The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities. The ADA defines a person with a disability as a person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. This can include but is not limited to: learning disabilities, ADD/ADHD, Mental Health (anxiety, depression, PTSD, etc.), Physical/Neurological (Autism, Crohn's disease, diabetes, broken arm, concussion, Tourette's Syndrome, etc.).
To ensure the provision of reasonable and appropriate services in a timely manner, students interested in requesting accommodations due to a disability must follow these steps:
*Documentation can be uploaded directly to the Self-Disclosure Form or sent to Disability and Access Resources via fax, email, postal mail, or hand-delivery.
Submit Self-Disclosure FormThe following provides guidance, information, and additional resources on a wide range of disability-related accommodations available to students.
Example: extended time, test reader, sign language interpreter
All students who enroll at Penn College must satisfy placement requirements to determine appropriate placement in college level classes.
To schedule an accommodated placement test follow these steps:
Accommodations for placement testing are based on the history of the services and appropriate testing accommodations that you received in high school. Disability documentation is not required for placement testing accommodations but will be required to determine eligibility for accommodations once an enrolled student.
Example: testing accommodations (e.g. extended time, reduced distraction), note-taker, books in alternate format, etc.
Once registered with Disability and Access Resources, during the Accommodation Review Meeting, our staff will review the steps necessary to use eligible accommodations and notify faculty regarding accommodations at your request.
Example: supported meal plan access, custom meal preparation, access to allergen free zones, etc.
Additional information and resources related to dietary needs/allergies is offered through Dining Services.
Example: single room, first floor, etc.
In addition to supplying the necessary information for accommodation requests, students are expected to complete the Penn College housing contract to confirm a housing assignment on campus. Requests for accommodations and supporting documentation are reviewed on a rolling basis. Students are encouraged to submit their requests by the recommended timeline (May 1 for a fall semester start). Requests submitted after the recommended date will still be reviewed; however, housing options may be limited.
Example: injury, concussion, surgery recovery, etc.
Circumstances surrounding temporary accommodation requests are unique. Students can choose to reach out to Disability and Access Resources to schedule a brief consultation or elect to complete a self-disclosure form and submit documentation.
Additional support and resources available through College Health Services, Student Affairs Serious Student Situations, and Counseling Services.
Definitions:
Service Animal – A dog (or in some cases a miniature horse) that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability. The work or tasks performed by a service animal must be directly related to the student/individual’s disability.
Emotional Support Animal – Is an assistance animal that an individual with a disability requires in the residence halls in order to have an equal opportunity to use and enjoy their residence/dwelling, or to participate in the housing service or program.
Policy and Procedure:
Service and Emotional Support Animals Policy
Service and Emotional Support Animals Procedure
You will receive an official Penn College email notifying you of your eligibility for Disability and Access Resources accommodations and/or services once your documentation has been reviewed. After you receive your eligibility notification, please complete the following required steps: