Frequently Asked Questions List
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What is considered a disability?
As defined by the Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act of 2008 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, a disability is a mental, physical or emotional impairment which substantially limits one or more major life functions such as working or learning.
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If I sustain a temporary disability, am I still eligible for services?
Although temporary disabilities are not covered under the ADAA and Section 504, services can be provided on an as-needed basis. However, personal care such as transportation and attendants cannot be provided. What type of documentation must I submit to be eligible for services?
While each disability will require documentation specific to itself, there are criteria that all documentation are required to meet:
a. Documentation must include a diagnosis based on appropriate measures used to diagnose the disability being presented
b. Documentation must be on letterhead of diagnostician and include their credentials
c. Documentation should include, when appropriate, description of tests, methods and/or criteria used and examiner’s narrative
d. Documentation should indicate treatments, medications or assistive devices/technology currently prescribed or in use (if appropriate)
e. Documentation must include suggestions for reasonable accommodations
f. Documentation must be current (3-5 years) if the disability presented warrants recency of information -
When and where must I submit my documentation?
Documentation must be submitted to the Center for Educational Access, located in the Academic Center, Room 139. Upon submission of appropriate documentation, you will be considered registered with the Center and eligible for services based on your documentation. The Center will not provide accommodations retroactive to the submission of the documentation.
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If I send information on my disability to the admissions office, am I automatically registered with Center for Educational Access?
No. Disability information is highly confidential and is not shared between offices without written student consent. A student must meet with a member of the CEA staff and self-disclose with appropriate documentation prior to services being provided.
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How do I receive classroom accommodations?
Students must arrange an appointment with a member of the CEA staff to review documentation and determine appropriate accommodations. The student then presents the faculty member the Accommodation Agreement Form, signed by a CEA staff member and the student, outlining the accommodations the student is eligible to use. Once being presented with the form, the faculty member signs the form and the form is returned to CEA. Copies are then made for the student and faculty member.
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If I register with the Center for Educational Access, will it appear on my permanent record/transcript?
No. Disability information is highly confidential and is not shared between offices without specific written consent from the student. The documentation is housed in the CEA and is completely separate from information maintained in the Registrar’s office.
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Is there a charge for the services provided by the Center for Educational Access
No. The American with Disabilities Amendments Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitations Act of 1973 prohibit charging students for services including but not limited to books on tape, interpreters and notetakers.
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Do I need to register with the Center for Educational Access each semester?
No, once you have registered with the Center, there is no need to register repeatedly. However, if your medical condition changes, you may be required to submit updated documentation. Also, in order to receive accommodations each semester, it is required that you meet with a CEA staff member to complete the Accommodations Agreement Form for each class.
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Are there scholarships available for students with disabilities?
Yes, there are scholarships that are awarded on an as available basis. Both full-time and part-time scholarships are awarded to eligible students with disabilities.