​New To Disability Services

Students with disabilities who want services are responsible for contacting the Office of Access & Disability Resources to request services.

Prior planning​ is the key to ensuring you receive timely and appropriate services. During your initial meeting with the Director of Access & Disability Resources you will discuss your concerns and potential barriers that will need to be address.

Your disability information is maintained separate from your academic record in compliance with federal and state data practice laws. You are responsible for providing the Office of Access & Disability Resources with appropriate documentation as it relates to your disability and the accommodations you are requesting.

Saint Paul College may not treat a qualified individual with a documented disability differently from individuals without disabilities or have a policy that disparately impacts individuals with disabilities. Saint Paul College complies with state and federal laws by providing access to its programs and services through reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with documented disabilities to allow them to effectively participate in those programs and services. Reasonable accommodations are utilized to "level the playing field" but should not lower the bar or minimize performance expectations.

Rights, Responsibilities and Advocacy

Rights of the Student

Rights of the student include the right to:

• Equal opportunity to learn, work and receive reasonable accommodations, academic adjustments and/or auxiliary aids and services
• Access to services that may be needed for equal access to courses, programs, services, jobs, activities, and facilities offered by the College
• Be treated in the same manner as other students
• Privacy of information regarding the disability in accordance with applicable laws
• Report any grievances in a timely manner.

Responsibilities of the Student

The student has the responsibility to do the following

• Provide appropriate documentation to the Office of Access & Disability Resources from an appropriate professional that describes the nature of the disability, how it limits participation in courses/programs, and suggested academic accommodations
• Request accommodations through the Office of Access & Disability Resources prior to each semester or prior to needing the accommodations
• Notify the Office of Access & Disability Resources of any changes in the registration schedule and/or needed accommodations
• Request and use approved accommodations in a responsible and timely manner
• If necessary, provide attendant care for personal needs while on campus
• Report any grievances in a timely manner
• Meet the same essential academic requirements as all other students on campus
• Follow the Saint Paul College Student Code of Conduct
• Follow all program and Saint Paul College policies and procedures.

Responsibilities of the Office of Access & Disability Resources

The Office of Access & Disability Resources has the responsibility to do the following:

• Determine if a student is eligible to receive reasonable accommodations and/or modifications and/or other support services
• Maintain student documentation from appropriate professionals verifying disability. This is the required proof of eligibility
• Respect individual confidentiality and maintain professional standards
• Provide the least invasive, appropriate accommodations in the classroom and for test taking
• Assist students in obtaining access to specific support services, such as tutoring and counseling
• Notify the instructor in writing about the necessary accommodations and/or modifications as soon as possible and discuss the implementation of accommodations as needed
• Provide support to the faculty member(s) for the directive
• Provide education to faculty and staff regarding campus commitment to implementing law and policy which assures non-discrimination for people with disabilities.

Responsibilities of Faculty

The Saint Paul College faculty have the responsibility to do the following:

• Follow the prescribed accommodations/modifications in a fair, non-judgmental and timely manner
• Maintain the student’s right to privacy concerning the disability and any accommodations
• Provide timely access to course materials at the same time all other students receive the materials.

Advocacy

Self-advocacy is critical to success in higher Education
Colleges and universities are restricted from seeking out students with disabilities due to privacy laws. You are responsible for requesting the services you believe you need; the college or university generally does not provide accommodations unless or until you ask. The ability to advocate will benefit you in your life and career.

Here are a few suggestions for self-advocacy:

• Know yourself and your disability
  Before you can advocate for yourself, you need to know how to talk about your disability in a way that other people will understand.
• Know your rights and responsibilities
  Colleges and universities cannot close their doors to you solely because you have a disability. The college or university must provide services that will allow you an equal opportunity to access and participate in school activities.
  
• Know where to go for help
  A very important part of being successful in college is knowing when you need help and where to find it. Writing down the names and phone numbers of the people on campus who can help you, including staff at the Office of Disability Services, is a good idea.
• Take action
  Develop a plan for communicating your needs. While the Office of Disability Services can assist you, developing your own communication skills may be very helpful. Consider practicing before talking with your instructors. You might practice explaining to a counselor or a trusted friend the accommodations you believe you will need.

For more information regarding Access & Disability Resources at Saint Paul College please contact Access and Disability Resources at accessresources@ngskmc-eis.net or 651.350.3008.