Disability Services
Disability Services at Sampson Community College is committed to creating an accessible community where all students have equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from programs and services offered by the College. The goal of Disability Services is to ensure that programs and facilities are in compliance with The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and all provisions, as well as the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended in 2008.
The Disability Services Coordinator works with students, faculty, and staff to ensure that students with disabilities receive effective and meaningful services. College policies and procedures are not discriminatory, and every effort is made to provide reasonable accommodations for auxiliary aids and services as indicated by the functional limitations of a qualified disability.
Types of Disabilities
A disability is described as a mental, or physical impairment that substantially limits a major life activity. The definition of a disability and criteria for establishing eligibility for accommodations under 504 and ADA for colleges and universities may be different than the definitions and criteria implemented in the public schools, rehabilitation programs, social security, Veterans Administration, or as covered under insurance policies. The major categories of disabilities that accommodations are provided for include, (but are not limited to) the following:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Blindness/Visual Impairment
- Chronic Medical Condition (i.e., asthma, seizure disorder, neurological condition)
- Deafness/Hearing Impairment
- Psychological/Psychiatric Condition
- Learning Disabilities
- Orthopedic/Mobility Impairment
- Spinal Cord Injury
- Traumatic Brain Injury
Seizure Disorders
Students with a history of seizures should register with the Disability Services Coordinator in the Student Success Center and provide medical documentation to ensure appropriate procedures are followed in the event of a seizure.
Eligibility
In order to receive disability accommodations, students must complete the standard SCC admissions process. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the Disability Services Coordinator and self-disclose his or her need for accommodations. Students are asked to give a statement regarding how their disability impacts access to programs and activities of the College. Professional documentation must be provided for verification purposes. The documentation must include a diagnostic statement, document the functional impact of the disability, include recommendations for accommodations and state the credentials of the diagnosing professional. Eligibility is determined on a case by case basis.
Inquiries regarding appropriate documentation should be directed to the Disability Services Coordinator. Appointments may be scheduled, and walk-in appointments are welcome during regular business hours.
Once the necessary documentation is received, a counseling session is held with the student to determine the appropriate accommodations and coordinate them accordingly. Students should make periodic contact with the Disability Services Coordinator during each term of enrollment. Accommodations cannot be provided for students who are not registered with Disability Services and accommodations are not retroactive. Please visit the Disability Services webpage for a listing of services and accommodations that may be provided to students.