Disability Services
CCC&TI is dedicated to equality of opportunity for its student and employees. CCC&TI does not discriminate against students, employees, or applicants on grounds of race, color, religion, age, gender, national origin, or disability. The college complies with the mandates in the Americans with Disabilities Amendment Act (ADAA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. The law states, “No otherwise qualified handicapped individual shall solely, by reason of his or her handicap, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.” The revised ADAA reads, “It is the purpose of this Act to provide a clear and comprehensive national mandate for the elimination of discrimination against individuals with disabilities.” Excellent information about students with disabilities in post-secondary institutions can also be found online at the Office of Civil Rights, US Department of Education. The college’s full Nondiscrimination Statement appears on page two of the current Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute catalog which is available online or in the Learning Resource Center (library).
The college ensures that all programs and services offered are available and accessible to people with disabilities. To accomplish this goal, both physical access and program access must be provided. In addition to removing architectural barriers, reasonable accommodations are often made in the instructional forum to ensure full educational opportunity for all. However, academic standards are not compromised as part of the accommodation process.
If a student intends to request accommodations, students must apply and submit appropriate documentation for the disability to the Counseling & Disability Services office. Counselors will then, through an interactive process, provide reasonable accommodations. Documentation must come from a qualified, licensed professional in the area of the specific disability and should address the impact of the disability on the student’s educational process. Instructors, students, and disability services counselors work together to determine the accommodations that are uniquely applicable and reasonable for each student. Accommodations may apply to seated, hybrid, and online classes as well as to other offerings of the college.
If a student provides documentation to disability services late in the semester, accommodations are not applied retroactively; however, accommodations may begin anytime during a semester. In addition, accommodations may change at any time for a student depending on that student’s unique situation and supporting documentation. Students are responsible for visiting or contacting the counselor on campus as early as possible every semester and arrange for reasonable accommodations for that semester’s curriculum. Visits during the semester to keep counselors informed and up-to-date on any problems or perceived barriers are also recommended. Questions and concerns from students, faculty, and staff are always welcome.
How to Obtain Services
• Contact Counseling & Disability Services on the campus where you will be attending classes or where you registered for online classes.
• Complete the application for Disability Services.
• Provide Counseling & Disability Services with current documentation of your disability
• Request services in a timely manner as accommodations can take up to two weeks to be approved.
• Visit Counseling & Disability Services regularly & keep them informed of your progress or problems.
• Request your Academic Accommodation Plan (AAP) at the beginning of every semester.
Examples of Accommodations
• Classroom Assistance (ex. Notetaker, Audio Recorder, Interpreter, preferential seating, etc.)
• Test and Quiz Accommodations (ex. Extended time, distraction-reduced location, screen reader, scribe, etc.)
• Textbook Accommodations (ex. Enlarged/Braille Text, Audio, etc.)
Contact Information
• Caldwell Campus: 828.726.2746
• Watauga Campus: 828.297.3811
• Online: www.cccti.edu/Students/DisabilityServices.asp
Potential and current students have access to more detailed forms, resources, and procedures on the CCC&TI website at www.cccti.edu.