Disability Services

Mayland Community College is committed to providing equal access and support for persons with disabilities. The College adheres to the standards and guidelines set forth in the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. The MCC Counseling and Disability Services Office and the SOAR Program both coordinate accommodations and support services to students with documented disabilities. In college, it is the responsibility of the student to notify the college if accommodations are needed. Students must provide documentation of their disabilities and provide 6 weeks advance notice for accommodations involving interpreters or special equipment.

Visit the Counseling and Disability Services Office if you:

have specific questions concerning ADA; or
have comments or suggestions for ensuring that students with disabilities have equal access to MCC services, programs or activities; or
wish to take advantage of MCC services for students with disabilities.

Requesting Accommodations

Students requesting accommodations should contact the Office of Counseling and Disability Services (see contact information below) and complete a Disability Accommodation Request Form. The student must disclose the type of disability, the impact that disability has on their college experience and list any requested accommodations. Students are required to provide documentation of disability from an appropriate professional qualified to assess the disability.

All information about the disability is kept confidential and will not be released to anyone without the student’s written permission. The Disability Services counselor will engage in an interactive process with the student to determine allowable accommodations. Accommodations should be requested at least two weeks in advance to give time to make arrangements. More complex accommodation requests, such as interpreters, should be made at least six (6) weeks in advance.

Distance Learners

Distance learners with disabilities follow the same procedures for requesting accommodations as other students. Begin by contacting the Counseling and Disability Services Office (see below.)

Contact Information

Counseling and Disability Services Office

Doug Dewar, Director/Counselor
Room 133, Gwaltney Hall (near front receptionist)
Phone: (828) 766-1256
Fax: (828) 765-0728
ddewar@mayland.edu

SOAR Program

For SOAR students only – click here for more information on the SOAR Program

Debbie Stafford, Director
Room 224, SOAR Hallway, Gwaltney Building (across from Math Lab)
Phone: (828) 766-1260
Fax: (828) 765-0728
dstafford@mayland.edu

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights:

Equal access to courses, programs, services, jobs and activities offered by the college.
Equal opportunity to work, learn, and receive accommodations.
Confidentiality of information regarding their disability as applicable laws allow.
Information available in accessible formats.

Student Responsibilities:

Self-identify disability status in a reasonable and timely manner.
Meet qualifications and maintain essential institutional standards for the programs, courses, services, and activities.
Provide disability documentation from a qualified professional that reflects the student’s current disability status, and how their disability limits participation in courses, programs, services, and activities.
Follow procedures for obtaining academic adjustments, and/or auxiliary aids and services.
Notify disability counselors about the need for accommodations at the beginning of each semester.
Notify instructors and counselors when tests are scheduled so arrangements for accommodations can be made ahead of time.
Remember that accommodations cannot be requested after a test or assignment is due, unless there are extenuating circumstances.

Suggestions for Students:

Some accommodations require extra time so it is imperative to self-identify and request accommodations as soon as possible.
Attend classes and follow instructions provided in the class syllabus concerning absences, emergency needs, or other information specific to class.
Contact other outside agencies for possible eligibility for additional services.
Students with disabilities should process their own college business (i.e., registration, drop/add, refunds, etc.).