Disability Support Services
Disability Support Services
The Office of Disability Support Services (DSS) provides assistance to students, who qualify for reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. Reasonable accommodations may be granted, based upon verification with appropriate documentation, for chronic illnesses, neurological conditions, learning disabilities, psychiatric illnesses, mobility impairments, and other conditions or impairments that limit one or more of life’s major activities. Please refer to the College’s Documentation Guidelines below and the DSS’ Policies and Procedures Manual for specific information on requesting reasonable accommodations.
The mission of DSS is to provide access to College programs, services, activities, and facilities for students with disabilities; to provide student advocacy; to encourage the highest levels of academic and personal achievement; and to advocate for an accessible environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
Important Links for Students and Families:
- Indiana Directory of Disability Resources
- Indiana Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD)
- Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation Services
- Indiana Department of Education
- Easter Seals Disability Services
- Indiana Assistive Technology Act (INDATA)
- Connect 2 Help: Dial 211 for Community Resource Assistance
Disability Documentation Guidelines
Documentation of a disability assists the Office of Disability Support Services, in collaboration with the student, to determine reasonable accommodations and/or services on a case-by-case basis. The cost of obtaining all documentation is the responsibility of the student. Documentation, along with the Intake Request Form, should be submitted to DSS at least 30 days in advance of the requested accommodation to allow review and implementation of reasonable accommodations. In general, documentation should include the following:- Credentials of the evaluator(s)
- A diagnostic statement identifying the disability
- As appropriate to the disability, a description of the diagnostic methodology used
- A description of the current functional limitations
- A description of the expected progression or stability of the disability
- A description of current and past accommodations, services, and/or medications
- Recommendations for accommodations
ACCESS Resource Guide
The Office of Disability Support Services has developed the ACCESS Resource Guide to assist individuals with disabilities in understanding their rights and responsibilities within higher education, as well as providing information regarding resources. An electronic copy of the Access booklet can be obtained here.