The Student Disability Resource Center is guided by a model of student empowerment. We are part of a team of faculty and staff that recognizes that college is a time of change for all students. We know that students with disabilities face the same challenges as every college student plus the challenges related to limitations imposed by disabilities. Even so, a successful transition into an independent, self-advocating individual should be every college student’s goal. The goal of the SDRC office is to help you develop the skills needed to transition into the world market as an individual fully capable of advocating for what you need to be successful in a competitive workforce. Therefore…

• “We do nothing about you, without you” – Any action regarding access to services, seeking special assistance or providing reasonable accommodation must be initiated by you.
• “We speak with you, not about you” – All communication in any matter related to you flows through you.
• “No one speaks for you, or acts for you but you” – We look to you to express your needs, provide us with information that will help us assist you, and to keep in contact with us.

As a student registered with SDRC you have rights and responsibilities.

Student Rights

• Students with documented disabilities have the right to expect equal access to higher education as may be experienced by students without disabilities.

• Students may expect to be offered appropriate academic adjustments and auxiliary aids as supported by their documentation, which do not represent a fundamental alteration of the essential educational components of the academic programs.

• Students are entitled to confidential treatment of all disability-related records, which will not be shared without student consent and only used to determine appropriate services and adjustments. All disability-related records are kept in separate files in the Student Disability Resource Center (SDRC) and are not part of the student's college record.

Student Responsibilities

• Students are responsible for initiating all requests for services and academic adjustments in a timely manner.

• Students must provide disability documentation, which meets the SDRC guidelines for adequacy of such documentation. Typically, Individualized Education Plans (IEP), 504 Plans from a secondary school, or notes on physician prescription pads do not provide thorough information for the documentation of disability. However, such materials will be accepted as supplemental information.

• Students must complete the classroom accommodations request form at the beginning of each new semester.

• Students receiving Note Taking Services are expected to attend classes as scheduled. Notes are supplemental and do not excuse the student from attending class. Students are expected to pick up notes from SDRC weekly.

• Students who are eligible for testing accommodations must follow Testing Accommodation Procedures by discussing testing arrangements with their instructors in advance. If student is going to take the exam at SDRC you must submit a request at least five (5) business days in advance.         

• Students are expected to initiate discussion with their instructors regarding any needed clarification of accommodations, and testing arrangements (if provided testing accommodations).