Disability Services/ADA Compliance
Aquinas College strives to provide an optimal opportunity for students with disabilities to be successful, while not compromising the caliber of instruction or the self-confidence of the learner. The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, mandates that postsecondary institutions that receive federal monies provide “reasonable accommodations” for students with disabilities.
Enrolled students of the College who have a disability that requires accommodation must request such services from the Director of Student Learning Services. It is the responsibility of the student to be certain that all necessary documentation is provided to the Director of Student Learning Services early enough to provide sufficient planning time to coordinate and provide appropriate support services.
Documentation must be provided by professionals and must
- clearly state each diagnosed disability;
- clearly describe the current functional limitations resulting from each disability;
- describe the diagnostic methodology/test instruments used (evaluation must be completed within the last 3 years with the exception of permanent physical or sensory disabilities);
- describe past accommodations, medications, or services;
- include recommendations for accommodations, medications, or services;
- submit recommendations on official letterhead and signed by a licensed professional/evaluator who is qualified to make such a diagnosis; and
- identify the professional credentials/license of the evaluator.
Once professional documentation is received and reviewed, the qualified student must work with the Director of Student Learning Services to complete the Academic Accommodations Request Form (located in the SLS’ office) for each course, listing the requested accommodations. The form will be considered complete when signed by the Director of Student Learning Services, the student, and the appropriate faculty member. A copy of this form will be given to the student and the instructor of each course for which a form was submitted. The College reserves the right to request another evaluation, if it is deemed necessary by the Director of Student Learning Services. Such evaluations are the financial responsibility of the student.
The student will work with individual course instructors to obtain the needed accommodations, following up with faculty and the Director of Student Learning Services if the accommodations are ineffective or if additional assistance is needed. The Director of Student Learning Services acts as the liaison between the student and the accommodation provider at the College. It is the responsibility of the Director of Student Learning Services to facilitate the acquisition of such reasonable accommodations as may be required.
These accommodations may include such services as classroom accommodation on tests and examinations; recording of class lectures; assistance with class scheduling and selection (though not to replace the responsibilities of the academic advisor); referrals to Student Learning Services for tutoring services; and referral to the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation.
The accommodation is made on a per term basis. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to request support services each term for which the student is enrolled.
