OUR MISSION
The mission of the Office of Special Services is to provide for the educational development of students with disabilities through advocacy and assistance and an increasingly accessible and supportive campus environment.
We are committed to providing students with disabilities with the physical facilities and academic environment that will enable them to reach their academic goals.
What is the Americans with Disabilities Act?
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which became effective January 26, 1992, requires that individuals with disabilities be afforded equal opportunity in the areas of public services and programs, employment, transportation, and communications. Prior to this federal legislation, the College has been subject to similar provisions under Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. However, the ADA defines disabilities more broadly and mandates more concerted efforts to provide reasonable accommodations and access to services and programs.
What is a Disability?
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act a disability is defined as:
a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.
Disability Rights
Section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the recently enacted Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 have greatly facilitated the expansion of services for individuals with disabilities in post secondary educational settings.
Section 504 provides that no otherwise qualified handicapped individual in the United
States...shall solely by reason of his/her handicap be excluded in the participation in, be denied the benefit of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.
The ADA, which uses the term disability instead of handicap, extends civil rights protection to people with disabilities.
Neither Section 504 or the ADA are meant to protect individuals with disabilities from the consequences of their behavior or to make available to them programs and services for which they are not otherwise qualified.
These legislative acts are meant to aid in the removal of physical, attitudinal and programmatic barriers to services and education for individuals with disabilities.
Documentation
In order to receive services, students must supply appropriate documentation to the Office of Special Student Services. In cases where documentation is incomplete, the student may be asked to provide additional information.
The submission of documentation does not activate services or accommodations. Students should make an appointment at the beginning of each semester to discuss their needs. Faculty members will then be notified of the appropriate accommodations.
Students with disabilities are protected by privacy and confidentiality policies. Specific information regarding the type of disability will not be given to any faculty member unless specifically requested by the student.
Resources
Contact us:
Phone (914) 251-6390
Fax (914) 251-6399
Ronnie Mait; Coordinator of the Office of Special Services (914) 251-6035
Learning Center (914) 251-6488
Donna Siegmann; Coordinator of Supported Education (914) 251-6394
(see Counseling Center)
SERVICES AND RESOURCES
INFORMATION, REFERRALS, LIAISON AND ADVOCACY --The Office of Special Services will assist in your interactions with faculty, staff and community agencies.
PRE-ENROLLMENT PLANNING -- Make an appointment with the Office of Special Services to determine whether the College can meet your needs and how to get the most of your college experience.
SUPPORT GROUPS --Groups are available for support.
ACADEMIC ACCOMMODATIONS --The Office of Special Services liaison with professors regarding appropriate academic accommodations for students with disabilities. With your permission, the Office of Special Services will send a letter to your professors at the beginning of every semester, informing them that you are registered with the office and stating the specific accommodations being requested. Be sure to make an appointment before the start of each semester to discuss your individual needs.
TRANSPORTATION -- The Department of Parking and Transportation operates a paratransit van service. Individuals with temporary disabilities may also use the paratransit service.
NOTETAKERS -- Volunteer and paid notetakers are utilized to assist students unable to take notes.
INTERPRETERS -- Students can receive assistance in locating interpreters through the Office of Special Services.
ADAPTIVE EQUIPMENT -- Students may borrow some equipment on a short-term loan basis, such as tape recorders, and an FM amplification system. Reading machines are available in the Learning Center.
TEST MODIFICATION/PROCTORING -- If you are eligible for testing modifications such as extended time, a reader, a scribe, or a different testing site you will need to work with the Office of Special Services to coordinate these services with faculty. The procedures will be explained and you will be given guidelines.
ACCESSIBILITY -- The Office of Special Services staff continually seek to identify and remove physical or programmatic barriers that impede the progress of individuals with disabilities.