DID YOU KNOW? The majority of students who use accommodations and supports through Disability Access Services (DAS) at SCC have invisible disabilities? Mental health diagnoses, ADHD, learning disabilities, and chronic health conditions can create substantial barriers for students. Students with these conditions are entitled to accommodations through the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Washington Core Services Act the same as a student with any other disability.
FAQ: "A student has disclosed a disability to me. How should I proceed to best support this student?"
- If a student discloses disability status, faculty may refer students to the DAS office to explore eligibility for accommodations.
- Students must first complete an online applicationand then will be contacted to schedule an access and accommodation planning intake appointment.
- During the appointment, an Intake Specialist will discuss disability-related barriers and explore accommodation options that can remove or reduce the impacts of those barriers.
- Students are not required to produce disability-related documentation to begin the process, but if they do have documentation of their disability, they should submit it ahead of time (with their online application) or bring it to the intake appointment. If the student does not have documentation, they may still meet with DAS staff to discuss their situation and may receive up to one quarter of accommodations on a provisional status before being required to turn in documentation to continue to receive services and accommodations.
- Once DAS accommodations are approved, a Faculty Notification Letter (FNL) is sent to the student's instructors, outlining the student’s authorized accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and Washington Core Services Act.
- The access and accommodations process is interactive and may require communication between instructor, student, and DAS. However, a student is NOT required to discuss their disability and/or accommodations with their instructor unless coordination of accommodations warrants a discussion.
- NEVER discuss a student’s accommodations, disability, access needs, or other DAS services in front of other students or staff. If you need to meet with the student to discuss coordination of accommodations, consider scheduling a private meeting or inviting the student to your office hours in order to keep information private and confidential.
Important Note
If a student does not disclose disability, do not assume the student has a disability, and do not suggest they connect with DAS based on observation alone. It is recommended to provide students with campus resource information which includes information about DAS.
Example:
Hello Student,
I noticed you’re behind on coursework, and I am reaching out to be sure you’re aware of various campus resources. Here is a list of services on campus that may be helpful:
(Provide links or contact information for the following resources)
- Tutoring
- Academic Advising
- Disability Access Services
- Center for Inclusion and Diversity
- eLearning
- Counseling
- Student Health Clinic
Feel free to contact DAS with any questions or concerns.
Website: https://scc.spokane.edu/Disability-Access-Services
Location: Bldg. 15, Suite 113
Operational Hours: M-F 7:30am to 4:00pm
Drop-in Hours (physical office is open to staff and students): M-Th 8am to 4pm, Friday 8am to 12pm
Office Phone: 509-533-7169
Front Desk Email: DAS@scc.spokane.edu
Consider including a statement about accommodations and Disability Access Services in your course syllabus.
