Disabled Student Services

Eastern Arizona College provides an atmosphere of accessibility and encouragement in which services vary according to the needs of the individual student. The key to planning is to determine what the student will require to enhance his/her opportunities for academic success. Some services we offer are:

Reasonable Accommodation

The Americans with Disabilities Act requires institutions of higher education to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with documented disabilities, provided that accommodation does not create an undue hardship. An undue hardship refers to any accommodation that would be unduly costly, expensive, substantial, disruptive or that would fundamentally alter the nature of the business or program.

Reasonable accommodation is provision of an auxiliary aid or modification to the course or program which will allow access to the educational program, material, activity or degree. Some examples of reasonable accommodations include:

• Making existing facilities readily accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities

• Acquisition or modification of equipment or devices

• Appropriate adjustment or modification of examinations or policies

• Adaptive computer software/equipment

• Flexible time lines for program completion

• Provision of qualified readers, note takers, and/or sign language interpreters

• Provision of alternative print formats

NOTE: It is the responsibility of the student to self-identify and inform the institution of his/her need for accommodation. It is also the student's responsibility to provide appropriate documentation for any stated disability. (Personal Care attendants are not considered reasonable accommodation.)

Accommodation Time Frame

The College provides reasonable accommodation for qualified students with disabilities on a case-by-case basis. To request accommodation, contact Sharon Petz in the Counseling office (928) 428-8253 as early on as possible as some accommodations may take considerable time to establish. Reasonable accommodations will be considered with the individual's preference taken into account, however, in some instances it may be necessary to substitute alternative means of accommodation depending upon circumstances.

All requests are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please refer to the following table when requesting services. Although the following time lines are preferred, every attempt will be made to provide services in a reasonable time frame according to circumstances. It is always a good idea to plan early.

Student Responsibilities

1. In order to receive services through the Disability Disabled student office, the student must:

   1. self-identify him/herself to the Instructor and/or the Disabled Student office.

   2. bring all necessary documentation specifying the nature and extent of the disability as requested; and

   3. request the accommodation(s) he/she feels would assist in his/her successful completion of the given course(s) requirements.

   4. request all accommodations in a timely manner.

2. In addition, an "Authorization to Release Confidential Information" form must be completed and signed by the student authorizing the office to receive disability documentation, and/or share information with EAC faculty, staff, or any other indicated agencies or persons.

3. Although parents or others may be involved in supporting the student's academic, personal, and vocational goals, it is ultimately the student's responsibility to notify EAC faculty, staff in a timely manner regarding any accommodations and/or special assistance that may be required.

Faculty Responsibilities

1. It is highly recommended that the instructor include in their course's syllabus and announce the following statement at the beginning of each semester/session:
   
   "For accommodations for documented disabilities, please see Sharon Petz in the Counseling Department."

2. If a student self-identifies him/herself, please direct them to Sharon Petz in the Counseling Office in order to present their documentation and make any requests for accommodations. Students must provide the appropriate documentation.

3. Instructor and student are encouraged to work together to find reasonable methods to accommodate the student's disability.

4. The goal is to minimize or eliminate the impact of the disability and allow the student to demonstrate knowledge of the course material and fully meet course competencies.

5. If the student presents adequate documentation, Sharon Petz and the student will complete the necessary forms authorizing requested disability accommodations. If there are any questions, the instructor should contact Sharon right away.

6. The student should insure they are aware of all course requirements, preferably in written form, in order to prevent potential misunderstandings. If modifications are needed due to the student's disability, these should be discussed with the instructor and clearly presented so both student and instructor know what is expected from the student to successfully complete the course.

7. Where possible, and within reason, flexibility with assignment deadlines can also be helpful. Some students may find certain tasks require more time and effort due to their disability, and may also be spending extra time working with tutors in order to fulfill the required assignment.

NOTE: Sharon Petz is available for consultation and ready to assist in reasonably accommodating the student with a disability. We aim to provide a supportive service that encourages students, faculty, and staff to work together in assuring equal access for all students. We also strive to make sure students complete course competencies/requirements in an efficient and a timely manner, and successfully finish their program of study.

Open communication regarding student progress, problems, absences, etc., will greatly help us insure support services are being effectively used, appropriately delivered, and truly benefiting the student. Please contact the Counseling office if you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions. Thank you.