrative or financial burden upon the College.  The College is not required to provide services of a personal nature, including assistance with eating, toileting, or mobility.

The Accommodation Process
It is the student’s responsibility to request accommodations each term.  To request academic accommodations, students are required to complete a series of steps, preferably at the beginning of each term.  Registered students may request accommodations at any point during the term.  However, students that do not give sufficient notice of accommodation requests are not guaranteed optimal accommodations will be implemented.  (Requests for interpreters must by made at least 6 weeks in advance).  Students have an obligation to inform WALLACE COMMUNITY COLLEGE in a timely manner of accommodation requests.

Student obligations with accommodation requests are as follows:

1. Meet with a DSS staff member to discuss accommodation requests.
2. Complete an Accommodation Request Form.
3. DSS will prepare an Accommodation Letter to the instructor of each course.  The student signs each Accommodation Letter.
4. Deliver an Accommodation Letter to the instructor of each course for which accommodations are requested.
5. Discuss how accommodations will be implemented with the instructor of the course.  DSS is available to offer suggestions to the student and faculty member.
6. Remind the instructor of exam accommodations at least one week before scheduled exams.
7. Report any problems with accommodation implementation to DSS.

Students are required to deliver and discuss Accommodation Letters with faculty before accommodations will be implemented.  Instructors are not obligated to provide accommodations until such time they are notified by official hand delivered letter to do so.  Also, accommodations are not retroactive.  In other words, faculty are not obligated to accommodate prior exams, assignments, or any course related activity before an Accommodation Letter is delivered and discussed.

Students are entitled to appeal accommodation decisions of DSS, faculty or other WALLACE COMMUNITY COLLEGE entities.  Please refer to the 504/ADA Grievance Process for Students below.

504/ADA Grievance Process for Students
Questions and concerns regarding accommodations and services for students with disabilities should be directed initially to Disability Support Services.  If DSS staff members cannot provide information or suggestions that resolve issues involving disability rights issues, a meeting with the student, the faculty member (if applicable), DSS staff members and the Dean of Student Affairs is the second step in resolving disagreements.

If an agreement concerning disability rights is not reached at this point, the final step in the grievance process involves the dissenting party filing a formal grievance.  During the grievance process, the student is entitled to receive accommodations recommended by DSS.

The process for filing and official grievance is located on page 122 of the 2003-2004 Wallace Community College Catalog/Student Handbook.

Steps in the Grievance Process:

1. Consult with appropriate DSS staff member(s).
2. If the situation cannot be resolved in step one, you are encouraged to meet with DSS staff member(s), the course instructor (if applicable), and Dean of Student Affairs to discuss your concerns.  (A DSS staff member will schedule this meeting at the student’s request).
3. If a result is not achieved in step two, it is recommended you submit a formal, written grievance to the President of the College.

Should you disagree with the outcome of the Grievance Process, you may file a formal complaint with the Office for Civil Rights:

Regional Office for Civil Rights
Office for Civil Rights, Region IV
U. S. Department of Education
Atlanta, Georgia 30301-3104