Accommodations for Disability

Northwest Iowa Community College is committed to ensuring equal access and opportunity to qualified students with documented disabilities.

Northwest Iowa Community College (NCC) believes that disability is a naturally occurring aspect of humanity’s diversity and is an integral part of society and the College. Northwest Iowa Community College believes in working collaboratively with students, Faculty, and Staff to provide accessible and equal opportunities for all students. Students with disabilities are encouraged to connect with the Student Accessibility Services Office to begin the individualized process of determining reasonable accommodations. For further information, contact the Student Accessibility Services Coordinator, Renee Franklin, at 712-324-5061 ext. 116 or disabilityserv@nwicc.edu. Any student who believes he/she may have been unlawfully denied accommodations may report a violation to the College pursuant to the Discriminatory Harassment and Accommodations Complaint Procedures policy. The College prohibits retaliation for requesting or using disability accommodations and NCC will impose consequences up to and including termination of employment of any Instructor who engages in retaliation.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Vocational Rehabilitation act, NCC is committed to providing an accessible environment which supports students with disabilities to reach their full potential. Accommodations are available for students who have visual, hearing, mobility, learning or other types of disabilities to insure equal access to educational opportunities. NCC employs an Accommodations Coordinator to work with students to develop and coordinate services based on individual student need. If you are a student with a disability, who requires reasonable accommodations to participate at NCC, follow the steps listed below.

These accommodations are intended to enable students with disabilities to meet the academic requirements through an alternative path, with NO reduction in standards.

Request For Services Checklist

• Student should complete the Accommodations Application form found here.
• Complete the Release of Confidential Information form on page 3 of the form.
• Have your medical provider fill out the indicated sections. Documentation is required before requests for accommodations can be finalized. We require documentation of the disability by the appropriate licensed professional. For documentation, you may wish to contact your Vocational Rehabilitation counselor, physician, psychologist, or other appropriate licensed professionals. If you have an IEP or 504 from high school, this may in some instances be used as the documentation of disability (please see the Accommodations Coordinator for more information).
• Schedule a meeting with the Accommodations Coordinator to discuss the accommodation form process, approved accommodations, and explain how to have a conversation with instructors.
       Student Accessibility Services
       Renee Franklin
       Accommodations Coordinator
       Phone: 712-324-5061 ex. 116
       Email: rfranklin@nwicc.edu

• If approved, an accommodation award letter will be emailed to the student and their instructors. It is the student’s responsibility to discuss their accommodations with the instructor, and how they will be implemented.
• Returning students must submit a new Accommodations Application every semester to continue receiving accommodations. You will not need to submit new documentation from a medical provider.
• The student can contact the Student Accessibility Services Office at any time if they are experiencing issues implementing or receiving accommodations. Accommodations are not retroactive; therefore, you should contact the Student Accessibility Services Office in a timely manner to ensure coordination.

Contact Us With Questions

• Call 712-324-5061 or 800-324-4907
• Email Accommodation Services at NCC

Documentation

Documentation of disability(ies) should be conducted by a qualified professional and must outline the recommended accommodations for the disability and how it impacts a major life activity (such as learning).

Beginning with the revisions to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 2008, test anxiety is no longer considered a disability under federal law. If you are applying for academic accommodations related to anxiety, you must have a diagnoses of an anxiety disorder (such as Generalized Anxiety Disorder) which creates a disability beyond the testing situation.

Completed accommodations requests are evaluated and put into place in a timely manner. Students must request accommodations every semester by meeting with the accommodations contact person.

The NCC curriculum committee has approved the following statement to appear in each course syllabi:

• Accommodations for Disability: In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, students with documented disabilities can pursue accommodations as needed. To assure that accommodations and/or modifications will be available when classes start, students are encouraged to make the request as soon as possible. Students who require some modifications of seating, testing or other course requirements should see NCC’s Accommodations Coordinator.
• Consultation: Faculty are encouraged to consult with the counselor related to concerns or questions they have related to accommodations.

Academic Support

The following are valuable services which enhance the academic success of all NCC students:

• TRiO Student Support Services
• Learning Center
• Library

Related Links for Further Information on Disability Topics

• Iowa COMPASS—great for finding services and resources and offers helpful staff to answer questions.
• My Transition Iowa
• F.I.N.D.: Families of Iowa Network for Disabilities
• Uniquely Gifted: Resources for Gifted Children with Special Needs

Student Accessibility Statement

Northwest Iowa Community College believes that disability is a naturally occurring aspect of humanity’s diversity and is an integral part of society and the college. Northwest Iowa Community College believes in working collaboratively with students, faculty, and staff to provide accessible and equal opportunities for all students. Students with disabilities are encouraged to connect with the Student Accessibility Services Office to begin the individualized process of determining reasonable accommodations. For further information, contact the Student Accessibility Services Coordinator, Renee Franklin, at 712-324-5061 ext. 116 or disabilityserv@nwicc.edu. Any student who believes he/she may have been unlawfully denied accommodations may report a violation to the college pursuant to the Discriminatory Harassment and Accommodations Complaint Procedures policy. The College prohibits retaliation for requesting or using disability accommodations and NCC will impose consequences up to and including termination of employment of any instructor/professor who engages in retaliation.