Before arriving at MMA each student with accommodations is responsible for:
· Submitting documentation that meet MMA requirements
o A professional evaluation of the specific disability performed within the past 3 years
o The evaluator MUST include specific recommendations that address the learning disability
o Accommodations cannot be provided until complete documentation has been received
o See the “Disability Resources” quick link on the MMA website for complete information about the “Documents Required” to receive accommodations
While at MMA each student with accommodations is responsible for:
· Contacting the Disability Resource Office (DRO) for an appointment
o Harrington 311A – office hours are posted on door
· Discussing academic accommodations with the DRO
· Picking up academic accommodation forms (green form) EACH semester
o forms should be picked up during the first two weeks of class EACH semester
· Self-disclosing to EACH instructor and ensuring that each instructor has signed the accommodation form EACH semester
· Returning the signed accommodation form to the DRO EACH semester
· Working with each instructor to arrange to receive the academic accommodations indicated on the accommodation form
o Meet with each instructor to ensure that accommodations are being met
o Arranging for extra time by notifying the professor:
§ At least 3 days before EACH scheduled quiz
§ At least 7 days before EACH scheduled test
§ At least 7 – 10 days before the final exam
· Planning and organizing all academic and regimental responsibilities
o Academic coaching and organizational support are not services available at MMA
· Maintaining qualified status
o Educational institutions are not required to either “lower academic standards” or “fundamentally alter” programs or services to accommodate students with disabilities
o The student with disabilities must “meet essential standards required for participation in order to remain qualified, regardless of whether the failure to meet the requirements is due to disability.”
Accommodation Differences
K-12 versus College
As you transition to the college level, both you and your family need to be aware that the accommodation process changes when you go from secondary to postsecondary education. The IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) and its IEP (Individualized Education Program) provisions do not apply to postsecondary school. Please see the link "Preparing for Postsecondary Education".
Accommodations which students receive in high school may not be applicable in college. In fact, colleges are not obligated to provide the same services received in high school. For example, academic coaching and organizational support are not services that are available at MMA. The table below may be instructive in clarifying some of the differences between services in high school vs. services in college.
High School (left hand column) vs. Postsecondary (right hand column)
Laws: IDEA & Section 504
Laws: Section 504 & ADA
Responsibility:
School district identifies, evaluates and plans educational interventions in attempt to facilitate student success
Responsibility:
Students must self-identify, provide their documentation, and request disability services to facilitate access
Parental Rights:
Parents/Guardians are involved and must approve plan for students under 18
Parental Rights:
Students 18 and over are their own advocates; parents are not involved; FERPA law applies, mandating non-disclosure to parents
Services:
School may provide academic and non-academic services
Services:
Students are provided access to any service, program or activity sponsored by the institution. Services of a personal nature (personal care, personal attendants, academic coaches, readers, typists, etc. for out of class work) are the responsibility of the student
Accommodations:
Educational programs, student outcomes, class requirements, etc. may be modified to facilitate student success
Accommodations:
Reasonable accommodations are provided, based on student request, to facilitate access; success is the responsibility of the student and the fundamental nature and outcomes of classes are not modified
Plans:
IEPs and 504 Plans are provided
Plans:
Accommodation sheets are developed each semester and it is the responsibility of the student to request the sheets and to deliver them to their instructors and to discuss with the instructor the requested accommodations
Confidentiality:
The school district shares student plans with school personnel as deemed appropriate
Confidentiality:
The student is in charge of his/her disability information and disclosure is made only at the request of the student or on a need to know basis
Intent:
Legal Mandate with aim to foster success
Intent:
Civil rights, non-discrimination to foster access
Please note that disability is defined as any physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; having a record of such an impairment; or being regarded as having such an impairment.